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The rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, particularly its spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD), was crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the development and optimization of two types of aptasensors: quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical sensors, both employing thiol-modified DNA aptamers for S-RBD detection. The QCM aptasensor demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, achieved by optimizing aptamer concentration, buffer composition, and pre-treatment conditions, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.07 pg/mL and a linear range from 1 pg/mL to 0.1 µg/mL, and a significant frequency change was observed upon target binding. The electrochemical aptasensor, designed for rapid and efficient preparation, utilized a one-step modification process that reduced the preparation time to 2 h while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) enabled the detection of S-RBD concentrations as low as 132 ng/mL. Both sensors exhibited high specificity, with negligible non-specific interactions observed in the presence of competing proteins. Additionally, the QCM aptasensor’s functionality and stability were verified in biological fluids, indicating its potential for real-world applications. This study highlights the comparative advantages of QCM and electrochemical aptasensors in terms of preparation time, sensitivity, and specificity, offering valuable insights for the development of rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tools for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.

Abstract Ca2+ signal-generation through inter-membrane junctional coupling between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) STIM proteins and plasma membrane (PM) Orai channels, remains a vital but undefined mechanism. We identify two unusual overlapping Phe-His aromatic pairs within the STIM1 apical helix, one of which (F394-H398) mediates important control over Orai1-STIM1 coupling. In resting STIM1, this locus is deeply clamped within the folded STIM1-CC1 helices, likely near to the ER surface. The clamped environment in holo-STIM1 is critical—positive charge replacing Phe-394 constitutively unclamps STIM1, mimicking store-depletion, negative charge irreversibly locks the clamped-state. In store-activated, unclamped STIM1, Phe-394 mediates binding to the Orai1 channel, but His-398 is indispensable for transducing STIM1-binding into Orai1 channel-gating, and is spatially aligned with Phe-394 in the exposed Sα2 helical apex. Thus, the Phe-His locus traverses between ER and PM surfaces and is decisive in the two critical STIM1 functions—unclamping to activate STIM1, and conformational-coupling to gate the Orai1 channel.

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective medical interventions to prevent infectious diseases. The introduction of vaccines against coronavirus acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was aimed at preventing severe illness and death due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at high risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and serious effects associated with COVID-19, mainly due to the use of immunosuppressive therapies, which further cause suboptimal response to COVID-19 vaccination. Aim of the study: We aimed to compare post-vaccination response to BNT162b2 in kidney–pancreas transplant recipient, specifically in immunocompetent individuals, over two years of simultaneous monitoring. Methods: To determine the humoral response, the levels of the IgG and IgA anti-S1 antibodies were measured. To assess the cellular response to SARS-CoV-2, the released IFN-γ-S1 was determinate. Results and Conclusion: After primary vaccination, compared to immunocompetent subjects, SOTR showed lower seroconversion for both antibody classes. Only the additional dose produced antibodies at the level reached by the control group after the baseline vaccination. During the monitored period, SOTR did not achieve a positive cellular response in contrast to immunocompetent individuals, so in order to obtain longer protection, including immune memory, the adoption of booster doses of the vaccine should be considered.

A gB/MF59 vaccine candidate for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) provided partial protection in organ transplant patients. Here, the authors identify antibody responses in trial participants that target virally infected cells to control cell-to-cell spread of HCMV, providing a potential mechanism for the observed protection.

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the changes in the care burden and quality of life of caregivers of cancer patients and correlates of care burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the census sampling technique with 260 cancer patients and their caregivers during January to March 2020 in northeast Iran. Data collection tools included the Novak and Guest Care Burden Scale, the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test and multiple linear regression analysis). Results: Baseline scores of care burden and quality of life in caregivers suggested mild to moderate care burden and a reasonable quality of life and moderate levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in patients. The post-outbreak mean scores of care burden and quality of life significantly decreased and increased, respectively (p

In Poland, food supplements have been popular among consumers for many years. Their sale brings producers huge profits. The interest in these products, especially in vitamin and mineral preparations and in immunity-supporting products increased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-medication with untested dietary supplements may be health hazardous. Since in Poland and in other countries the procedures of quality control of food supplements are imperfect, this situation raises serious concerns about the risks of their unrestricted use and food fraud. The article briefly presents important problems in the safety of food supplements from the point of view of experts involved in their evaluation.

