Search

Celem podjętych badań było określenie poziomu sprawności motorycznej uczennic i uczniów klas V Szkoły Podstawowej nr 2 w Olsztynie na podstawie wyników uzyskanych w czwórboju lekkoatletycznym. Czwórbój przeprowadzono w maju w latach szkolnych 2013/2014, 2014/2015 i 2015/2016 na stadionie Olsztyńskiej Szkoły Wyższej. W metodyce pomiaru zmiennych wykorzystano wyniki biegu na dystansie 60 m, rzutu piłeczką palantową, skoku w dal, biegu na dystansie 600 m dziewcząt i 1000 m chłopców, które przeliczono na punkty według tabel czwórbojowych PZLA. Suma punktów stanowiła wskaźnik sprawności fizycznej badanych. Ogólnie najwyższe wyniki uzyskały uczennice i uczniowie w roku szkolnym 2015/2016, natomiast najniższe uczennice w roku szkolnym 2013/2014 i uczniowie w 2014/2015. Najlepiej na wszystkich rocznikach, zarówno u dziewcząt, jak i chłopców wypadł bieg na dystansie 60 m, gdzie odnotowano największy odsetek wyników na poziomie wysokim. Natomiast najniższe rezultaty uzyskano w konkurencji wytrzymałościowej – ponad 70% badanych (bieg na dystansie 600 m i 1000 m), i rzucie piłeczką palantową, gdzie ponad 90% badanych znalazło się w grupie z najniższymi wynikami. Z badań wynika, że ogólnie poziom sprawności motorycznej dziewcząt i chłopców okazał się niski. Świadczy o tym ponad 70% wyników usytuowanych w dole tabel.

This study aims to show how the polarisation of the economic space can modify the investment attractiveness of the regional space. A thesis has been put forward that the polarisation of the economic space affects the investment attractiveness of the regional space by strengthening the polarising power of the regions with the highest investment attractiveness. This study uses the results of the parameterisation of investment attractiveness of Polish regions for 2015 by gmina; it also identifies growth poles in four five-year time periods: 2008–2012, 2009–2013, 2010–2014, and 2011–2015. The study shows that the permanent growth poles are created at a distance of several dozen kilometres from large cities. It indicates the depletion of development reserves of large and medium-sized cities, especially those with extensive space management. Smaller centres are gaining location attractiveness, especially those located in the vicinity of communication routes, where access to investment areas and lower costs of running a business attract investors. Special economic zones are also located in such places. The poles and their clusters usually form large agglomerations and industrial centres in the development phase. They are usually places with high investment attractiveness, adjusted by management decisions of large enterprises, local government units and the state government. The polarisation of the economic space affects the increase of the investment attractiveness of the regions, strengthening the succession of economic production and service functions in special economic zones. Investments in road infrastructure and revitalisation processes supported by special economic zones are essential.

Nutraceuticals and functional foods are gaining more attention amongst consumers interested in nutritious food. The consumption of foodstuffs with a high content of phytochemicals has been proven to provide various health benefits. The application of biostimulants is a potential strategy to fortify cultivated plants with beneficial bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, it has not yet been established whether the proposed higher plants (St. John’s wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, and valerian) are appropriate for the production of potential bio-products enhancing the nutritional value of white cabbage. Therefore, this research examines the impact of botanical extracts on the growth and nutritional quality of cabbage grown under field conditions. Two extraction methods were used for the production of water-based bio-products, namely: ultrasound-assisted extraction and mechanical homogenisation. Bio-products were applied as foliar sprays to evaluate their impact on total yield, dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, vitamin C, nitrates, micro- and macroelements, volatile compounds, fatty acids, sterols, and sugars. Botanical extracts showed different effects on the examined parameters. The best results in terms of physiological and biochemical properties of cabbage were obtained for extracts from common dandelion, valerian, nettle, and giant goldenrod. When enriched with nutrients, vegetables can constitute a valuable component of functional food.

