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The ground reaction forces (GRF) associated with competitive alpine skiing, which are relatively large, might be asymmetric during left and right turns due to asymmetries in the strength of the legs and torso and the present investigation was designed to evaluate this possibility. While skiing a symmetrical, 20-gate slalom course, the asymmetries of 9 elite alpine skiers were calculated on the basis of measurements provided by inertial motion units (IMU), a Global Navigation Satellite System and pressure insoles. In addition, specialized dynamometers were utilized to assess potential asymmetry in the strength of their legs and torso in the laboratory. In total, seven variables related to GRF were assessed on-snow and eight related to strength of the legs and torso in the laboratory. The asymmetries in these parameters between left and right turns on snow were expressed in terms of the symmetry (SI) and Jaccard indices (JI), while the asymmetries between the left and right sides of the body in the case of the laboratory measurements were expressed as the SIs. The three hypotheses to be tested were examined using multivariable regression models. Our findings resulted in rejection of all three hypotheses: The asymmetries in total GRF (H1), as well as in the GRF acting on the inside and outside legs (H2) and on the rear- and forefeet GRF (H3) during left and right turns were not associated with asymmetries in parameters related to muscular strength. Nevertheless, this group of elite slalom skiers exhibited significant asymmetry between their right and left legs with respect to MVC during ankle flexion (0.53 ± 0.06 versus 0.60 ± 0.07 Nm/kg, respectively) and hip extension (2.68 ± 0.39 versus 2.17 ± 0.26 Nm/kg), as well as with respect to the GRFs on the inside leg while skiing (66.8 ± 7.39 versus 76.0 ± 10.0 %BW). As indicated by the JI values, there were also large asymmetries related to GRF as measured by pressure insoles (range: 42.7–56.0%). In conclusion, inter-limb asymmetries in GRFs during elite alpine skiing are not related to corresponding asymmetries in muscular strength. Although our elite athletes exhibited relatively small inter-limb asymmetries in strength, their asymmetries in GRF on-snow were relatively large.

Aufgrund der relativen und absoluten Chronologie der Lautveränderungen sowohl im bair. Alt- und Mittelhochdeutschen als auch im Urslawischen, Alpenslawischen und Frühslowenischen kann man für die (bair.-)ahd. und (bair.-)mhd. Lehnwörter im (dialektalen und Schrift-)Slowenischen, die die deutschen oder slawischen diagnostischen phonetischen Eigenschaften aufweisen, eine ziemlich präzise relative und absolute Chronologie der Entlehnungszeit festlegen. Für die Bestimmung der präziseren Entlehnungszeit der (bair.-)ahd. Lehnwörter im Slowenischen sind einige (bair.-)ahd. Lautveränderungen um ca. 750, 770 und 1050 wie auch einige späturslawische Lautveränderungen um ca. 800 von großer Bedeutung. Für die Bestimmung des genaueren Zeitpunktes der Entlehnung von (bair.-)mhd. Lehnwörtern im Slowenischen sind einige (bair.-)mhd. Lautveränderungen um ca. 1050, 1100, 1200 und 1250 bedeutsam.

Teoretická časť práce si kladie za úlohu podrobne, netradične a inovatívne spracovať pedagogiku M. Montessoriovej, ktorá je stále atraktívnym pedagogickým smerom ako v Českej republike, tak na Slovensku. Aj keď má vo svete storočné korene, v Českej republike a na Slovensku ide o alternatívu pomerne novú, nakoľko jednotný školský systém zavedený v týchto krajinách v roku 1948 a trvajúci takmer do konca 20. storočia, neumožnil využívať vedľa hlavného prúdu iné alternatívy. Empirická časť obsahuje pedagogický výskum kvantitatívneho dizajnu, realizovaný v Českej republike a na Slovensku s cieľom zistiť a zmapovať súčasný stav, úroveň a možnosti formálneho, neformálneho a informálneho vzdelávania učiteľov aj budúcich učiteľov slovenských a českých materských škôl.

