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We demonstrate strain-balanced InAs/AlSb type-II superlattices (T2SL) grown on GaSb substrates employing two kinds of interfaces (IFs): AlAs-like IF and InSb-like IF. The structures are obtained by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for effective strain management, simplified growth scheme, improved material crystalline quality, and improved surface quality. The minimal strain T2SL versus GaSb substrate can be achieved by a special shutters sequence during MBE growth that leads to the formation of both interfaces. The obtained minimal mismatches of the lattice constants is smaller than that reported in the literature. The in-plane compressive strain of 60-period InAs/AlSb T2SL 7ML/6ML and 6ML/5ML was completely balanced by the applied IFs, which is confirmed by the HRXRD measurements. The results of the Raman spectroscopy (measured along the direction of growth) and surface analyses (AFM and Nomarski microscopy) of the investigated structures are also presented. Such InAs/AlSb T2SL can be used as material for a detector in the MIR range and, e.g., as a bottom n-contact layer as a relaxation region for a tuned interband cascade infrared photodetector.

Introduction International recommendations are intended to help rheumatologists in the effective management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through an evidence-based approach. This research aimed to evaluate management patterns and associated difficulties encountered by rheumatologists in daily practice. Material and methods Interviewers recruited 101 Polish rheumatologists in a random quota-based, nationwide sample of outpatient clinics. Quantitative data were input online using a computer-assisted web interview tool. Results Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are not initiated at the time of diagnosis in 15% of RA patients, most often due to difficulties in patient-provider communication. The RA activity is assessed every 4 to 6 months by 30% of rheumatologists, and 64% of patients are reported to never achieve remission. Composite indices are the most reliable indicators of remission only for 38% of responders. Despite inadequate disease control with ≥ 2 treatment schedules with synthetic DMARDs, 34% of these patients are not considered for biological DMARDs (bDMARDs). Contraindications and reimbursement barriers are the most frequently stated reasons. Therapy with glucocorticoid (GC) lasting over 3 months is reported by 70% of rheumatologists. International recommendations are stated as the most common basis for treatment decisions. Conclusions Awareness of recommendations is not sufficient to ensure their application in clinical practice. Inadequate management of RA is quite prevalent, with a substantial contribution of non-medical factors. Daily practice mainly deviates from guidelines regarding frequency and mode of monitoring measures, time to DMARD initiation, and duration of GC treatment. Education programs and policy changes may significantly narrow the gap between evidence and practice.

Farmers’ Wives’ Association are the most popular form of women’s self-organization in rural areas with a long tradition dating back to the 19th century. The aim of the presented research was to seek an answer to the question of what motives guide people joining Farmers’ Wives’ Associations and what factors influence their functioning. The concept of neo-endogenous development, based on the use of endogenous (local) resources to acquire exogenous (external) resources, is presented. Neo-endogenous mechanisms allow for better identification of development needs and targeted involvement of external resources in meeting them. The basis of these mechanisms is local social capital concentrated, for example, in the village housewives’ circles. A survey was conducted using a custom survey questionnaire, created on the ProfiTest platform. 52 Associations correctly completed the questionnaire. For today’s Farmers’ Wives’ Association, the most important activities are those aimed at the development of localities and the cultivation of local and regional culture. In the aspect of neo-endogenous development, it is important to emphasize the influence of both endogenous and exogenous (the possibility of raising funds) factors on the significant increase in the interest of local communities in this form of cooperation.