Nanocomposite multilayered membrane coatings have been widely used experimentally to enhance biomedical materials surfaces. By the selection of reliable components, such systems are functionalized to be adjusted to specific purposes. As metal nanoparticles can reduce bacterial cell adhesion, the idea of using gold and silver nanoparticles of unique antimicrobial properties within membrane structure is outstandingly interesting considering dressings facilitating wound healing. The study was aimed to explore the interface between eukaryotic cells and wound dressing materials containing various nanoelements. The proposed systems are based on polyethyleneimine and hydroxyapatite thin layers incorporating metallic nanoparticles (silver or gold). To examine the structure of designed materials scanning electron and transmission electron microscopies were applied. Moreover, Fourier-transform infrared and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopies were used. Additionally, water contact angles of the designed membranes and their transport properties were estimated. The functioning of human fibroblasts was examined via flow cytometry to assess the biocompatibility of developed shells in the aspect of their cytotoxicity. The results indicated that designed nanocomposite membrane scaffolds support eukaryotic cells’ functioning, confirming that the elaborated systems might be recommended as wound healing materials.

Epithelia in the skin, gut and other environmentally exposed organs display a variety of mechanisms to control microbial communities and limit potential pathogenic microbial invasion. Naturally occurring antimicrobial proteins/peptides and their synthetic derivatives (here collectively referred to as AMPs) reinforce the antimicrobial barrier function of epithelial cells. Understanding how these AMPs are functionally regulated may be important for new therapeutic approaches to combat microbial infections. Some AMPs are subject to redox-dependent regulation. This review aims to: (i) explore cysteine-based redox active AMPs in skin and intestine; (ii) discuss casual links between various redox environments of these barrier tissues and the ability of AMPs to control cutaneous and intestinal microbes; (iii) highlight how bacteria, through intrinsic mechanisms, can influence the bactericidal potential of redox-sensitive AMPs.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules capable of regulating post-transcriptional gene expression. Imbalances in the miRNA network have been associated with the development of many pathological conditions and diseases, including cancer. Recently, miRNAs have also been linked to the phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR). MiR-7 is one of the extensively studied miRNAs and its role in cancer progression and MDR modulation has been highlighted. MiR-7 is engaged in multiple cellular pathways and acts as a tumor suppressor in the majority of human neoplasia. Its depletion limits the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies, while its restoration sensitizes cells to the administered drugs. Therefore, miR-7 might be considered as a potential adjuvant agent, which can increase the efficiency of standard chemotherapeutics.

The objective of the work was to evaluate selected properties of spent substrates used for growing button mushrooms (SMSs) and the content and quality of the organic matter in this material in the context of rational use for fertilisation purposes and potential impact on the soil environment. The materials were sampled at production facilities located in the east of Mazovia. The density and amount of spent substrate on shelves where mushrooms were cultivated were determined. The following were analysed in the laboratory: reaction, carbonate content, TC (total carbon) and TOC (total organic carbon) contents, total nitrogen, organic matter fraction composition, and humic acids properties. It was confirmed that this material had a marked potential to enrich soils in organic matter, nitrogen, and carbonates. The analysis revealed that the most important qualitative properties of the organic matter were related to the relatively high share of labile organic compounds (the fraction separated with 0.05 M H2SO4 and the fraction of fulvic acids). The humic acids had similar properties regardless of their origins. The humic acids (HAs) molecules displayed a substantial share of aliphatic structures which are typical of these materials at their initial decomposition stage. It can be assumed that, due to such properties, spent mushroom substrates are materials which can be directly introduced into the soil to improve their quality and prevent degradation.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of an application of biostimulants, against the background of varied nitrogen regime, on the share of neutral detergent fraction (NDF), acid detergent fraction (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) in the crude fiber fraction of Italian ryegrass as well as its digestibility. A field experiment was arranged as a randomized subblock design (split-plot) with three replicates at the Siedlce Experimental Unit of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Poland in 2013. The following factors were examined: type of biostimulant: Algex, Tytanit, Asahi SL and a control; nitrogen application rate: 0 (control); 120 and 180 kg·ha−1. There were confirmed positive effects resulting from an application of biostimulants in Italian ryegrass cultivation. There was confirmed the assumed hypothesis that an application of both natural and synthetic biostimulants will make it possible to improve the feeding value of grasses by reducing the fiber fraction. Particular attention should be paid to the biostimulant Algex whose application in Italian ryegrass cultivation produced the most beneficial response in terms of the share of NDF, ADF, and ADL fractions, which resulted in the greatest increase in the plant dry matter digestibility. Increasing nitrogen rates significantly reduced the quantity of analyzed fiber fractions, and increased grass digestibility.