Abstract Background The population of developed countries is aging, leading to an increase in the use of medication in daily practice, which can lead to serious treatment costs and irrational polypharmacy. A collaborative care approach, such as providing medication review service provided by a clinical pharmacist (CP), is a possible way to reduce drug-related problems and irrational polypharmacy. The aim of this study was to determinate whether a CP’s medication review service can improve the quality of drug prescribing in elderly patients treated with polypharmacy in primary care. Methods In a retrospective observational medical chart review study, patients aged 65 years or more in the period 2012–2014 who received 10 or more medications concomitantly and who were screened by a CP were included. Data on pharmacotherapy and CPs’ interventions were obtained from the patients’ medical records (non-electronic chart review). Potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) were determined with Lexicomp Online™ 3.0.2. Only potential X-type DDIs (pXDDIs) were included. Potentially inappropriate medications in the elderly (PIMs) were identified using the PRICUS list. Results Ninety-one patients were included. The CPs suggested 625 interventions, of which 304 (48.6%) were accepted by the general practitioners (GPs). After adopting the CPs’ interventions, the number of total medications decreased by 11.2% (p

The Mur ligases form a series of consecutive enzymes that participate in the intracellular steps of bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. They therefore represent interesting targets for antibacterial drug discovery. MurC, D, E and F are all ATP-dependent ligases. Accordingly, with the aim being to find multiple inhibitors of these enzymes, we screened a collection of ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors, on Escherichia coli MurC, D and F, and identified five promising scaffolds that inhibited at least two of these ligases. Compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 are multiple inhibitors of the whole MurC to MurF cascade that act in the micromolar range (IC50, 32–368 µM). NMR-assisted binding studies and steady-state kinetics studies performed on aza-stilbene derivative 1 showed, surprisingly, that it acts as a competitive inhibitor of MurD activity towards D-glutamic acid, and additionally, that its binding to the D-glutamic acid binding site is independent of the enzyme closure promoted by ATP.

The suitability of 2-dimensional Discrete Wavelet Transform (2D DWT) as a tool in image and video compression is nowadays indisputable. Wavelet based techniques such as JPEG2000 for image compression has a lot more to offer than conventional methods in terms of compression ratio. This paper presents DWT and the use of its compression properties in image processing and briefly describes convolutional implementation of the discrete wavelet transform. More specifically, it deals with lifting implementations of the discrete wavelet transform (LDWT). The main feature of the lifting scheme is that all constructions are derived in the spatial domain. LDWT does not require complex mathematical calculations unlike traditional methods and does not depend on Fourier transforms. The lifting scheme is used to generate second-generation wavelets, which are not necessarily translation and dilation of one particular function. This paper compares two most common types of implementation of LDWT, which are LDWT using a filter banks (FB) 5/3 and 9/7. Within the experiment, the compression properties of the LDWT implementations are compared.

The Arp2/3 complex is an actin nucleator shown to be required throughout plant morphogenesis, contributing to processes such as cell expansion, tissue differentiation or cell wall assembly. A recent publication demonstrated that plants lacking functional Arp2/3 complex also present defects in auxin distribution and transport. This work shows that Arp2/3 complex subunits are predominantly expressed in the provasculature, although other plant tissues also show promoter activity (e.g., cotyledons, apical meristems, or root tip). Moreover, auxin can trigger subunit expression, indicating a role of this phytohormone in mediating the complex activity. Further investigation of the functional interaction between Arp2/3 complex and auxin signaling also reveals their cooperation in determining pavement cell shape, presumably through the role of Arp2/3 complex in the correct auxin carrier trafficking. Young seedlings of arpc5 mutants show increased auxin-triggered proteasomal degradation of DII-VENUS and altered PIN3 distribution, with higher levels of the protein in the vacuole. Closer observation of vacuolar morphology revealed the presence of a more fragmented vacuolar compartment when Arp2/3 function is abolished, hinting a generalized role of Arp2/3 complex in endomembrane function and protein trafficking.

