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Introduction and purpose: The aim of this study is to to review and analyze scientific research on the topic of clavicle fractures, including epidemiology and comparison of the current conservative and surgical treatment options. State of Knowledge: Due to its structure and function as a support for the upper limb, the clavicle is one of the most frequently fractured bones in the human body. Any significant force acting on the shoulder, such as direct trauma or a fall onto an outstretched hand, can result in high stress forces, leading to a clavicle fracture. Depending on the location of the fracture, muscles pull the bone fragments in their respective directions, which affects the treatment approach for each type of fracture.To facilitate the choice of treatment method, classifications such as the Neer classification and the Edinburgh classification have been developed. Various surgical techniques as well as conservative treatments have been employed in the management of clavicle fractures. Conclusions: The epidemiology of clavicle fractures shows a higher incidence in young males, particularly related to sports activities. The majority of fractures occur in the middle third of the clavicle, with fractures in the distal and proximal thirds being less common. Understanding the ligamentous connections of the clavicle is crucial for understanding fracture patterns. There is no single preferred method of treatment, therefore both conservative and surgical methods are used in the therapeutic process depending on the fracture type. The functional outcome of various surgical techniques is similar.

Introduction and purpose: The primary objective of this literature review is to thoroughly investigate the topic of nicotine replacement therapy, considering the latest discoveries and detailing various forms of available nicotine substitution. Materials and methods: Literature review of PubMed and Google Scholar databases. State of Knowledge: Tobacco smoking remains one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths each year. Nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco, is responsible for sustaining cigarette smoking patterns and making smoking cessation particularly challenging. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is now considered one of the primary methods to help individuals quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with cessation. Conclusions: Over the years, extensive research has confirmed the effectiveness and safety of NRT, resulting in the development of different forms of nicotine substitution. The outcomes of using these various forms are similar and premature discontinuation by patients remains a primary reason for NRT failure. Therefore, it is crucial for each patient to select the form of NRT that meets their individual preferences. The best results are obtained by combining multiple forms of substitution simultaneously, as well as integrating them with other therapeutic methods.

Introduction and Purpose: Coeliac disease is an increasingly prevalent disorder worldwide. It is estimated to affect about 1% of the population and its symptoms heavily impact people's lives. The aim of this paper is to delve into the topic of coeliac disease and present basic information about its origins, current diagnostic methods, and the challenges associated with its treatment. This article includes all the necessary information from up-to-date sources. State of Knowledge: Coeliac disease was discovered a long time ago, but it is still not completely understood. Every year, new research is published regarding different populations in various countries. While we know more about the disease, its symptoms, and causes, we are still far from fully understanding all the inflammatory processes occurring in the human body. There is solid evidence that this enteropathy is caused by gluten, and the only way to reduce the clinical manifestation of coeliac disease is to adhere to a gluten-free diet. However, some patients do not benefit from this type of diet and still suffer from coeliac disease. New drugs currently being developed offer hope for these individuals, as they attempt to target the immunological reaction and mitigate the immune response in the small intestine. Conclusion: As approximately 1% of the population suffers from this disease, it is crucial to diagnose patients in the early stages of its development. Early diagnosis can prevent the development of other disorders that coexist with coeliac disease, which can be particularly dangerous, especially for children. This paper provides up-to-date information about the clinical manifestations of the disease, as well as methods of diagnosis.