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. is a member of the Malvaceae family. The plant is also known by other common names such as: kapok tree, silk cotton tree, Java cotton and many others. It grows in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, India, Thailand, Indonesia. The plant is best known because of the fiber produced by tree fruits and unique fiber structure. Interestingly, the plant, in addition to a specific fiber with multiple uses, is used as food and its parts also exhibit medicinal activity. This paper attempts to give an overview of the current knowledge of C. pentandra (L.) Gaertn. This review provide a brief and important information concerning kapok tree and kapok fiber industrial applications as well as on reports of its use in nutrition and traditional medicine.

The rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, particularly its spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD), was crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the development and optimization of two types of aptasensors: quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical sensors, both employing thiol-modified DNA aptamers for S-RBD detection. The QCM aptasensor demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, achieved by optimizing aptamer concentration, buffer composition, and pre-treatment conditions, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.07 pg/mL and a linear range from 1 pg/mL to 0.1 µg/mL, and a significant frequency change was observed upon target binding. The electrochemical aptasensor, designed for rapid and efficient preparation, utilized a one-step modification process that reduced the preparation time to 2 h while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) enabled the detection of S-RBD concentrations as low as 132 ng/mL. Both sensors exhibited high specificity, with negligible non-specific interactions observed in the presence of competing proteins. Additionally, the QCM aptasensor's functionality and stability were verified in biological fluids, indicating its potential for real-world applications. This study highlights the comparative advantages of QCM and electrochemical aptasensors in terms of preparation time, sensitivity, and specificity, offering valuable insights for the development of rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tools for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective medical interventions to prevent infectious diseases. The introduction of vaccines against coronavirus acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was aimed at preventing severe illness and death due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at high risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and serious effects associated with COVID-19, mainly due to the use of immunosuppressive therapies, which further cause suboptimal response to COVID-19 vaccination. Aim of the study: We aimed to compare post-vaccination response to BNT162b2 in kidney–pancreas transplant recipient, specifically in immunocompetent individuals, over two years of simultaneous monitoring. Methods: To determine the humoral response, the levels of the IgG and IgA anti-S1 antibodies were measured. To assess the cellular response to SARS-CoV-2, the released IFN-γ-S1 was determinate. Results and Conclusion: After primary vaccination, compared to immunocompetent subjects, SOTR showed lower seroconversion for both antibody classes. Only the additional dose produced antibodies at the level reached by the control group after the baseline vaccination. During the monitored period, SOTR did not achieve a positive cellular response in contrast to immunocompetent individuals, so in order to obtain longer protection, including immune memory, the adoption of booster doses of the vaccine should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective life-saving medical interventions, and the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines was intended to prevent the serious implications of COVID-19. The objectives of the study were (i) to observe the humoral immune response to the BNT162b2 vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infection (mainly breakthrough infections), (ii) to demonstrate the persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over time in relation to the number of received vaccine doses and the course of infection, and (iii) to determine the adverse effects after primary vaccine doses. Methods: To assess the humoral response, IgG and IgA anti-S1 antibodies were quantified by ELISA assays. In total, the tests were carried out seven times in almost two years. Results: We demonstrated strong immunogenicity (compared to levels before primary vaccination, 150- and 20-fold increases in IgG and IgA, respectively) of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Over time, we observed a systematic decline in antibody levels, which may have contributed to breakthrough infections. Although they caused seroconversion similar to the booster, antibody levels in such patients fell more rapidly than after re-vaccination. On the other hand, in individuals who did not receive booster(s) and who did not present breakthrough infection, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies returned to pre-vaccination levels after 20 months. The most commonly recognized adverse effects were injection site redness and swelling. Conclusion: Vaccination is highly effective in preventing the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 and should be performed regardless of prior infection. Booster doses significantly enhance anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and, in contrast to those obtained by breakthrough infection, they remain longer.