V prispevku sta predstavljeni relativna in absolutna kronologija (bavarsko)staro- in -srednjevisokonemških izposojenk v (narečni in knjižni) slovenščini, izdelani na osnovi relativne in absolutne kronologije diagnostičnih glasovnih sprememb tako v (bavarski) stari in srednji visoki nemščini kot v slovenščini oz. njenih starejših časovnih različicah. Podane so tudi nove glasoslovne interpretacije nekaterih nemških izposojenk v slovenščini, npr. skedȅnj, joger in šípa.

A novel wearable smart patch can monitor various aspects of physical activity, including the dynamics of running, but like any new device developed for such applications, it must first be tested for validity. Here, we compare the step rate while running in place as measured by this smart patch to the corresponding values obtained utilizing ‘‘gold standard’’ MEMS accelerometers in combination with bilateral force plates equipped with HBM load cells, as well as the values provided by a three-dimensional motion capture system and the Garmin Dynamics Running Pod. The 15 healthy, physically active volunteers (age = 23 ± 3 years; body mass = 74 ± 17 kg, height = 176 ± 10 cm) completed three consecutive 20-s bouts of running in place, starting at low, followed by medium, and finally at high intensity, all self-chosen. Our major findings are that the rates of running in place provided by all four systems were valid, with the notable exception of the fast step rate as measured by the Garmin Running Pod. The lowest mean bias and LoA for these measurements at all rates were associated consistently with the smart patch.

Periodontal disease is a chronic oral inflammatory disorder initiated by pathobiontic bacteria found in dental plaques—complex biofilms on the tooth surface. The disease begins as an acute local inflammation of the gingival tissue (gingivitis) and can progress to periodontitis, which eventually leads to the formation of periodontal pockets and ultimately results in tooth loss. The main problem in periodontology is that the diagnosis is based on the assessment of the already obvious tissue damage. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the current diagnostics used to assess periodontal disease. Using lipidomic analyses, we show that both crucial periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, synthesize ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE) species, membrane sphingolipids not typically found in vertebrates. Previously, it was shown that this particular lipid can be specifically detected by an aegerolysin protein, erylysin A (EryA). Here, we show that EryA can specifically bind to CPE species from the total lipid extract from P. gingivalis. Furthermore, using a fluorescently labelled EryA-mCherry, we were able to detect CPE species in clinical samples of dental plaque from periodontal patients. These results demonstrate the potential of specific periodontal pathogen-derived lipids as biomarkers for periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases.

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries are the producers of the most significant waste stream in the European Union. Known EU initiatives propose to deal with the issue of construction and demolition waste (CDW) according to the principles of a circular economy: the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle). CDW is generated during the whole life cycle of construction. The lack of information about the quantity of CDW during the design phase of building needed for sustainable design of construction was identified as a research gap. The aim of our research is to quantify construction and demolition waste during the construction design phase in a circular economy. The proposed method is based on the generation rate calculation method. This paper describes the proposed methodology for quantifying selected types of construction waste: excavated soil, concrete, and masonry. This information is essential from the point of view of a sustainable circular economy. The main contributions of the paper were identified during the decision-making process of sustainable building design, during the audit of CDW management, and during building information modelling as a support tool for CDW management. As early as the construction design phase, there is the possibility of choosing technologies, construction processes, and materials that have a higher degree of circularity in the economy.

Background: To report changes in body composition and biochemical parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) after switching from multiple daily injection (MDI) to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Methods: 31 patients switched over from MDI to CSII. Body composition, biochemical parameters, glycaemic variability (GV) and level of physical activity were evaluated before and 6 months on CSII. Results: In both sexes, we found an increase in skeletal muscle mass (SMM), (p = 0.008; 0.008). In men, there was mainly a decrease in visceral fat area (VFA), (p = 0.028) and in women there was decrease of total body fat (TBF), (p = 0.020) and non-significant decrease of VFA (p = 0.098). SMM inversely correlated with VFA in men (p = –0.001) and with TBF in women (p = –0.005 ). GV was decreased generally and correlated inversely with TBF in men only (p = –0.026). Physical activity was increased and correlated inversely with VFA in men (p = –0.002) and in women (p = –0.006). Conclusions: Using CSII in T1D leads to a significant increase of SMM in both sexes to a decrease of VFA in men and to a non-significant decrease of VFA in women. Changes in adipose tissue and SMM were also related to increased physical activity and to decreased GV.