Introduction and Purpose: Gynecomastia is a common clinical problem that can also be a symptom of many serious disorders. The aim of this study is to analyze the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, as well as pharmacological and surgical treatment, while also addressing the psychological aspect of the condition. State of Knowledge: Gynecomastia is the development of noncancerous breast tissue in males. It can occur unilaterally or bilaterally and may cause pain. It can be a natural occurrence during infancy, adolescence, and and in older age. It is usually accompanied by an imbalance between estrogens and androgens. Hormonal disorders lead to the growth of stromal and ductal proliferation. In the diagnostic process, the most important aspect is establishing the cause of the condition, allowing for the implementation of appropriate treatment. Gynecomastia can cause a decrease in quality of life, depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem. Conclusions: Gynecomastia is a complex condition that requires an individualized approach to the patient. It can be a side effect of medication use, result from an underlying disease, or occur idiopathically. Surgical treatment forms the basis of the therapeutic process. Currently, combined surgical techniques are most commonly used to achieve the best cosmetic effect.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology makes it possible to obtain biocompatible and homogeneous ultrathin oxide layers, which creates opportunities to modify the surface properties of PP surgical meshes, for example, through TiO2 deposition. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes occurring in the structural and physical properties of polypropylene (PP) monofilaments used for surgical mesh production after deposition of a thin film of titanium oxide by the ALD method under various conditions. The titanium oxide was deposited from TiCl4 and water in the temperature range 100 °C–160 °C. The surface morphologies and chemical compositions of the deposited layers were studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray chemical microanalysis (EDS). Structural investigations of the PP monofilaments were carried out with wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties of the PP monofilament were characterized with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, the effects of structural changes were evaluated with tensile strength tests. The results made indicated the critical thermal conditions required for TiO2 deposition on PP substrates with the ALD method.

The study objective was a comparative analysis of rapeseed and multifloral honey enriched by flowers of six plant species: lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis L.), high mallow (Malva sylvestris L.), cowslip primrose (Primula veris L.), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.), lawn daisy (Bellis perennis L.), and black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.). The honey was enriched with dry flowers and plant extracts at a level of 1%, 2%, and 4% (w/w). Antioxidant capacity was measured via two different methods: DPPH and ABTS assay. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were determined using colorimetric methods. The highest radical scavenging capacity determined by the DPPH assay was observed in rapeseed honey with a 4% dried cowslip primrose (Primula veris L.) flower addition, which was more than 50 times higher than the activity for pure rapeseed honey. Almost 100% of the radical scavenging capacity was found for rapeseed and multifloral honeys with cowslip primrose (Primula veris L.), especially for the 4% dried flower addition, more than six times that of the control samples measured using the ABTS test. Multifloral honeys enriched with black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) and cowslip primrose (Primula veris L.), with a 2% and 4% plant material addition, both as an extract and as dried flowers, were characterised by the highest total phenolic content. The highest enrichment effectiveness was observed for dried flowers of lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis L.), black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and high mallow (Malva sylvestris L.), where the flavonoid content increased more than nine times compared to the honey samples without additions. The content of biologically active substances in honey enriched with flowers gives hope for new applications of the health-promoting substances contained in wild plants.

Vermicomposting stands as a sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management practice, leveraging the metabolic prowess of earthworms to facilitate the decomposition of organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. The aim of this experiment was to study the influence of Eisenia fetida on the density and the tropic structure of a nematode community during the vermicomposting process over a period of 3 months. Sewage sludge and green waste served as composting substrates. Overall, six compost variants were prepared consisting of three variants incorporating E. fetida and three control variants lacking E. fetida. Throughout the investigation, samples were gathered on a monthly basis, with each variant undergoing three repetitions. The aim was to isolate nematodes, determine the population density of the five trophic groups, and identify the dominant community. The anaysis was conducted employing both microscopic examination and molecular metabarcoding (NGS). It was shown that the bacterial-feeding community maintained dominance. The introduction of E. fetida into the compost led to a significant rise in the abundance of Diplogasteridae. In the variant without E. fetida, the amount of Diplodasteridae exceeded 0.1% only after the 30th (C3) or the 60th (C1, C2) day of composting, while in the compost with E. fetida, they were present in large amounts (ranging from 11.0% to 28.0%) already on the 30th day of composting. The introduction of Eisenia fetida also led to a notable reduction in H. gingivalis with significant implications for mitigating the risk of halicephalobiosis. The introduction of E. fetida resulted in reducing H. gingivalis to levels below 0.1% in all compost variants.