Introduction: The molecular basis of in vivo metabolism of selected representatives of phenylethanoids in the presence of ethanol has not been fully elucidated.

Introduction: The use of dietary supplements has been increasing globally, especially among children. A lot of parents are influenced by advertising. In addition, in Poland a trend to self-medication has been observed. Parents often do not distinguish dietary supplements, medicinal products and non-prescription drugs. These are the most common reasons for the increase in sales of dietary supplements in Poland. Until a few years ago, many products containing vitamins and minerals intended for children were sold as medicines. Today, a product with the same formulation is sold as a dietary supplement. However, a few studies have been conducted to assess the use of dietary supplements among Polish children.

The 108th birthday and 10th death anniversary of Tadeusz W. Nowacki is an excellent opportunity to recall the life and scientific work of the creator of work pedagogy. The recollection commemorates the years of childhood and adolescence, which are little known to the younger generations of work pedagogues. His "Memoirs" were published in the memorial book "The 95th birthday jubilee of Tadeusz W. Nowacki". The publication proves Tadeusz W. Nowacki to be a great patriot heavily experienced by various circumstances and a person sensitive to the fate of a man. Tadeusz W. Nowacki was convinced that the role and importance of work pedagogy in the structure of pedagogical science should be further explored, continuously supplemented and updated. The incredibly rich scientific achievement of Tadeusz W. Nowacki confirms his devotion to work pedagogy. Tadeusz W. Nowacki published over 840 original works, he participated in nearly 70 promotions for academic degrees and titles, 70 different works were dedicated to the Professor as a scientist.

The salt of formula [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 (dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate di(hydrogen sulfate(VI)) was used to examine the physicochemical properties of the resulting Ni layer and evaluate the applicability of the salt as a new additive for Watts-type baths. The Ni coatings deposited from baths containing [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 were compared with those obtained from other baths. The nucleation of nickel on the electrode was proven to occur the slowest in the bath that contained the mixture of [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 and saccharin compared with other baths. The addition of [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 alone (bath III) generated a coating with a morphology similar to that obtained from bath I (without additives). Despite the similar morphology and wettability of the Ni-coated surfaces plated from various baths (all Ni coatings were hydrophilic with contact angles in the range of 68 to 77°), some differences in electrochemical properties were noted. The corrosion resistance for the coatings plated from baths II and IV containing saccharin (Icorr = 1.1 and 1.5 µA/cm2, respectively) and the mixture of saccharin and [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 (Icorr = 0.88 µA/cm2), respectively, was similar or even better than the coating obtained from baths without [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 (Icorr = 9.02 µA/cm2).

It is well known that the electrochemical corrosion negatively affects the functional properties of metal and steel materials that constitute a part of systems conducting electric charge. On the other hand, the phenomenon of corrosion is rarely associated with the degradation of chemical power sources and energy storage devices. This article is aimed to fill this gap by describing the effect demonstrated by a substituted ammonium salt with cyclohexyl substituent and 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate anion used as a corrosion inhibitor in symmetrical electrochemical capacitor system. The accelerated ageing test of capacitor systems has shown that the addition of substituted ammonium salt to capacitor electrolyte allows to extend the service lifetime of the entire system by inhibiting the corrosion of 316L stainless steel current collectors. The inhibitory effect of substituted ammonium salt additives on the electrochemical corrosion of 316L stainless steel surface has been also confirmed by cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP) tests and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements.