Procedure of criticality calculations and uncertainty evaluations currently has several insufficiencies which could lead to potential non–conservativeness. Paper discuss and describes possibilities of elimination of these insufficiencies and thereby ensuring safely sub–critical results of calculations. Selection of experiments for validation based on similarity coefficients between systems acquired from TSUNAMI-IP is used for this purpose. TSUNAMI-IP operates with sensitivity of multiplication factor to cross sections of individual isotopes and reactions between compared systems. Moreover, TSUNAMI-IP determines uncertainty of calculations brought in using insufficiently similar experiments. Within research, effects of variable parameters used in calculations inputs are investigated. In conclusion optimized suggested approach for validations and uncertainty evaluation using TSUNAMI module from SCALE based on knowledge acquired within research is described.

Introduction: This paper shows the impact of effect of the training indicators to the sport performance of the Olympic and world champion in the men's 50-kilometer race-walk Matej Tóth in year training cycles YTC - year training cycles 2013/2014 to YTC 2015/2016. Method: The basis of the analysis were the training volume indicators and the annual sport performance. Nonparametric procedures were chosen according to the assessment of the normality of file layout. Differences between the completed volume were evaluated statistically (Z) and substantively (“r”). The nonparametric algorithm CART was used for the construction of the regression trees. Result:By the CART method were selected training indicators which showed in the individual YTC high tightness with racewalking performance. In the YTC 2013/2014 (50 km 3:36:21 h; 20 km: 1:19:48 h) indicators of tempo endurance, special intensive and extensive tempo endurance has enforced in the model. Peak of the YTC 2014/2015 (50 km 3:34:38 hod; 20 km 1:20:21 hod) were the World Championships in Beijing. Intense special endurance, intense aerobic endurance and extensive tempo endurance have been enforced between the predictors of the walking performance. The training loss in the Olympic YTC 2015/2016 (50km 3:40:58h) had caused the reduced volume of the total load and walk training indicators. The reduced volume was compensated by increased volume of the cross-country skiing, training adds and by the walking at an extensive aerobic rate. This fact was reflected in the low number of regression tree factors. Number of training units and extensive special endurance came to the fore for the 50 km performance. Conclusion: In all YTC the impact of special endurance on sport performance has been proved. The specific periodization YTC showed cumulative effect of rate and aerobic endurance or training units.

Abstract Background Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical disease, and appendectomy is the treatment of choice in the majority of cases. A correct diagnosis is key for decreasing the negative appendectomy rate. The management can become difficult in case of complicated appendicitis. The aim of this study is to describe the worldwide clinical and diagnostic work-up and management of AA in surgical departments. Methods This prospective multicenter observational study was performed in 116 worldwide surgical departments from 44 countries over a 6-month period (April 1, 2016–September 30, 2016). All consecutive patients admitted to surgical departments with a clinical diagnosis of AA were included in the study. Results A total of 4282 patients were enrolled in the POSAW study, 1928 (45%) women and 2354 (55%) men, with a median age of 29 years. Nine hundred and seven (21.2%) patients underwent an abdominal CT scan, 1856 (43.3%) patients an US, and 285 (6.7%) patients both CT scan and US. A total of 4097 (95.7%) patients underwent surgery; 1809 (42.2%) underwent open appendectomy and 2215 (51.7%) had laparoscopic appendectomy. One hundred eighty-five (4.3%) patients were managed conservatively. Major complications occurred in 199 patients (4.6%). The overall mortality rate was 0.28%. Conclusions The results of the present study confirm the clinical value of imaging techniques and prognostic scores. Appendectomy remains the most effective treatment of acute appendicitis. Mortality rate is low.