The use of liquid whey concentrates in the composition of ice cream, especially in combination with other powdered whey proteins, is limited due to their understudied properties. This article shows the main rheological and thermophysical characteristics of ice cream mixes, as well as color parameters, microstructure, analysis of ice crystals and quality indicators of ice cream during storage. The most significant freezing of free water (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in the temperature range from the cryoscopic temperature to −10 °C. The microscopy of experimental ice cream samples based on hydrolyzed whey concentrates indicates the formation of a homogeneous crystalline structure of ice crystals with an average diameter of 13.75–14.75 μm. Microstructural analysis confirms the expediency of using whey protein isolate in ice cream, which ensures uniform distribution of air bubbles in the product and sufficient overrun (71.98–76.55%). The combination of non-hydrolyzed whey concentrate and 3% whey protein isolate provides the highest stability to preserve the purity and color intensity of the ice cream during storage. The produced ice cream can be classified as probiotic (number of Lactobacillus acidophilus not lower than 6.2 log CFU/g) and protein-enriched (protein supply from 15.02–18.59%).

This study was performed to investigate the content of selected phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and the levels of arbutin and hydroquinone in 25 varieties of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) leaf samples. An analysis of the bioactive components was performed using the HPLC technique and the antioxidant activity was determined via spectrophotometric methods. The content of chlorogenic acid in the analysed leaf extracts ranged from 52.76 mg/g (Spartan variety) to 32.37 mg/g (Nelson variety) and was present in the highest concentration among all the analysed phenolic acids. Particularly large levels of isoquercetin were found in the Aurora, Ivanhoe and Toro varieties (28.40 mg/g, 26.24 mg/g and 21.57 mg/g, respectively). An exceptionally high rutin content (p < 0.05) was found in the Ivanhoe variety (27.19 mg/g) as compared to the other varieties, where it ranged from 2.06 mg/g (Earliblue and Patriot varieties) to 10.55 mg/g (Bluejay variety). The Patriot variety was determined to possess the highest antioxidative activity using the FRAP method (1086.15 μmol Trolox/g d.w.) and based on its DPPH radical scavenging activity (1124.17 μmol Trolox/g d.w.). The total phenolic content (TPC) determined via spectrophotometry ranged from 48.11 mg GAE/g d.w. (Elizabeth variety) to 177.31 GAE/g d.w. (Patriot variety). The arbutin content in the leaves of all tested varieties exceeded 2%, so it can be concluded that they constitute a stable source of arbutin. Three varieties (Bonus, Chanticleer and Herbert) can be considered a potential alternative to bearberry and lingonberry leaves. The hydroquinone content in the analysed extracts was determined to be at a lower level. V. corymbosum leaves can be considered an interesting herbal material for use in traditional herbal medicinal products but not directly for food products and dietary supplements.

The aim of this study was to compare the biological properties, such as antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant, of recently described pentaploid species Rubus oklejewiczii with tetraploid taxa growing in similar habitats including R. plicatus, R. gracilis, and R. wimmerianus. The antiviral potential was analyzed against bacteriophages with different genetic material: phi6 (a surrogate for the SARS-CoV-2 virus), T7, phiX174, and MS2. Antibacterial properties of fruit and leaf extracts were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica. The total phenolic content, as well as anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, pH, and antioxidant properties (FRAP and DPPH) were determined. R. oklejewiczii leaf extract was characterized by the weakest antibacterial and antiviral properties, which was closely correlated with the lowest content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. The strongest biological properties were observed for R. wimmerianus leaves. Fruit extracts were characterized by lower phenolic content and antioxidant activities than leaves, with the lowest values observed for R. oklejewiczii extract. The antibacterial properties of fruit extracts were strongest for R. gracilis. The strongest antiviral potential was observed for R. oklejewiczii and R. wimmerianus fruit extracts against the bacteriophage phi6, which correlated with the lowest pH and the highest ascorbic acid content. The positive effect of the higher ploidy of R. oklejewiczii for most of the analyzed biological properties was not observed except for the antiviral potential of fruit extract. Due to its large and tasty fruits, this species seems to be very promising for cultivation and attractive for consumers, even though most of its biological properties were not any better compared to other examined tetraploid species.