Pedagogika pracy nie doczekała się modelowania systemowego, zwanego teorią modelowania systemowego, określaną również mianem systemologii. Twórczynią tej teorii w Polsce jest Krystyna Duraj-Nowakowa (1997). Niniejszy tekst podejmuje próbę adaptacji tej teorii do pedagogiki pracy. Podjęta inicjatywa jest ze wszech miar zasadna, bowiem w pedagogice pracy występuje wiele zagadnień, które już są wymodelowane systemowo. Ich przykłady to np. pedagogika pracy w systemie nauk, w tym pedagogicznych i nauk o pracy; Klasyfikacje Zawodów i Specjalności; Polska Klasyfikacja Działalności; edukacja jako kryterium modelowania pedagogiki pracy.

Accurate and rapid identification of COVID-19 is critical for effective patient treatment and disease outcomes, as well as the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) for identifying SARS-CoV-2 are simpler, faster and less expensive than molecular assays. Any new product to be considered a medical device is subject to evaluation and data analysis to verify the in vitro diagnostic ability to achieve its intended purpose. Clinical validation of such a test is a prerequisite before clinical application. This study was a clinical validation on adult Europeans of GenBody COVID-19 Ag, nasal and nasopharyngeal RATs. A set of 103 positive and 301 negative from nose and nasopharynx samples confirmed by RT-qPCR were examined. The tests were safe to use and showed 100% specificity in both specimens, and high sensitivity of 94.17% (95%CI 87.75% to 97.83%) and 97.09% (95%CI 91.72% to 99.4%), respectively. The parameters were significantly better for samples with higher virus loads (the highest for CT ≤ 25). The GenBody COVID-19 Ag RATs are inexpensive (compared to RT-qPCR), reliable and rapid with high sensitivity and specificity, making them suitable for diagnosis and timely isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients, contributing to the better control of virus spread.

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Niniejszy artykuł, do napisania którego inspiracją stała się koncepcja Billa Readginsa, wpisuje się w dyskurs o poszukiwanie oblicza współczesnego uniwersytetu. Badacz ten już w 1995 r. zaczął postrzegać uniwersytet jako ruiną coraz trudniejszą do zamieszkania przez wspólnotę uczonych i ich uczniów, połączonych pasją poszukiwania prawdy. Więcej nie dając schronienia myśleniu, ruiny uniwersytetu zamieniają uczonych w biurokratów, a studentów w konsumentów nabywających kompetencje pożądane dla rynku pracy (Readgins,2017, s. 7–8). Zastanawiał się, na ile owo spostrzeżenie wpisuje się w modelowanie i reformowanie uniwersytetów w różnych krajach. Ja również wpisałam się w dyskurs dotyczący przyszłości uniwersytetów w Polsce oraz tego, które z priorytetów Readingsa zadecydują o przyszłym kształcie uniwersytetu – nauka i jej rozwój wyznaczony badaniami czy problemy rynku pracy wyznaczające kierunki przygotowywania studentów do pracy zawodowej, w tym w Polsce. Uniwersytety nie pozostają obojętne dla nowych obszarów wyznaczanych przez trendy cywilizacyjne, takie jak m.in. rynek pracy, ukierunkowujący edukacyjny wymiar szkolnictwa wyższego, z uniwersyteckim szkolnictwem włącznie. Historia uniwersytetów ukazuje powstawanie pierwszych uczelni wyższych w Europie i ich oddziaływanie na inne kraje, w tym na Polskę. Wreszcie przybliżam kierunek rozwoju uniwersytetów, wyznaczony nowymi realiami życia społecznego i gospodarczego, oddziaływujący na programy uniwersytetów – już nie tylko klasycznych, ale i tzw. przymiotnikowych w Polsce, a ze względu na status własności – publicznych i niepublicznych, co z kolei kierunkuje ich nadzorowanie przez Ministra Nauki i Sztuki lub właściwego ministra dla wykładanej problematyki w uniwersytecie, a także na podmioty je tworzące. Przyszłość uniwersytetów wydaje się raczej niezagrożona, wyrazem czego jest dążenie uczelni o uznanej renomie do przekształcania się w uniwersytety o różnym profilu, tzw. przymiotnikowe, w których kształcenie dostosowane jest do rynku pracy, jak również wymagań jednostek organizacyjnych wpisanych w struktury uczelniane, co nie może być w żadnej mierze pomijane, a wręcz jest preferowany.