Natural carboxylic acids are plant-derived compounds that are known to possess biological activity. The aim of this review was to compare the effect of structural differences of the selected carboxylic acids (benzoic acid (BA), cinnamic acid (CinA), p-coumaric acid (p-CA), caffeic acid (CFA), rosmarinic acid (RA), and chicoric acid (ChA)) on the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity. The studied compounds were arranged in a logic sequence of increasing number of hydroxyl groups and conjugated bonds in order to investigate the correlations between the structure and bioactivity. A review of the literature revealed that RA exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and this property decreased in the following order: RA > CFA ~ ChA > p-CA > CinA > BA. In the case of antimicrobial properties, structure-activity relationships were not easy to observe as they depended on the microbial strain and the experimental conditions. The highest antimicrobial activity was found for CFA and CinA, while the lowest for RA. Taking into account anti-cancer properties of studied NCA, it seems that the presence of hydroxyl groups had an influence on intermolecular interactions and the cytotoxic potential of the molecules, whereas the carboxyl group participated in the chelation of endogenous transition metal ions.

The use of higher plants for the production of plant growth biostimulants is receiving increased attention among scientists, farmers, investors, consumers and regulators. The aim of the present study was to examine the possibility of converting plants commonly occurring in Europe (St. John’s wort, giant goldenrod, common dandelion, red clover, nettle, valerian) into valuable and easy to use bio-products. The biostimulating activity of botanical extracts and their effect on the chemical composition of celeriac were identified. Plant-based extracts, obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and mechanical homogenisation, were tested in field trials. It was found that the obtained formulations increased the total yield of leaves rosettes and roots, the dry weight of leaves rosettes and roots, the content of chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids, the greenness index of leaves, the content of vitamin C in leaves and roots. They mostly decreased the content of polyphenols and antioxidant activities in leaves but increased them in roots and conversely affected the nitrates content. Extracts showed a varied impact on the content of micro and macroelements, as well as the composition of volatile compounds and fatty acids in the celeriac biomass. Due to the modulatory properties of the tested products, they may be used successfully in sustainable horticulture.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a diverse family of the enveloped human and animal viruses reported as causative agents for respiratory and intestinal infections. The high pathogenic potential of human CoVs, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, is closely related to the invasion mechanisms underlying the attachment and entry of viral particles to the host cells. There is increasing evidence that sialylated compounds of cellular glycocalyx can serve as an important factor in the mechanism of CoVs infection. Additionally, the sialic acid-mediated cross-reactivity with the host immune lectins is known to exert the immune response of different intensity in selected pathological stages. Here, we focus on the last findings in the field of glycobiology in the context of the role of sialic acid in tissue tropism, viral entry kinetics and immune regulation in the CoVs infections.