Addressing the disparate levels of aural skills that students may have acquired through their daily musical experiences prior to formal schooling can be difficult. Placement tests within the Western classical musical tradition typically involve structural decoding and formal concepts of elementary music theory. In this manuscript, we discuss the development of a music placement evaluation for beginner students (N = 539) involved in the ear training and music theory classes of a university outreach program. The measure consisted of 12 aural skills tasks inspired by the principles of Serafine's music development model that assessed knowledge acquired from daily music experiences without stressing the formal nomenclature of music theory. Stimuli were comprised of temporal (idiomatic construction and textural abstraction) and nontemporal processes (melodic closure, harmonic closure, transformation, and hierarchical levels) according to Serafine's model. The comprehension of tempo, register, and melodic contours also was evaluated. The use of real music excerpts, some of which likely belonged to students' own repertoires, may have helped the students to concentrate on the cognitive/aural tasks. The implications of this evaluation for music education are discussed.

Short-rotation woody plants of the genus Paulownia are attracting more and more attention as trees that produce biomass and reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. However, plants growing in monoculture affect the properties and condition of the soil. One of the effects of changes in the soil environment is the growing population of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN). The article presents information about the PPN inhabiting the root zone of the Paulownia tomentosa plantation in Poland. In this study, the frequency and density of nematode populations in samples from seven plantations in Poland were determined. The extracted nematodes were identified at the species level on the basis of the male and female morphological characteristics according to several available identification resources. A total of 20 nematode species were identified, of which 9 were classified as accessory and 11 as occasional. Among them, Trichodorus viruliferus and Longidorus attenuatus belonging to the group of viral messengers were identified.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify in the literature and summarize nursing care in a hospital environment directed to patients who suffered burns. Methods: a scoping review, according to the JBI Reviewers’ Manual recommendations, with a search in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus databases and in the Virtual Health Library portal, through articles published between 2016 and December 2021. Results: of the total 419 articles found, nine were selected for analysis. The main care measures identified were changing dressings and types of coverage, vital sign control, non-pharmacological techniques for pain relief and opioid reduction. Conclusions: the complexity of burn care requires constant updating by the nursing team. Keeping it prepared to carry out the best nursing care practices for burn patients will promote adequate care, patient recovery and reduction of possible harm.

Introduction and purpose: The aim of this study is to review and analyze scientific research on the topic of volleyball injuries. We attempt to identify the types of injuries that are characterized by increased frequency, diagnostic possibilities, and treatment methods. We believe that this work can support individuals involved in sports and sports medicine personnel in accessing information more quickly and facilitate the direction of further research into preventing injuries among volleyball players. State of Knowledge: Knee injuries are divided into overload and acute injuries. Overload syndromes include degenerative changes to the patellar ligament. Medical history and physical exam suffice for accurate diagnosis. Treatment for jumper’s knee is based mostly on conservative treatment. Meniscus injuries are equally common such as ACL rupture. Not all meniscus injuries require surgery, and the key factor in making a decision is the pattern of tearing and the presence of appropriate vascularization. Conclusions: Based on analyzed studies we assumed that every third serious injury among volleyball players is the knee injury. There is no single preferred method of treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent the progression of the disease. Stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises are recommended in the early stages. Efficiency of platelet-rich plasma injections remains uncertain. Further research is needed to determine the most effective treatment. In acute knee injuries, ACL damage often coexists. Treatment for such injuries typically involves surgical intervention. Arthroscopy is the preferred method. Meniscus repair has a high success rate and enables a rapid return to physical fitness.