Fenugreek has a long tradition of use as a medicine and also has been commonly used as food in many countries. This plant is well known, especially in Asia. In Europe, fenugreek seeds are regarded as a traditional herbal medicine consumed in case of loss of appetite and in confirmed skin inflammations. Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds contain wide spectrum of different biologically active constituents which affect the properties of preparations produced from this plant. Numerous preclinical studies confirm the use of fenu-greek as a hypolipidemic and lowering blood glucose level drug. Unfortunately, there are not many clinical studies on fenugreek seeds in this area. Published studies often significantly differ in the amount and type of fenugreek seed preparation used. However, results of available scientific research are promising and suggest the possibility of using fenugreek seeds in metabolic syndrome therapy. Undoubtedly, further research is required to confirm such properties of Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Abstract The Regenerative Medicine Manufacturing Society (RMMS) is the first and only professional society dedicated toward advancing manufacturing solutions for the field of regenerative medicine. RMMS's vision is to provide greater patient access to regenerative medicine therapies through innovative manufacturing solutions. Our mission is to identify unmet needs and gaps in regenerative medicine manufacturing and catalyze the generation of new ideas and solutions by working with private and public stakeholders. We aim to accomplish our mission through outreach and education programs and securing grants for public‐private collaborations in regenerative medicine manufacturing. This perspective will cover four impact areas that the society's leadership team has identified as critical: (a) cell manufacturing and scale‐up/out, respectively, for allogeneic and autologous cell therapies, (b) standards for regenerative medicine, (c) 3D bioprinting, and (d) artificial intelligence‐enabled automation. In addition to covering these areas and ways in which the society intends to advance the field in a collaborative nature, we will also discuss education and training. Education and training is an area that is critical for communicating the current challenges, developing solutions to accelerate the commercialization of the latest technological advances, and growing the workforce in the rapidly expanding sector of regenerative medicine.

Pelargonium sidoides DC is an interesting plant with various biological properties. Pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of food supplements are particularly interested in its beneficial effects in upper respiratory tract infections. The search for new therapeutic options is especially important at a time when antibiotics are prescribed too often. However, due to proven clinical effects of extracts from Pelargonium sidoides, their use in diet supplements, especially intended for infants and small children, is highly disputable. The paper presents reports on the use of Pelargonium sidoides extracts in paediatrics and also tries to answer the question whether the pelargonium extract should be qualified as food supplement or medicine.

The taxonomic position of two species Plutella hufnagelii Zeller 1839 and Caunaca insulella Walsingham 1900, in the family Plutellidae: has been unclear. In current fauna studies, these species are usually placed in the genera Rhigognostis and Eidophasia respectively. In this paper, I address the taxonomic position of P. hufnagelli and C. insulella and describethe genitalia of both sexes. Analysis of genital structure confirms the correct placement of these species into the genus Eidophasia.