Background/Objectives: Increasing drugs’ stability and adequately protecting them against degradation will ensure a decrease in their price and broader availability of pharmaceutical substances. This is of great importance, especially for drugs used to treat the most common diseases in the population, such as hypertension. The study examined two newly synthesized substances from the angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) group as potential drugs. ACEIs are among the leading drugs used in the treatment of hypertension in the world. The chemical modifications of the tested substances applied concerned the places most susceptible to degradation. The presented work analyzed the compatibility of new derivatives with selected excipients used in pharmacy. Methods: Thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal analyses (c-DTA) were used as the main methods. In addition, non-thermal methods such as colorimetry analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and UV spectroscopy were used. Results: Based on the conducted studies, it can be concluded that the incompatibility of IND-1 with glucose anhydrous and lactose monohydrate occurs only when the mixture is stored at higher temperatures. For the remaining IND-1 and IND-2 mixtures with excipients, compatibility was demonstrated. Conclusions: The obtained results confirmed the usefulness of the applied thermal analyses (TGA and c-DTA) for assessing the compatibility of the tested potential drugs with excipients. However, in the case of incompatibility reactions of substances occurring under the influence of elevated temperatures, such as the Maillard reaction, it is necessary to use non-thermal methods to obtain the right result.

Artykuł poświęcony jest gramatyce języka polskiego Polnische SprachᵙKunst (1734), autorstwa Jerzego Schlaga, Niemca uczącego języka polskiego na Śląsku. Podręcznik Schlaga wyróżnia się spośród współczesnych mu gramatyk poprzez zamierzoną przez autora rezygnację z terminologii gramatycznej oraz odejście od schematu opisu języka przejętego z tradycji łacińskiej. Artykuł przedstawia, na czym polega nowatorstwo opisu systemu języka zaproponowanego przez Schlaga oraz w jakim stopniu zrealizował autor zamiar odrzucenia terminologii.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension significantly contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these conditions. This systematic review conducts a thorough analysis of the literature, with a specific focus on investigating miRNA expression patterns in patients with CAD and hypertension. This review encompasses an unspecified number of eligible studies that employed a variety of patient demographics and research methodologies, resulting in diverse miRNA expression profiles. This review highlights the complex involvement of miRNAs in CAD and hypertension and the potential for advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Future research endeavors are imperative to validate these findings and elucidate the precise roles of miRNAs in disease progression, offering promising avenues for innovative diagnostic tools and targeted interventions.

Location is crucial when it comes to reducing the energy demand of buildings. Deterministic mathematical models of the energy demand of a single-family building were developed for the cities of Wrocław and Suwałki, representing the mild and severe climatic conditions of Poland, respectively, and compared with energy demand for Białystok, representing medium conditions. Models include the windows area, heat transfer coefficient, solar radiation transmittance of glazing, and orientation of windows. For medium conditions (Białystok), the energy demand is 18.3% higher than for mild conditions (Wrocław) and 7.3% lower than for severe climate conditions (Suwałki). Location does not influence the nature of the effect of the factors on energy demand, which increases with an increase in heat transfer coefficient and a decrease in window area, glazing solar radiation transmittance, and orientation change from north to south. The large impact of solar gains was proved. The optimisation procedure was performed and mathematical descriptions of recommended parameters were created to ensure the equivalent energy efficiency of windows for each orientation and location. For Bialystok, north-facing windows can have an area 1.32 times larger and south-facing windows 1.48 times smaller than east-facing windows to ensure a building’s energy demand remains constant.

Solid dispersions are a promising approach to enhance the dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs. Solid crystalline formulations show a fast drug dissolution and a high thermodynamic stability. To understand the mechanisms leading to the faster dissolution of solid crystalline formulations, physical mixtures of the poorly soluble drugs celecoxib, naproxen and phenytoin were investigated in the flow through cell (apparatus 4). The effect of drug load, hydrodynamics in the flow through cell and particle size reduction in co-milled physical mixtures were studied. A carrier- and drug-enabled dissolution could be distinguished. Below a certain drug load, the limit of drug load, carrier-enabled dissolution occurred, and above this value, the drug defined the dissolution rate. For a carrier-enabled behavior, the dissolution kinetics can be divided into a first fast phase, a second slow phase and a transition phase in between. This study contributes to the understanding of the dissolution mechanism in solid crystalline formulations and is thereby valuable for the process and formulation development.