Hyaluronan (HA) comprises a fundamental component of the extracellular matrix and participates in a variety of biological processes. Half of the total amount of HA in the human body is present in the skin. HA exhibits a dynamic turnover; its half-life in the skin is less than one day. Nevertheless, the specific participants in the catabolism of HA in the skin have not yet been described in detail, despite the essential role of HA in cutaneous biology. A deeper knowledge of the processes involved will act to support the development of HA-based topical and implantable materials and enhance the understanding of the various related pathological cutaneous conditions. This study aimed to characterize the distribution and activity of hyaluronidases and the other proteins involved in the degradation of HA in healthy human full-thickness skin, the epidermis and the dermis. Hyaluronidase activity was detected for the first time in healthy human skin. The degradation of HA occurred in lysates at an acidic pH. HA gel zymography revealed a single band corresponding to approximately 50 kDa. This study provided the first comprehensive view of the distribution of canonic HA-degrading proteins (HYAL1 and HYAL2) in human skin employing IHF and IHC. Furthermore, contrary to previous assumptions TMEM2, a novel hyaluronidase, as well as CEMIP, a protein involved in HA degradation, were localized in the human epidermis, as well as in the dermis.

Aerodynamic drag is a major cause of energy losses during alpine ski racing. Here we developed two models for monitoring the aerodynamic drag on elite alpine skiers in the technical disciplines. While 10 skiers assumed standard positions (high, middle, tuck) with exposure to different wind speeds (40, 60, and 80 km/h) in a wind tunnel, aerodynamic drag was assessed with a force plate, shoulder height with video-based kinematics, and cross-sectional area with interactive image segmentation. The two regression models developed had 3.9–7.7% coefficients of variation and 4.5–16.5% relative limits of agreement. The first was based on the product of the coefficient of aerodynamic drag and cross-sectional area (Cd∙S) and the second on the coefficient of aerodynamic drag Cd and normalized cross-sectional area of the skier Sn, both expressed as a function of normalized shoulder height (hn). In addition, normative values for Cd (0.75 ± 0.09–1.17 ± 0.09), Sn (0.51 ± 0.03–0.99 ± 0.05), hn (0.48 ± 0.03–0.79 ± 0.02), and Cd∙S (0.23 ± 0.03–0.66 ± 0.09 m2) were determined for the three different positions and wind speeds. Since the uncertainty in the determination of energy losses due to aerodynamic drag relative to total energy loss with these models is expected to be

In this paper, we investigate the influence of the following parameters: pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, line-to-line and pulse-to-pulse overlaps, and scanning strategy on the ablation of AISI 316L steel and CuZn37 brass with a nanosecond, 1064-nm, Yb fiber laser. The results show that the material removal rate (MRR) increases monotonically with pulse duration up to the characteristic repetition rate (f0) where pulse energy and average power are maximal. The maximum MRR is reached at a repetition rate that is equal or slightly higher as f0. The exact value depends on the correlation between the fluence of the laser pulses and the pulse repetition rate, as well as on the material properties of the sample. The results show that shielding of the laser beam by plasma and ejected material plays an important role in reducing the MRR. The surface roughness is mainly influenced by the line-to-line and the pulse-to-pulse overlaps, where larger overlap leads to lower roughness. Process optimization indicates that while operating with laser processing parameters resulting in the highest MRR, the best ratio between the MRR and surface roughness appears at ~50% overlap of the laser pulses, regardless of the material being processed.