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes a ubiquitous infection which can pose a significant threat for immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing solid organ transplant (SOT). Arguably, the most successful vaccine studied to date is the recombinant glycoprotein-B (gB) with MF59 adjuvant which, in 3 Phase II trials, demonstrated 43–50% efficacy in preventing HCMV acquisition in seronegative healthy women or adolescents and reduction in virological parameters after SOT. However, the mechanism of vaccine protection in seronegative recipients remains undefined. Methods: We evaluated samples from the cohort of seronegative SOT patients enroled in the Phase II glycoprotein-B/MF59 vaccine trial who received organs from seropositive donors. Samples after SOT (0–90 days) were tested by real-time quantitative PCR for HCMV DNA. Anti-gB antibody levels were measured by ELISA. Neutralization was measured as a decrease in infectivity for fibroblast cell cultures revealed by expression of immediate-early antigens. Findings: Serological analyses revealed a more rapid increase in the humoral response against gB post transplant in vaccine recipients than in those randomised to receive placebo. Importantly, a number of patient sera displayed HCMV neutralising responses – neutralisation which was abrogated by pre-absorbing the sera with recombinant gB. Interpretation: We hypothesise that the vaccine primed the immune system of seronegative recipients which, when further challenged with virus at time of transplant, allowed the host to mount rapid immunological humoral responses even under conditions of T cell immune suppression during transplantation. Keywords: Cytomegalovirus, Vaccination, Antibody responses, Prime-boost

Wizja pracy Stefana kardynała Wyszyńskiego, choć upowszechniana jest już od 1946 roku, czyli zapoczątkowana pierwszym wydaniem monografii Duch pracy ludzkiej, to wciąż jej popularność jest dużo mniejsza, aniżeli innych teorii i koncepcji pracy. Jest to zapewne wynik słabej promocji w środowiskach pozakatolickich, pomimo że jej autorem jest jedna z najwybitniejszych osobistości polskiego życia publicznego – kardynał Stefan Wyszyński. Zatem w roku beatyfikacji warto ją przywołać, aby była znana wszystkim środowiskom, w tym również spoza kręgu katolickiego. Wizja pracy kardynała opiera się na czterech filarach: (1) antropocentryzm, który sytuuje człowieka w centrum wszelkiego działania; (2) biblijny opis pracy człowieka – czyńcie sobie ziemię poddaną (Rdz 1, 28), który wyznacza jedno z zadań Stwórcy dla człowieka w postaci nakazu pracy, ale i – co promuje Wyszyński – stanowi wskazanie dla człowieka, mówiące o sposobie urzeczywistnienia własnego człowieczeństwa w procesie pracy, dzięki zaangażowaniu w proces pracy i chęć udoskonalania; (3) duch pracy ludzkiej i jego wielowymiarowość, w co wpisują się postaci ducha: m.in. wychowawczego, pracy, jałmużny, cywilizacji, przyjaźni, współpracy, ciszy czy pokoju; (4) cnota pracy ludzkiej, rozumiana m.in. przez cierpliwość w pracy, nieskwapliwość, wytrwałość i stałość w pracy, a także sumienność i pilność oraz cichość i współpracę.

The review presents advances in the removal of Cr(III) from the industrial effluents published in the last ten years. Although Cr(III) has low solubility and is less dangerous for the aquatic environment than Cr(VI), it cannot be released into the aquatic environment without limitations and its content in water should be restricted. The development of efficient techniques for the removal of Cr(III) is also a response to the problem of chromium wastewater containing Cr(VI) ions. Very often the first step in dealing with such wastewater is the reduction in chromium content. In some cases, removal of Cr(III) from wastewaters is an important step for pretreatment of solutions to prepare them for subsequent recovery of other metals. In the review, hydrometallurgical operations for Cr(III) removal are presented, including examples of Cr(III) recovery from real industrial effluents with precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, extraction, membrane techniques, microbial-enhanced techniques, electrochemical methods. The advantages and disadvantages of the operations mentioned are also presented. Finally, perspectives for the future in line with circular economy and low-environmental impact are briefly discussed.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of baicalein or Scutellaria baicalensis root extract interaction with methyldopa in pregnant spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at the pharmacodynamic, molecular, and biochemical levels. The rats, after confirming pregnancy, received baicalein (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and extract (1000 mg/kg/day, p.o.), in combination with methyldopa (400 mg/kg/day; p.o.), for 14 consecutive days, 1 h before blood pressure and heart rate measurements. In the heart and placenta from mothers after giving birth to their offspring, mRNA expression of factors related to inflammatory processes (TNF-α, Il-1β, IL-6) and vascular diseases (TGF-β, HIF-1α, VEGF, PlGF) was measured. Levels of markers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde) in the placenta and indicators of myocardial damage (troponin cTnC and cTnI, creatine kinase, myoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase) in the heart were also assessed. Baicalein co-administered with methyldopa was associated with reduced blood pressure, especially during the first three days. The interactions were more pronounced for such factors as TGF-β, HIF-1α, VEGF, and PlGF than TNF-α, Il-1β, and IL-6. Combined application of baicalein and extract with methyldopa may be of value in the development of a new antihypertensive medication intended for patients suffering from preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Nowadays, many people are struggling with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis, which are called the scourge of the 21st century. These illnesses coexist in metabolic syndrome, which is not a separate disease entity because it includes several clinical conditions such as central (abdominal) obesity, elevated blood pressure, and disorders of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Lifestyle is considered to have an impact on the development of metabolic syndrome. An unbalanced diet, the lack of sufficient physical activity, and genetic factors result in the development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The treatment of metabolic syndrome is aimed primarily at reducing the risk of the development of coexisting diseases, and the appropriate diet is the key factor in the treatment. Plant raw materials containing compounds that regulate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the human body are investigated. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) is a plant, the consumption of which affects the regulation of lipid and sugar metabolism. The growth of this plant is widely spread in Eurasia, both Americas, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. The use and potential of this plant that is easily accessible in the world in contributing to the treatment of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis have been proved by many studies.