This study aims to present changes in the competitive positions of the dairy farms from EU countries with the highest milk production in 2020. The assessment was based on data from the FADN system for the years 2014–2021 and covered average and large dairy farms from five EU countries: Germany, France, The Netherlands, Italy, and Poland. To assess the competitive positions of dairy farms from the selected EU countries, we developed the Synthetic Measure of Competitive Position based on the resource-based theory of enterprises. The conducted research showed that: (1) average dairy farms in Poland had the lowest production potential resulting from their possessed resources. (2) The highest value of the Synthetic Measure of Competitive Position for 2014–2021 was achieved by average dairy farms from Germany and their position in the ranking strengthened throughout the analyzed period. (3) The same analysis conducted on the group of large dairy farms showed that the competitive position, measured with the Synthetic Measure of Competitive Position, was the highest in the case of Polish dairy farms.

Bioart or transgenic art is a new and rapidly developing form of artistic activity that uses genetic engineering techniques to create a new and unique form of life. The article explores the creation and manipulation of life through the examples of three types of transgenic art projects: works by Eduardo Kac, performance, and the creation of semi-living organisms. The main aim of the article is to present the phenomenon of bioart against the background of fundamental dogmatic truths concerning creation and man, and then to draw theological conclusions. The addressed issues concern interspecies boundaries, bioartists’ interference with life, and man’s place in the world. An analysis and reflection of this kind reveals the transcendental nature of life in terms of its creatureliness in relation to God, places fundamental truths at the forefront, refers to theological and biblical terminology, and shows theological anthropology as the most appropriate place to understand the essence of life.

The European Union dairy sector plays a significant role in supplying dairy products to consumers all over the world. The aim of this study was to examine changes in the return on equity as one of the main financial indicators determining the economic viability of EU dairy farms in the years 2004–2020. The analysis based on the DuPont model was used to determine the main drivers of return on equity in dairy farms from the five studied EU countries. The research results show that (1) the lowest return on equity in the years 2004–2020 was calculated for average farms from the Netherlands, and the reason for this phenomenon was the use of significant assets in the production, mainly resources that are very expensive in the Netherlands—land and human labor; (2) the highest return on equity was characteristic of dairy farms from France, and the factor strongly determining the favorable value of this ratio was the high degree of financing assets with low-interest loans and credits; (3) despite the lowest production potential and small scale of milk production, average Polish farms in the years 2004–2020 were characterized by a relatively high return on equity, which ranged from 4.97% to 14.9%.

Abstract The digit ratio (2D:4D) is said to be a potential marker of exposure to prenatal sex steroids. Some studies suggest that the 2D:4D is also linked with the testosterone response to challenging situations due to organizational effect of prenatal hormonal milieu on adult endocrine functioning. However, up to date, there were only four studies (conducted on small samples) that examined the 2D:4D and the testosterone response to a challenging situation (i.e. physical exertion or aggressive context). Here, we examined the relationship between the 2D:4D and the testosterone change under an acute exercise among 97 men. We found that the digit ratios (the right 2D:4D, the left 2D:4D, and the right minus left 2D:4D) were neither predictors of pre-exercise testosterone, nor the change in testosterone level after a cycling task. Our results add a contradictory to previous studies evidence in a discussion on the links of the 2D:4D and the testosterone change.

Abstract Background Adenomyosis is a uterine dysfunction defined as the presence of endometrial glands within the myometrium. There is evidence that proangiogenic factors may play a role during the development of adenomyosis; however, exact mechanism remains unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the action of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in uterine tissue and uterine vascular endothelial cells during adenomyosis. Results Uterine tissues were collected and examined for the presence and extent of adenomyosis. Gene and protein expression of VEGFA and its two receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) was evaluated with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively, in endometrium and myometrium during adenomyosis. Immunolocalization of VEGFA and its receptors within uterine tissues during adenomyosis was also determined. In an in vitro experiment, endothelial cells from non-adenomyotic bovine uteri were treated with media conditioned by non-adenomyotic or adenomyotic uterine slices treated with 17-beta-oestradiol (E2) or progesterone (P4). Both gene and protein expression of VEGFR2 were elevated in endometrium in stages 3–4 of adenomyosis. Protein expression of VEGFA and VEGFR2 as well as VEGFA secretion were increased in endothelial cells treated with media conditioned by adenomyotic uterine slices after E2 treatment. Conclusions Results suggest that VEGFA signalling is an important component, next to E2, that enhances VEGFA action and participates in adenomyosis development in cows.