Abstract Background The main purpose of the research was to evaluate the implementation of the drug checking service in Slovenia and to obtain the opinion of users included in harm reduction programmes for high-risk drug users and of drug users in nightlife settings on drug checking, the reasons for drug checking, and their attitude towards adulterants in the drugs that they use. Methods The two final unrepresentative research samples included 102 respondents from harm reduction programmes and 554 respondents from the online sample. The questionnaire was designed based on analysis of the interviews conducted with professionals from the programmes, who took part in the drug checking project, and based on previous research on drug use in nightlife. Results The main findings related to users’ opinions on the drug checking service are that users from both samples perceive drug checking as a contribution to risk reduction and that they find providing information for them about the harmful adulterants and substances that they use very important. In addition, users from both samples considered accessibility of the drug checking service as very important and would be in favour of brief counselling at the collection of the drug sample. One of the salient differences between samples was that nightlife drug users found it more important to recognise substances in the drugs that they use. Conclusions Drug users from two different samples attach a relatively high importance to the drug checking service, and they consider it to be a contribution to risk reduction. As well as drug users in nightlife settings, high-risk drug users also perceive the drug checking service to be important, which is relevant in the phase of planning drug checking services outside the context of nightlife and for the act of incorporating these services into contemporary harm reduction policy.

For a detailed biomechanical analysis of roller-ski skating a precise measurement of ground reaction forces is needed in addition to the measurement of the kinematic parameters. An innovative portable force measuring system was developed from processed roller-skis and ski poles equipped with strain gauges. The measuring system can measure normal (with respect to the upper surface of the roller-ski) and transverse forces (in the axial direction of the wheel) on each wheel, and axial forces in the ski poles. Force sensors are connected by cables to the data acquisition system carried in a backpack by the runner. In case of terrain usage, also a portable computer and a power supply are carried in the backpack. Calibration procedure for this measurement system is presented and measurement uncertainty of the sensors is calculated. The estimated measurement uncertainty of the entire measuring chain of individual roller-ski sensor, at a confidence level of 95 %, is up to ± 2,34 % of the maximum calibration forces. For the sensors of the poles this value makes up to ± 1,47 % of the maximum calibration force. Sample data from a roller-ski skating trial on a treadmill is presented and interpreted.

Building design and project planning face significant challenges in the 21st century. On the one hand, it is the requirement of building users. On the other hand, new possibilities and technologies contribute to the overall efficiency of construction projects. The progress of information and communication technologies is one of the most extensive opportunities that can significantly streamline designing sustainable buildings. The big data concept is increasingly being implemented in all areas of industry. The design of buildings and the entire civil engineering industry is where these processes are becoming automated with the help of information technology. Supply chain management based on information systems represents a great potential in the design of buildings and planning of construction projects in materials procurement. These facts lead to the assumption that the concept of big data and supply chain management systems can effectively influence the sustainable design of buildings. These technologies are expected to improve economic sustainability by reducing costs and shortening materials’ delivery time and construction time. The research is carried out on a sample of construction projects. The level of use of the concept of big data and SCM systems and their impact on economic sustainability in the form of parameters such as construction project costs, delivery time of materials and building construction were examined. Data collection took place through a questionnaire survey. Within the used methods, this research worked data-free but also scaled to the Likert scale. Data processing was performed using Pearson dependence and the use of a correlation coefficient. The main goal of the research was to analyze the impact of using the concept of big data and supply chain management on the cost of the building, the time of delivery of materials and the construction of the building. It was found that the use of SCM and BD has an impact on the monitored parameters, and the correlation rate is high.

Landslides are the most common geodynamic phenomenon in Slovakia, and the most affected area is the northwestern part of the Kysuca River Basin, in the Western Carpathian flysch zone. In this paper, we evaluate the susceptibility of this region to landslides using logistic regression and random forest models. We selected 15 landslide conditioning factors as potential predictors of a dependent variable (landslide susceptibility). Classes of factors with too detailed divisions were reclassified into more general classes based on similarities of their characteristics. Association between the conditioning factors was measured by Cramer’s V and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Models were trained on two types of datasets—balanced and stratified, and both their classification performance and probability calibration were evaluated using, among others, area under ROC curve (AUC), accuracy (Acc), and Brier score (BS) using 5-fold cross-validation. The random forest model outperformed the logistic regression model in all considered measures and achieved very good results on validation datasets with average values of AUCval=0.967, Accval=0.928, and BSval=0.079. The logistic regression model results also indicate the importance of assessing the calibration of predicted probabilities in landslide susceptibility modelling.