Background and Objective: In the last decade, the phenomenon of using new psychoactive substances (NPS), called designer drugs, has been on rise. Though their production and marketing in Poland is prohibited, reports of the Supreme Audit Office noted that young people are increasingly reaching for new intoxication agents in the form of designer drugs. There is a significant increase in the number of patients with NPS abuse admitted to the emergency departments. As NPS cannot be detected by standard tests for the presence of psychoactive substances, it is difficult to choose the appropriate therapeutic intervention. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the patient characteristics in the population of adults and children suspected of using NPS and formulate the protocol for diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Method: The paper is based on a retrospective analysis of medical records of hospitalized patients in the Clinical Emergency Department of The Regional Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn (SKOR WSS, emergency department (ED)) and the Pediatric Emergency Department of the Provincial Specialist Children′s Hospital in Olsztyn (SORD WSSD, pediatric emergency department (PED)) between years 2013 to 2018. The patient records related to their general symptoms at admission, mental state and laboratory diagnostic tests were evaluated. Results: The majority of patients hospitalized due to the suspected use of NPS were adolescents in 2013–2016 and a reversal of this trend was observed in 2017–2018 when number of adults admitted to the emergency department (ED) due to NPS use was higher. The NPS abuse was significantly higher among male patients, alcoholics, people using other psychoactive substances, patients suffering from mental disorders and teenagers in difficult socio-economic family situations. Whereas, the most common symptoms among pediatric patients were co-ordination disorder and aggression, in adults mainly tachycardia and aggression was observed. The laboratory tests in significant number of adult patients showed leukocytosis and ketonuria. Conclusions: In the present study, no unambiguous toxidrome or biochemical pattern characteristic for using NPS was observed. However, evaluation of blood morphology, coagulation parameters, liver and kidney function can be helpful in the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Symptomatic treatment of patients, fluid therapy and sedation was sufficient in most cases to resolve the patient symptoms in 48 h.

Beer is the most common alcoholic beverage worldwide, and is an excellent source of macro- and microelements, as well as phenolic compounds. In this study, a fast method for the determination of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Cu in beer was developed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The precision of this method was between 0.8 and 8.0% (as the relative standard deviation (RSD)), and limits of detections were in the range of 0.45 (Mn)–94 µg/L (Na). Among the macroelements tested in the beer samples, K was found at the highest concentration, whereas Na was found at the lowest concentration level. Beer also turned out to be a good source of Mg and K. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while the antioxidant activity was estimated by the ABTS method. The results show remarkable variations in the mineral content, TPC, and antioxidant activity across the beer types and brands. Moreover, the relations between the type, color, refraction index, antioxidant activity, extract, alcohol, mineral, and the total phenolic contents were investigated using the factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD) combined with hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC).

Background: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an emerging problem in the treatment of cancer. Therefore, there is a necessity for novel strategies that would sensitize tumor cells to the administered chemotherapeutics. One of the innovative approaches in fighting drug-resistant tumors is the treatment of cancer with microRNA (miRNA), or the use of cubosomes (lipid nanoparticles) loaded with drugs. Here, we present a study on a novel approach, which combines both tools. Methods: Cubosomes loaded with miR-7-5p and chemotherapeutics were developed. The effects of drug- and miRNA-loaded vehicles on glioma- (A172, T98G), papillary thyroid- (TPC-1) and cervical carcinoma-derived (HeLa) cells were analyzed using molecular biology techniques, including quantitative real-time PCR, MTS-based cell proliferation test, flow cytometry and spheroids formation assay. Results: The obtained data indicate that miR-7-5p increases the sensitivity of the tested cells to the drug, and that nanoparticles loaded with both miRNA and the drug produce a greater anti-tumor effect in comparison to the free drug treatment. It was found that an increased level of apoptosis in the drug/miRNA co-treated cells is accompanied by an alternation in the expression of the genes encoding for key MDR proteins of the ABC family. Conclusions: Overall, co-administration of miR-7-5p with a chemotherapeutic can be considered a promising strategy, leading to reduced MDR and the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells.

Due to its biocompatibility and advantageous electrochemical properties, platinum is commonly used in the design of biomedical devices, e.g., surgical instruments, as well as electro-medical or orthopedic implants. This article verifies the hypothesis that a thin layer of sputter-coated platinum may possess antibacterial effects. The purpose of this research was to investigate the adhesion and growth ability of a model strain of Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, on a surface of a platinum-coated glass slide. Although some previous literature reports suggests that a thin layer of platinum would inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilm, the results of this study suggest otherwise. The decrease in the number of bacterial cells attached to the platinum-coated glass, which was observed within first three hours of culturing, was found to be a short-time effect, vanishing after 24 h. Consequently, it was shown that a thin layer of sputter-coated platinum did not exhibit any antibacterial effect. For this reason, this study indicates an urgent need for the development of new methods of surface modification that could reduce bacterial surface colonization of platinum-based biomedical devices.