In this study, novel hybrid materials exhibiting luminescent properties were prepared and characterized. A top-down approach obtained a series of polymeric materials with incorporated different amounts (0.1; 0.2; 0.5; 1, and 2 wt.%) of dopants, i.e., europium(III) and terbium(III) 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylates, as luminescent sources. Methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A diacrylate monomers were applied for matrix formation. The resulting materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis methods (TG-DTG-DSC, TG-FTIR) in air and nitrogen atmosphere, as well as by luminescence spectroscopy. The homogeneity of the resulting materials was investigated by means of optical microscopy. All obtained materials exhibited good thermal stability in both oxidizing and inert atmospheres. The addition of lanthanide(III) complexes slightly changed the thermal decomposition pathways. The main volatile products of materials pyrolysis are carbon oxides, water, methyl methacrylic acid and its derivatives, bisphenol A, 4-propylphenol, and methane. The luminescence properties of the lanthanide complexes and the prepared hybrid materials were investigated in detail.

The participation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in ovarian function in cattle is still not fully understood. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine: (i) the immunolocalization, mRNA expression and tissue concentration of PPARα, PPARδ and PPARγ in the bovine corpus luteum (CL) (n = 40) throughout the estrous cycle, and (ii) the involvement of PPAR in PGF2α-induced processes related to luteolysis. CL (n = 9) explants were cultured in the presence of PPAR antagonists (10−5 M) in combination with or without PGF2α receptor antagonist (10−5 M) and PGF2α (10−6 M). The mRNA and protein expression of PPARs was evaluated through qPCR, IHC, and ELISA, respectively. The results showed that PPAR mRNA and protein expression differed according to the luteal stages. PGF2α upregulated PPARδ and PPARγ mRNA expression in the bovine CL in vitro, whereas PPARγ increased the inhibitory effect of PGF2α by decreasing progesterone secretion and the mRNA expression of hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 β- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (HSD3B1) in the CL explants; mRNA transcription of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was increased. The obtained results indicate that the mRNA and protein expression of PPARs changes in the bovine CL throughout the estrous cycle and under the influence of PGF2α. We suggest that isoform γ, among all examined PPARs, could be a factor involved in the regulation of PGF2α-induced processes related to luteolysis in the bovine CL. Further studies are needed to understand the role of PPAR in luteal regression in the CL of cattle.