Abstract Objectives: this study aimed to explore a set of factors associated with lower maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) in pregnant women. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study corresponding to the second wave of a cohort study with a population-based sample of pregnant women in the South of Brazil. The maternal-fetal attachment scale (MFAS) was used to measure MFA. Bivariate analysis was performed using the t-test and ANOVA. The variables that presented p

Introduction and purpose: Drug-induced reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe, life-threatening systemic drug reaction. The challenges in identifying DRESS syndrome result from its symptoms being variable, diverse, and unspecific. Due to the potentially lethal consequence, any clinician should be aware of the symptomatology and be prepared to initiate the appropriate steps. This review summarizes the clinical manifestations and provides essential information on the management of the illness. State of knowledge: DRESS appears to be a rare reaction that frequently remains undetected due to its atypical clinical presentation. Fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, and organ involvement as well as other manifestations, may occur. The onset may be delayed by weeks after exposure to the offending drug. DRESS syndrome is classified as a type IV hypersensitivity. It is thought to be triggered by antiepileptic drugs and antibiotics although many other medications can cause the condition. Certain genetic factors may also predispose some individuals to develop DRESS. Combining clinical and laboratory findings can help confirm the diagnosis. Discontinuation of the offending drug is the fundamental component of treatment such as supportive care including the use of antihistamines and corticosteroids, but recent research has discovered additional promising therapy options. Conclusions: Detecting DRESS syndrome early is crucial to ensure prompt treatment, prevent serious complications, and improve patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of DRESS syndrome, especially in patients taking particular medications, and be prepared to investigate further if it is suspected.

Introduction and purpose: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of intervertebral disc herniation, with a focus on the lumbar spine, including the current conservative and modern surgical treatment options such as minimally invasive procedures. State of Knowledge: Spinal pain is a prevalent cause of disability in developed countries, with an increasing number of people affected by this condition. Intervertebral disc herniation resulting from degenerative changes is a common pathology, particularly in the lumbar and cervical spine. This condition involves the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, which exerts pressure on the spinal roots, causing irritation. While the prognosis for herniated nucleus pulposus is usually positive and many patients can undergo conservative treatment, some may require a surgery. Due to advancements in technology, the current goal is to minimize tissue trauma during hernia repair procedures. Conclusions: Due to advances in treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, patients can achieve better clinical outcomes and improved quality of life. Conservative treatment should be considered as the first line treatment in a majority of cases. Surgery is usually a last resort when conservative treatment proves insufficient. No surgical method seems to be unequivocally superior to the others, so its choice is tailored to the individual patient's needs and depends on the surgeon's preferences and experience. Recent advances in endoscopic spine surgery are providing new insights into disc surgery and pain management strategies.

Limited literature exists documenting mealtime challenges and evidence for early intervention for children with visual impairment (VI). The objective of this pilot study was to determine whether a mealtime routines intervention for children with VI from 6 to 24 months would affect food texture, variety, and healthy food choices. The intervention occurred in homes/childcare settings involving children with VI, their caretakers, and their early interventionists. The intervention group scored higher than the control group for acceptance of food textures at 6-24 months (p [less than or equal to] 0.005) and at 13-24 months (p [less than or equal to] 0.007) and for consuming a greater variety of foods between 6 and 12 months (p [less than or equal to] 0.04). Assessment scores for positive caregiver and child mealtime behaviors were higher for the intervention group, p = 0.0000. The intervention showed promise for enhancing positive mealtime behaviors, feeding skills, and food acceptance.