Oxidative stress is associated with a wide range of diseases characterised by oxidant-mediated disturbances of various signalling pathways and cellular damage. The only effective strategy for the prevention of cellular damage is to limit the production of oxidants and support their efficient removal. The implication of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the cellular redox status has spurred new interest in the use of its natural modulators (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol). Unfortunately, most natural Nrf2 modulators are poorly soluble and show extensive pre-systemic metabolism, low oral bioavailability, and rapid elimination, which necessitates formulation strategies to circumvent these limitations. This paper provides a brief introduction on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in Nrf2 modulation and an overview of commonly studied formulations for the improvement of oral bioavailability and in vivo pharmacokinetics of Nrf2 modulators. Some formulations that have also been studied in vivo are discussed, including solid dispersions, self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems, and nanotechnology approaches, such as polymeric and solid lipid nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and micelles. Lastly, brief considerations of nano drug delivery systems for the delivery of Nrf2 modulators to the brain, are provided. The literature reviewed shows that the formulations discussed can provide various improvements to the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of natural Nrf2 modulators. This has been demonstrated in animal models and clinical studies, thereby increasing the potential for the translation of natural Nrf2 modulators into clinical practice.

The performance of attractive Ni-based composites can be affected by changing their microstructures, e.g., introducing pores. Here, we report a novel, relatively low-cost process to fabricate Ni/Al2O3 composites with open porosity modified by the size of Al2O3 particles. The mixture of powders was subjected to thermal oxidation twice in air after a maximal temperature of 800 °C was reached in a stepwise manner and maintained for 120 min. The oxidation kinetics were determined thermogravimetrically. The open porosity was evaluated by an Archimedes’ principle-based method. Localization and quantification of NiO, newly formed on the Ni particle surface and acting as a mechanical bonding agent, were explored by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Larger ceramic particles prevented merging of NiO layers on adjacent Ni particles more efficiently; therefore, the open porosity increased from 21% to 24.2% when the Al2O3 particle diameter was increased from 5–20 µm to 32–45 µm. Because both Ni/Al2O3 composites exhibited similar flexural strength, the composite with larger Al2O3 particles and the higher open porosity could be a better candidate for infiltration by molten metal, or it can be directly used in a variety of filtration applications.

Quinazolinones represent an important scaffold in medicinal chemistry with diverse biological activities. Here, two series of 2-substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-ones were synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidant properties using three different methods, namely DPPH, ABTS and TEACCUPRAC, to obtain key information about the structure–antioxidant activity relationships of a diverse set of substituents at position 2 of the main quinazolinone scaffold. Regarding the antioxidant activity, ABTS and TEACCUPRAC assays were more sensitive and gave more reliable results than the DPPH assay. To obtain antioxidant activity of 2-phenylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, the presence of at least one hydroxyl group in addition to the methoxy substituent or the second hydroxyl on the phenyl ring in the ortho or para positions is required. An additional ethylene linker between quinazolinone ring and phenolic substituent, present in the second series (compounds 25a and 25b), leads to increased antioxidant activity. Furthermore, in addition to antioxidant activity, the derivatives with two hydroxyl groups in the ortho position on the phenyl ring exhibited metal-chelating properties. Our study represents a successful use of three different antioxidant activity evaluation methods to define 2-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 21e as a potent antioxidant with promising metal-chelating properties.

This paper traces the practice of choral singing of the three major ethnolinguistic groups – Italians, Slovenians, Germans – in pre-war Trieste, while the city was still part of the Habsburg Monarchy. Through widespread reviews in the media, choral singing in different social and linguistic contexts became politicised, with the goal of establishing political and national alliances.