Współczesne warunki życia spowodowały wydłużenie trwania życia i koegzystencję wielu pokoleń. Na rynku pracy mogą obecnie funkcjonować równocześnie tradycjonaliści oraz pokolenie Z, co stanowi wyzwanie dla zarządzających firmą oraz włodarzy jednostek samorządu terytorialnego. Dla regionu istotne jest zarówno pokolenie najmłodsze, które jest biegłe w korzystaniu z narzędzi informatycznych (gospodarka cyfrowa), jak i starsze pokolenie, które jest nośnikiem wiedzy. Wobec powyższego autorzy określili cel niniejszego artykułu jako identyfikację źródeł różnorodności pokoleniowej zasobów pracy i jej zróżnicowania przestrzennego w Polsce, a także wskazanie tendencji przestrzennych w rozwoju różnorodności pokoleniowej w latach 2003–2016 w skali powiatów. Ponadto artykuł wskazuje kluczowe obszary zarządzania generacjami w różnych skalach (od mikroekonomicznej przez mezoekonomiczną do krajowej), pozwalającego na uzyskanie wzmocnionego efektu synergicznego w zespołach międzypokoleniowych oraz niwelującego negatywne skutki różnorodności pokoleniowej. Z analizy trendów przestrzennych w kształtowaniu się demograficznej wymienialności pokoleń wynika, że milenialsi stanowią w skali kraju pokolenie o zmniejszającym się udziale w zaludnieniu w latach 2003–2016, ale to właśnie oni, wraz z nadchodzącym pokoleniem Z, będą kształtować w najbliższych latach rynek pracy, zwłaszcza w Wielkopolsce, na Pomorzu i Warmii oraz Mazurach. Jednak srebrną gospodarkę należy postrzegać jako szansę do wykorzystania przez regiony, np. poprzez rozwój opieki senioralnej. W kontekście rynku pracy kluczowe jest zrozumienie tego zagadnienia oraz stworzenie odpowiedniej komunikacji międzypokoleniowej w miejscu pracy.

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme and autoantigen expressed in thyroid and breast tissues. Thyroid TPO undergoes a complex maturation process however, nothing is known about post-translational modifications of breast-expressed TPO. In this study, we have investigated the biochemical properties of TPO expressed in normal and cancerous human breast tissues, and the maturation process and antigenicity of TPO present in a panel of human breast tissue-derived cell lines. We found that the molecular weight of breast TPO was slightly lower than that of thyroid TPO due to decreased glycosylation and as suggest results of Western blot also shorter amino acid chain. Breast TPO exhibit enzymatic activity and isoelectric point comparable to that of thyroid TPO. The biochemical properties of TPO expressed in mammary cell lines and normal thyrocytes are similar regarding glycan content, molecular weight and isoelectric point. However, no peroxidase activity and dimer formation was detected in any of these cell lines since the majority of TPO protein was localized in the cytoplasmic compartment, and the TPO expression at the cell surface was too low to detect its enzymatic activity. Lactoperoxidase, a protein highly homologous to TPO expressed also in breast tissues, does not influence the obtained data. TPO expressed in the cell lines was recognized by a broad panel of TPO-specific antibodies. Although some differences in biochemical properties between thyroid and breast TPO were observed, they do not seem to be critical for the overall three-dimensional structure. This conclusion is supported by the fact that TPO expressed in breast tissues and cell lines reacts well with conformation-sensitive antibodies. Taking into account a close resemblance between both proteins, especially high antigenicity, future studies should investigate the potential immunotherapies directed against breast-expressed TPO and its specific epitopes.

The aim of the study presented was to experimentally analyze an effect of the nutrient type and its concentration on the variability of rheological properties of the baker’s yeast suspensions for different time periods. Aqueous suspensions of the baker’s yeast of various concentration (solution I, without nutrient) and yeasts suspended in aqueous solution of sucrose or honey as nutrients with different concentration (solution II or solution III) were tested. Experiments were carried out using rotational rheoviscometer of type RT10 by a company HAAKE. The measurements were conducted for different time periods (from 1 h up to 144 h) at given fluid temperature. On the basis of the obtained data, rheological characteristics of the aqueous solution of baker’s yeast suspensions without and with nutrients of different sucrose or honey concentration were identified and mathematically described.