Machine learning generative models have opened up a new perspective for automated machine diagnostics. These methods improve decision-making by extracting features, classifying, and creating new observations using deep neural networks. Generative modeling aims to determine the joint distribution of input data. This contrasts traditional methods used in diagnostics based on discriminative models and the conditional probability distribution of the target variable at known feature values. In the variational autoencoder (VAE) algorithms trained by the authors, the parameters of diagnostic features are random variables, the distributions of which can be approximated based on data, and the identification of probability distributions is based on variational inference. Variational inference is a tool that deals with difficult statistical problems and is usually faster than classical methods. VAEs can detect anomalies, predict failures, and optimize processes. This paper proposes an unsupervised approach to fault diagnosis using only healthy data with automatic feature extraction from the continuous probabilistic latent subspace of the VAE encoder and reduction in PCA or t-SNE. The solution, verified in the example of simulation data, is a response to a common problem related to the lack or difficulty of obtaining marked data in defected states of devices and mechanical structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GHOST (Globally Harmonised Observations in Space and Time) represents one of the biggest collections of harmonised measurements of atmospheric composition at the surface. In total, 7 275 148 646 measurements from 1970 to 2023, of 227 different components from 38 reporting networks, are compiled, parsed, and standardised. The components processed include gaseous species, total and speciated particulate matter, and aerosol optical properties. The main goal of GHOST is to provide a dataset that can serve as a basis for the reproducibility of model evaluation efforts across the community. Exhaustive efforts have been made towards standardising almost every facet of the information provided by major public reporting networks, which is saved in 21 data variables and 163 metadata variables. Extensive effort in particular is made towards the standardisation of measurement process information and station classifications. Extra complementary information is also associated with measurements, such as metadata from various popular gridded datasets (e.g. land use) and temporal classifications per measurement (e.g. day or night). A range of standardised network quality assurance flags is associated with each individual measurement. GHOST's own quality assurance is also performed and associated with measurements. Measurements pre-filtered by the default GHOST quality assurance are also provided. In this paper, we outline all steps undertaken to create the GHOST dataset and give insights and recommendations for data providers based on the experiences gleaned through our efforts. The GHOST dataset is made freely available via the following repository: 10.5281/zenodo.10637449. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article demonstrates how presentations of self and the information conveyed within them are a conduit for risk evaluation within the marketplace. Using the case of check cashing, it investigates customer screening within the Detroit area's most prevalent non-bank check cashing businesses, which are not standalone check cashing outlets but rather corner convenience and liquor stores known as 'party stores'. Without algorithmic techniques based on hard or quantitative data, how do owners screen customers to prevent fraud? Drawing on 35 months of ethnographic fieldwork, this article uncovers two strategies toward this end: (a) gathering private information about customers through small talk; and (b) assessing check cashers' presentations of self. Analyzing check cashing and fraud in this setting speaks to theoretical perspectives of risk evaluation by presenting a case of interactional fraud prevention , which highlights the interpersonal, interactional mechanisms through which soft information is exchanged and assessed in ex ante screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a method for inhibiting ethylene production during the room-temperature storage of plum fruits, using gaseous ozone (O3). The proposed storage strategy involves the cyclic ozone treatment of fruits every 24 h with specified O3 doses. Throughout the storage period, cyclic analyses of the atmosphere composition in storage chambers were conducted, measuring ethylene and carbon dioxide levels. Several parameters describing changes in fruit quality and biochemical transformations were systematically monitored until the end of the storage process. The results clearly indicate that fruits subjected to cyclic ozone treatment with the highest O3 doses during storage exhibit the slowest ripening rate. This reduced ripening rate is primarily attributed to the downregulation of S-adenosylmethionine synthetase expression, leading to a lower ethylene concentration in the storage chambers. Other obtained results concerning soluble solid content, titratable acidity, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and vitamin C content confirm the observations regarding the impact of ozone treatment in slowing down the fruit ripening process. The best outcomes were achieved by applying a cyclic ozone process with a 100 ppm dose for 30 min.