This paper presents Cr(III) removal from nickel sulfate waste solutions as a pretreatment step for the modification of hydrogen storage alloys. Adsorption with two cation exchange resins, Dowex G26 (strongly acidic) and MAC-3 (weakly acidic), and precipitation with various solutions were chosen as simple operations for Cr(III) removal from waste solutions. The adsorption of Cr(III) was investigated for both model and real waste nickel solutions. Dowex G26 appeared to be more efficient in Cr(III) removal (RCr(III) from 43 to 80%) than MAC-3 (RCr(III) from 40 to 53%). However, the adsorption from multi-component solutions (presence of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cr(III)) showed no selectivity in Cr(III) adsorption in comparison to those of Co(II) and Ni(II). Cr(III), Ni(II) and Co(II) were removed at a comparable level (30–36%) from a three-component solution of 10 g/dm3 of each metal ion, and a 56–72% removal of these ions was achieved from the real solution. Therefore, the precipitation of Cr(III) was carried out from a real waste nickel solution to compare its performance with adsorption. The best precipitation solution appeared to be 3 and 30% NaOH due to the quantitative precipitation of Cr(OH)3 at pH 5 and relatively small co-precipitation of Ni(II) and Co(II) hydroxides (PCo(II) = 20–52%, PNi(II) = 0–54%). Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that precipitation with a NaOH solution is an efficient pretreatment operation of an electrolyte for further steps of the hydrometallurgical process of nickel electrodeposition and appears to be more selective in the elimination of Cr(III) than adsorption with Dowex G26 resin.

Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants is essential for epidemiological surveillance. RT-qPCR-based variant differentiation tests can be used to quickly screen large sets of samples for relevant variants of concern/interest; this study was conducted on specimens collected at 11 centers located in Poland during routine SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics between August 2020 and December 2021. A total of 1096 samples (with CT < 30) were screened for Alpha, Beta, Delta, Kappa and Omicron variants using commercial assays targeting repeat mutation sites. Variants were assigned to 434 (39.6%) specimens; the remaining 662 (60.4%) samples were not classified (no tested mutations detected). Alpha (n = 289; 66.59%), Delta (n = 115; 26.5%), Kappa (n = 30; 6.91%) and Omicron (n = 2; 0.46%) variants were identified and their distribution changed over time. The first Alpha variant appeared in October 2020, and it began to gradually increase its proportion of the virus population by June 2021. In July 2021, it was replaced by the Delta variant, which already dominated by the end of the year. The first Kappa was detected in October 2021, while Omicron was found in December 2021. The screening of samples allowed the determination of epidemiological trends over a time interval reflecting the national COVID-19 waves.