The research was undertaken to determine the effect of the biostimulant Kelpak SL, derived from brown seaweed species Ecklonia maxima (kelp), on structural and non-structural carbohydrates, as well as lignin content in orchard grass and Braun’s festulolium. The experiment was a split-plot arrangement with three replicates. It was set up at the experimental facility of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Siedlce, in late April 2009. The following factors were examined: an application of the plant growth regulator Kelpak SL applied at the rate of 2 dm3· ha-1 vs an untreated control (0 dm3· ha-1), pure sown grass species and cultivars grown in monoculture: Dactylis glomerata, cv. Amila and Tukan, as well as Festulolium braunii cv. Felopa and Agula. This study revealed that an application of Kelpak significantly reduced cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents of the grasses but significantly increased non-structural carbohydrates, regardless of the remaining factors. Non-structural carbohydrates were the highest in Kelpak-treated Festulolium braunii (on average, 232.7 g · kg-1).

Duration of the cell cycle in synchronously dividing cells of successive generation of antheridial filaments in Chara vulgaris L. was estimated on-the basis of labeling with 3H thymidine. Duration of the cell cycle is proportional to the volume of cells and with their decreasing in the consequence1 of consecutive divisions, the cell cycle becomes shorter. In the 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-cell generations the length of the S period remains constant, so the duration of the G2 period is gradually reduced.

Introduction Palisaded neutrophilic and granulomatous dermatitis (PNGD) are terms which include such diseases as rheumatoid nodules, Churg-Strauss granuloma, and interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with arthritis. This heterogeneous group was first described in 1965. It is associated with immunological diseases. There are reported cases of coexistence with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Wegener‘s granuloma, inflammatory bowel disease, generalized vascular inflammation, and lymphoproliferative disorders. The etiology of the disease is unknown. It is probable that the deposition of immune complexes in blood vessels leads to cutaneus leukocytoclastic vasculitis, degeneration of collagen fibres and palisaded granulomatous inflammation. Ultimately, this leads to fibrosis of the skin. Objective The aim of the study is to present a patient with skin lesions and histopathological features of palisaded neutrophilic and granulomatous dermatitis during the course of infection Borrelia burgdorferi. Several cases of this disease have been reported worldwide (30 entries in the PubMed database). To-date, there have been no reports of PNGD in Polish literature. Material and Methods The patient, aged 72, was admitted to hospital because of erythematous, indurated lesion of the skin on the side surface of the left thigh. Diagnosis of PNGD was made on the basis of typical histopathologic features due to clinical symptoms. Conclusions Clinical diagnosis of PNGD is difficult, and is based mainly on the histopathological picture. Systemic therapy is incorporated mainly due to the systemic disease. The patient requires further observation in the direction of associated systemic disorders.

The advantages of ultra-high-field (UHF ≥ 7T) MR have been demonstrated in a variety of MR acquisition modalities. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can particularly benefit from substantial gains in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution at UHF, enabling the quantification of numerous metabolites, including glutamate, glutamine, glutathione, and γ-aminobutyric acid that are relevant to psychiatric disorders. The aim of this review is to give an overview about the advantages and advances of UHF MRS and its application to psychiatric disorders. In order to provide a practical guide for potential applications of MRS at UHF, a literature review is given, surveying advantages and disadvantages of MRS at UHF. Key concepts, emerging technologies, practical considerations, and applications of UHF MRS are provided. Second, the strength of UHF MRS is demonstrated using some examples of its application in psychiatric disorders.