Fertilisation with ash from biomass combustion has a positive effect on the quality of nutrients in agrifood raw materials, improving their chemical composition and bioavailability. In the experiments carried out, the protein content and the profile of free amino acids in barley flour were examined from cultivation fertilised with biomass ash at various doses. Barley flour from Haplic Luvisol soil was characterised by a significantly higher (by 13.8% on average) total protein content compared to flour obtained from grains from Gleyic Chernozem soil. The highest protein content but a low content of free amino acids were found in the grains of plants fertilised with the mineral NPK (D1). An increase in the total pool of free amino acids in flour was observed, especially in the case of Haplic Luvisol soil. On average, after fertilising, significantly more ASP, ASN, GLU, GLY, ALA, and CYS were obtained in variant D4 (1.5 t·ha−1), and there were also significantly more TAU and GABA than in the control, up by 30.2% and 23%, respectively. A beneficial effect of fertilisation on the essential amino acid content in barley flour was found, but only up to the dose of D4, when it was significantly higher than in the control and under mineral fertilising (D1), up by 23.7% and 9.2%, respectively. High ash doses reduced the content of free amino acids in the tested barley flour. This study confirmed that using an alternative method of fertilising with plant biomass ash has a beneficial effect on protein quality and nutritional value.

Excessive sugar consumption is a risk factor for becoming overweight. Due to the increase in consumer nutritional awareness, functional beverages with reduced caloric content have attracted great interest in recent years. The current state of knowledge on the feasibility of using low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) as substitutes for traditional sugar in the production of functional beverages while maintaining their osmolality properties is limited. Selected sweeteners were examined for the presence of five selected macronutrients (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfur) and iron by ICP-OES, osmolality, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC) in their solutions. The obtained results formed the basis for evaluating the applicability of the studied sweeteners in the production of functional beverages.

This study characterizes and compares the physicochemical parameters of three types of biomass: giant miscanthus, wheat straw, and white willow. An analysis of the chlorine content in the biomass was determined using a 5E-FL2350 fluorine and chlorine analyzer. In addition, energy parameters characterizing the biomass were determined, such as the content of ash and volatile matter in the tested materials, using the LECO TGA 701 thermogravimetric analyzer. The carbon and hydrogen contents were tested using the LECO TruSpec CHN elementary organic analyzer. The calorific value was determined using the LECO AC 500 isoperibolic calorimeter. Based on the research results, it was concluded that the use of the biomass torrefaction process improves its energy parameters. In the long term, this will affect the maintenance of the technical and operational efficiency of devices, installations, and power boilers compared to the co-combustion of fresh biomass. The greatest differences in results were recorded in the case of chlorine content. Carrying out detailed tests on the material immediately after its harvest showed that the content of this element was about 70% higher than in the case of torrefied raw material. The presence of chlorine in alternative fuels is responsible for the formation of chloride corrosion. Its content can be up to five times higher compared to conventional energy sources. The degree of risk of chloride corrosion of the selected elements of devices and installations is assessed on the basis of the so-called “chlorine corrosion index”.

Right after water, tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The composition of a tea drink is determined by, among other things: the degree of fermentation and the fineness of the tea leaves, as well as the brewing time and temperature. The purpose of this study was to verify the hypothesis that the extraction of selected elements from dried tea during infusion preparation was improved by using ultrasound under laboratory conditions. The effect of increasing the extraction time was also analyzed. The effectiveness of ultrasound was evaluated by measuring the content of selected elements in the extract of teas that were treated with ultrasound compared to a control group. The effectiveness of the application of ultrasound was evaluated by measuring the content of individual elements at intervals of 1 min, 5 min and 10 min comparing the application of ultrasound with the classical technique of tea brewing. In addition, the results were related to measurements of the amounts of overall concentrations of selected ions after the dried tea mineralization procedure. Samples of extracts and mineralizates were analyzed for elemental composition using an ICP-OES iCAP Dual 6500 Thermo® spectrometer. The use of ultrasound was shown to have a positive effect on the extraction process, and the efficiency of the process depended on the tea variety and the extraction time. The percentage of extraction relative to the results of the total amount of extracted ions was also calculated. Analyzing the effect of ultrasound on the leaching of minerals from tea leaves during infusion preparation is another step toward optimizing the tea brewing extraction process and a way to improve the nutritional value of tea infusions as a functional beverage base. The application of ultrasound in the extraction process of tea infusions may be a good solution to support traditional methods of extracting infusions for both research and technological purposes.