Summary: Junctional coupling between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+-sensor STIM proteins and plasma membrane (PM) Orai channels mediates Ca2+ signals in most cells. We reveal that PM-tethered, fluorescently tagged C-terminal M4x (fourth transmembrane helix contains a cytoplasmic C-terminal extension) peptides from Orai channels undergo a Leu-specific signature of direct interaction with the STIM1 Orai-activating region (SOAR), exactly mimicking STIM1 binding to gate Orai channels. The 20-amino-acid Orai3-M4x peptide associates avidly with STIM1 within ER-PM junctions, functions to competitively block native Ca2+ signals, and mediates a key modification of STIM-Orai coupling induced by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. By blocking STIM-Orai coupling, the Orai3-M4x peptide reveals the critical role of Orai channels in driving Ca2+ oscillatory signals and transcriptional control through NFAT. The M4x peptides interact independently with SOAR dimers consistent with unimolecular coupling between Orai subunits and STIM1 dimers. We reveal the critical role of M4x helices in defining the coupling interface between STIM and Orai proteins to mediate store-operated Ca2+ signals.

Theoretical background: Organic farming is still a niche in Polish agriculture (but not only in Polish agriculture). According to Eurostat data, in 2020 only 2.7% of agricultural land (utilized agricultural area excluding kitchen gardens) was fully converted to organic farming. Efficiency is one of the most important issues when considering organic activities. Research often shows higher efficiency among conventional farms compared to organic, which may explain the limited interest among farmers in organic activities. The article addresses the problem of low interest in organic activities in Poland and contains the results of a pilot study conducted in 2023. Purpose of the article: The article aims to assess and compare the economic efficiency of conventional and organic individual farms, as well as to characterize the basic motives and barriers to the conversion of conventional agricultural activities to organic ones on Polish farms from three voivodeships: Warmian-Masurian, Masovian and Lublin. Research methods: The achievement of the goal formulated at the beginning of the article was possible by surveying a sample of farms that provided their accounting data through the Polish FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network). Survey in the form of CATI was conducted in 2023 on a total sample of 55 farms (27 entities conducting certified organic activity and 28 entities conducting conventional activity). Financial data were obtained from individual reports provided by FADN. The efficiency of farms was assessed using DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis). The DEA input-oriented model was applied and it used total revenue as output, and agriculture area, total cost, and fixed assets as inputs. Main findings: The analysis showed, first of all, differences between organic and conventional farms. It turns out that in the tested sample, organic farms are more effective than conventional entities. The most important motives for the surveyed farmers are economic ones, including higher subsidies than in the case of conventional activity and sales at higher prices. Before deciding to change their activity to organic farming, Polish farmers were afraid of low yields and high labor inputs. Importantly, the majority of conventional farmers are concerned about low yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Przedmiotem niniejszych rozważań uczyniono pracę. Uznawana jest ona nie tylko jako swoisty fenomen kulturowy i cywilizacyjny, ale także jako kategoria uniwersalistyczna, wyprowadzona z wartości, tkwiących w pracy. Wiatrowski (2004) określił pracę i jej uniwersalizm takimi wartościami jak „samoistna, autoteliczna, to znaczy taka, która ma zastosowanie zawsze i wszędzie”.

A lot of products from food category specified in Regulation No. 609/2013 may contain herbal substances or their preparations. Definitions of food for infants and toddlers, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control are now clearly regulated by UE food legislation. The concept and definition of foodstuffs for particular nutritional published in Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and Council of 6 May 2009 do not apply. On 22 February 2019, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/128 complementary to Regulation (EU) No. 609/2013, regarding specific compositional and information requirements for food of special medical purposes was applied. Novel foods and novel food ingredients are foods which have not been used for human consumption in UE to a significant degree before 15 May 1997.