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is essential for physiological function of the thyroid gland. The high prevalence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) in patients with breast cancer and their protective role had previously been demonstrated, indicating a link between breast cancer and thyroid autoimmunity. Recently, TPO was shown to be present in breast cancer tissue samples but its antigenicity has not been analyzed.In this study, we investigated TPO expression levels in a series of fifty-six breast cancer samples paired with normal (peri-tumoral) tissue and its antigenic activity using a panel of well-characterized murine anti-human TPOAbs.We have shown that TPO transcripts were present in both normal and cancer tissue samples, although the amounts in the latter were reduced. Additionally, we observed that TPO levels are lower in more advanced cancers. TPO protein expression was confirmed in all tissue samples, both normal and cancerous. We also found that the antigenicity of the immunodominant regions (IDRs) in breast TPO resembles that of thyroid TPO, which is crucial for effective interactions with human TPOAbs.Expression of TPO in breast cancer together with its antigenic activity may have beneficial effects in TPOAb-positive breast cancer patients. However, further studies are needed to confirm the beneficial role of TPOAbs and to better understand the underlying mechanism.

The occurrence of cyanobacteria is particularly characteristic of shallow eutrophic waters, and they often form massive ‘blooms’ that can affect aquatic invertebrates and fish. However, even a low abundance of cyanobacteria can be hazardous to aquatic organisms, due to the production of toxic metabolites. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cyanobacteria and their toxicity (biological activity) towards zooplankton and fish communities, when only low concentrations of cyanobacterial chlorophyll a (less than 20 μg L-1) are detected, i.e. in sub-bloom conditions. Measurements were performed in Sulejow Reservoir (Central Poland), a shallow, lowland, eutrophic reservoir, in which cyanobacterial blooms occur regularly. Fish were assessed using echo-sounding (distribution) and by gillnetting (species composition). Simultaneously, zooplankton, cyanobacteria and physico-chemical characteristics were studied at 14 stations situated along hydroacoustic transects. Parameters that characterized the cyanobacteria (cyanobacterial chlorophyll a concentration, the number of 16S rRNA and the mcyA gene copies and microcystin (MC) concentration) were consistently correlated (based on a principal component analysis), and the highest values were found in the downstream region of the study area. This ‘cyano-complex’ was also positively correlated with oxygen concentration, pH and phosphate levels, but was negatively correlated with temperature and the concentrations of nitrates and nitrites. In Sulejow Reservoir in 2013 the biomass of large zooplankton filter feeders decreased along with increasing MC concentration and fish densities, while small filter feeders did not present such relationships with regards to fish densities. Fish abundance tended to decrease at stations with a lower abundance of cyanobacteria and with growing toxic genotype copies and MC concentration.

The paper presents the results of research on the relationship between self-assessed comprehension of physics lectures and final grades of junior high school students (aged 13-15), high school students (aged 16-18) and physics students at the Pedagogical University of Cracow, Poland (aged 21). Students' declared level of comprehension was measured during a physics lecture on a prearranged scale of 1-10 with the use of a personal response system designed for the purpose of this experiment. Through the use of this tool, we obtained about 2000 computer records of students' declared comprehension of a 45 min lecture, which we named "the spectrum of comprehension". In this paper, we present and analyse the correlation between students' declared comprehension of the content presented in the lecture and their final learning results. (Contains 7 figures.)

Recent demand for powering small sensors for wireless health monitoring triggered activities in the field of small size efficient energy harvesting devices. We examine energy harvesting in an aluminium beam with a piezoceramic patch subjected to kinematic harmonic excitation and impacts. Due to a mechanical stopper applied, inducing a hardening effect in the spring characteristic of the beam resonator, we observed a broader frequency range for the fairly large power output. Impact nonlinearities caused sensitivity to initial conditions and appearance of multiple solutions. The occurrence of resonant solution associated with impacts increased efficiency of the energy harvesting process.

Chitinophilic fungi in various types of water bodies (slough, pond, beach pool, two lakes and two rivers) were studied. Samples of water were collected every other month for hydrochemical analysis and once a month ( 1992 - 1994) in order to determine the fungus content. The wings of dragonfly and flies, carapaces of crayfish and potato beetle and the fructification of two mushrooms were used as bait. Thirty species of chitinophilic fungi were found in various types of water bodiss. Cytriomyces annulatus, Entophlyctis crenata, Obelidium megarrhizum, Rhopalophlyctis sareoptoides, Achlya colorata, A. megasperma and Dictyuchus monosporus represent new records as chitinophilic fungi. However, Entophlyctis crenata, Obelidium megarrhizum and Podochytrium chitinophilum reported for the first time from Poland.