Abstract Background The role of vaspin in the pathogenesis of stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) have been repeatedly addressed in clinical studies. However, from the point of view of clinical practice, the results of earlier studies are still inconclusive. Methods The data of 106 SCAD patients who received coronary angiography and 85 coronary artery disease-free controls were collected and analysed. The patients were divided into subgroups according to their pre-test probability (PTP) and according to the result of coronary angiography. Fasting vaspin concentrations were compared between subgroups of SCAD patients and between target group and controls. The effect of age and smoking on the result of coronary angiography was compared to the effect of vaspin using the binomial regression. Results We did not find significant difference in vaspin level between target group and controls. Unless the pre-test probability was taken into account, we did not find vaspin difference in the target group, when dividing patients on the basis of presence/absence of significant coronary stenosis. In the subgroup of SCAD patients with PTP between 15% – 65%, those with significant coronary stenoses had higher mean vaspin concentration (0,579 ± 0,898 ng/ml) than patients without significant stenoses. (0,379 ± 0,732 ng/ml) (t = −2595; p = 0,012; d = 0,658; 1-β = 0,850). Age, smoking status and vaspin significantly contributed to the HSCS prediction in binomial regression model in patients with low PTP (OR: 1.1, 4.9, 8.7, respectively). Conclusion According to our results, vaspin cannot be used as an independent marker for the presence of CAD in general population. However, our results indicate that measuring vaspin in SCAD patients might be clinically useful in patients with PTP below 66%.

Alpine skis with wider waist widths have recently become more popular. With such skis, the contact point of the ground reaction force during ski turns is displaced more medially from beneath the sole of the outer ski, which may present an increased risk of injury. The aim of this study was to investigate knee joint kinetics, kinematics, and lower limb muscle activation as a function of changes of the ski waist width in a laboratory setting. A custom skiing simulator was constructed to enable simulation of different ski waist widths in a quasi-static ski turn position. An optical system was used for capturing knee joint kinematics of the outer leg, whereas a force plate was used to determine the ground reaction force vector. The combination of both systems enabled values for external torques acting on the knee joint to be calculated, whereas electromyographic measurements enabled an analysis of knee flexor muscle activation. With respect to the outer ski, the knee joint external torques were independent of ski waist width, whereas knee joint external rotation and biceps femoris activation increased significantly with the increase of the ski waist width. Skier muscle and kinematics adaptation most probably took place to diminish the external knee joint torque changes when the waist width of the ski was increased. The laboratory results suggest that using skis with large waist widths on hard, frozen surfaces may change the load of knee joint surfaces. However, future research is needed to clarify if this may result in the increased risk of knee injury.

Chinese actions in the South China Sea are often viewed as proof of an assertive China, despite the Chinese claims that their Confucian values make China a peaceful power. This paper analyzes the South China Sea conflict through a prism of strategic culture theory and examines both the Chinese narrative on the conflict as well as the actual Chinese behavior in the area. Confucian norms and values provide a powerful rhetoric device utilized by the Chinese policymakers to legitimize the Chinese behavior to the domestic and to some extent also foreign audiences. However, the actual Chinese behavior rarely exhibits strong influences of Confucianism, suggesting that in actual behavior China acts in accord with realist predictions.

Management of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is complicated due to its progressive nature, the individual patient heterogeneity, and the wide range of signs, symptoms, and daily activities that are increasingly affected over its course. The last 10–15 years have seen great progress in the identification, evaluation, and management of PD, particularly in the advanced stages. Highly specialized information can be found in the scientific literature, but updates do not always reach general neurologists in a practical and useful way, potentially creating gaps in knowledge of PD between them and neurologists subspecialized in movement disorders, resulting in several unmet patient needs. However, general neurologists remain instrumental in diagnosis and routine management of PD. This review provides updated practical information to identify problems and resolve common issues, particularly when the advanced stage is suspected. Some tips are provided for efficient communication with the members of a healthcare team specialized in movement disorders, in order to find support at any stage of the disease in a given patient, and especially for a well-timed decision on referral.

In this paper the authors analyse the introduced model of genuine corporate criminal liability in the Slovak Republic. Genuine corporate criminal liability is described in a more simplified way through the obligatory elements of corporate criminal liability. The authors also focus and conclude on practical reflections about potential excesses in the enforcement of the corporate criminal liability.