The chitinophilic fungi in various types of water bodies (slough. ponds. lakes and rivers) was studied with reference to the chemical environment. The wings of flies, dragonfly and crayfish carapace were used as bait Fifty-six species of chitinophilic fungi were found in various types of water bodies.

Background Recently, at a time of frequent changes in the economic and socio-economic circumstances, knowledge acquired in the course of formal education is insufficient. Especially, the education system is still criticized for a lack of flexibility and strong resistance to change. Therefore, regular participation in various forms of training is required. Employee education and training are becoming an optimal answer to complex business challenges. The aim of this study was to determine which personality traits are responsible for the strength of motivation to undertake vocational training and other educational forms. Participants and procedure The study included 104 staff members of Polish companies (60 women and 44 men). The study used Cattell’s 16 PF Questionnaire and the scales of readiness to undertake training and further education as a measure of the strength of motivation (Kawecka, Łaguna & Tabor, 2010). Results The study showed that openness to change and tension (primary traits) had the greatest impact on the intention and planning to take vocational training. Additionally, the intention and planning to take vocational training were found to be associated with mindedness, independence, self-control, and anxiety (secondary traits). Such traits as rule-consciousness [G], social-boldness [H], abstractedness [M], and apprehension [O] (primary traits), were important in some aspects, which could constitute a background for further research and discussion of the results. Conclusions The obtained results lead to the conclusion that some of the individual differences in personality determine the motivation to undertake vocational training.

The emission of platinum group metals from different sources has caused elevated concentrations of platinum and palladium in samples of airborne particulate matter, soil, surface waters and sewage sludge. The ability of biomass of Aspergillus sp. and yeast Saccharomyces sp. for removal of Pt(IV) and Pd(II) from environmental samples was studied in this work. The pH of the solution, the mass of biosorbent, and contact time were optimized. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms and kinetic results were used for interpretation of the process equilibrium of Pt(IV) and Pd(II) on both microorganisms. The maximal efficiency of retention of Pt(IV) on yeast and fungi was obtained at acidic solutions (pH 2.0 for Pt(IV) and pH 2.5−3.5 for Pd(II)). The equilibrium of the biosorption process was attained within 45 min. The best interpretation for the experimental data was given by the Langmuir isotherm. Kinetics of the Pt and Pd adsorption process suit well the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Fungi Aspergillus sp. shows higher adsorption capacity for both metals than yeast Saccharomyces sp. The maximum adsorption capacity of fungi was 5.49 mg g−1 for Pt(IV) and 4.28 mg g−1 for Pd(II). The fungi possess the ability for efficient removal of studied ions from different wastewater samples (sewage and road run-off water). It was also demonstrated, that quantitative recovery of Pd from industrial wastes could be obtained by biosorption using Aspergillus sp.

Highly localized radiotherapy with radionuclides is a commonly used treatment modality for patients with unresectable solid tumors. Herein, we propose a novel α-nanobrachytherapy approach for selective therapy of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. This uses local intratumoral injection of 5-nm-diameter gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) labeled with an α-emitter (211At), modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains and attached to HER2-specific monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab). The size, shape, morphology, and zeta potential of the 5 nm synthesized AuNPs were characterized by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) techniques. The gold nanoparticle surface was modified by PEG and subsequently used for antibody immobilization. Utilizing the high affinity of gold for heavy halogens, the bioconjugate was labelled with 211At obtained by α irradiation of the bismuth target. The labeling yield of 211At was greater than 99%. 211At bioconjugates were stable in human serum. Additionally, in vitro biological studies indicated that 211At-AuNP-PEG-trastuzumab exhibited higher affinity and cytotoxicity towards the HER2-overexpressing human ovarian SKOV-3 cell line than unmodified nanoparticles. Confocal and dark field microscopy studies revealed that 211At-AuNP-PEG-trastuzumab was effectively internalized and deposited near the nucleus. These findings show promising potential for the 211At-AuNP-PEG-trastuzumab radiobioconjugate as a perspective therapeutic agent in the treatment of unresectable solid cancers expressing HER2 receptors.