Objectives: The prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) in children is growing, but its relation to other autoimmune disorders that coexist since the onset of diabetes is not recognized. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of T1D and the prevalence of autoimmune illnesses additionally coexisting since the diabetes mellitus onset in children during a period of 9 years' observation.Methods: In this retrospective study, the incidence rate (IR) of the T1D was calculated as the total number of all cases that were newly diagnosed per 100,000 population people between 0 and 18 years of age. The selected age groups (0–4, 5–9, 10–14, and 15–18 years) were examined, respectively. The studied group included 493 children (264 [53.55%] boys) between 0 and 18 years old newly diagnosed with T1D in one of the Polish centers in the years 2010–2018. Other autoimmune illnesses diagnoses were obtained from medical records taken from the first hospital treatment, when T1D was recognized.Results: The annual standardized IR of T1D increased from 19.2/100,000 in year 2010 to 31.7/100,000 in 2018 (1.7-fold over 9 years' observation), with an increase in the incidence rate ratio (IRR) by 4% per year. The highest growth in IR was recorded in 5- to 9-year-olds (from 19.61 in 2010 to 43.45 in 2018). In 61 (12.4%) of the studied group, at least one additional autoimmune disease was diagnosed. The prevalence doubled from 10.4% in the year 2010 to 20.8% in the year 2018. Autoimmune thyroid illnesses were found in 37 children (7.5%); their incidence increased from 6.3% to almost 2-fold, 12.5%, in 2018. In 26 children (5.3%), celiac disease was recognized; the prevalence increased from 4.2 to 9.8% in the study period. The prevalence of additional autoimmune thyroid disease was higher in glutamic acid decarboxylase–positive antibodies (χ2 = 3.4, p = 0.04) patients, the oldest age group (15–18 years) (χ2 =7.1, p = 0.06), and in girls (χ2 =7.1, p = 0.007).Conclusions:The standardized IR of T1D in children increased 1.7-fold over the 9-year observation period, and IRR increased 4% per year. Additional autoimmunity represents a significant comorbidity in patients with new-onset T1D. The number of children diagnosed with additional autoimmune diseases that accompany T1D is rapidly growing in all age groups throughout recent years.

The aim of this research was to examine whether trust influences the functioning of various forms of collective entrepreneurship in rural areas. The study focused on organizations which are most common in rural Poland: agricultural producer organizations, rural women’s circles, and local action groups. Hence, the survey sample included people engaged in these types of collective entrepreneurship. Data collection was based on a standardized questionnaire distributed online utilizing the computer-assisted web interviewing method. The statistical analysis of the empirical material obtained from 132 respondents involved Pearson and Spearman correlation and principal component analysis. The conducted research shows (1) the superior role of personal trust over institutional trust in the emergence and functioning of the studied forms of collective entrepreneurship in rural areas, (2) the greater importance of social than economic factors determining the functioning of rural collective entrepreneurship, (3) the positive impact of generalized trust on trust placed in the forms of entrepreneurship covered by the analysis, (4) the increase in trust over time of cooperation, and (5) the impact of trust on the functioning of collective entrepreneurship, in both the economic and the social dimensions, with a slight advantage of the latter. By focusing on trust, this article contributes to the literature on the role of trust in developing collective entrepreneurship in rural areas. The authors point out that this article only opens the space for a discussion on trust in the concept of the economics of trust.

The aim of the study was the evaluation whether in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (n = 55): age, sex, TNM classification results, WHO grade, tumor location (proximal colon, distal colon, rectum), tumor size, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), mean platelet component (MCP), levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA 19-9), as well as soluble lectin adhesion molecules (L-, E-, and P-selectins) may influence circulating inflammatory biomarkers: IL-6, CRP, and sCD40L. We found that CRP concentration evaluation in routine clinical practice may have an advantage as a prognostic biomarker in CRC patients, as this protein the most comprehensively reflects clinicopathological features of the tumor. Univariate linear regression analysis revealed that in CRC patients: (1) with an increase in PLT by 10 × 103/μL, the mean concentration of CRP increases by 3.4%; (2) with an increase in CA 19-9 of 1 U/mL, the mean concentration of CRP increases by 0.7%; (3) with the WHO 2 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases 3.631 times relative to the WHO 1 grade group; (4) with the WHO 3 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases by 4.916 times relative to the WHO 1 grade group; (5) with metastases (T1-4N+M+) the mean CRP concentration increases 4.183 times compared to non-metastatic patients (T1-4N0M0); (6) with a tumor located in the proximal colon, the mean concentration of CRP increases 2.175 times compared to a tumor located in the distal colon; (7) in patients with tumor size > 3 cm, the CRP concentration is about 2 times higher than in patients with tumor size ≤ 3 cm. In the multivariate linear regression model, the variables that influence the mean CRP value in CRC patients included: WHO grade and tumor localization. R2 for the created model equals 0.50, which indicates that this model explains 50% of the variance in the dependent variable. In CRC subjects: (1) with the WHO 2 grade, the mean CRP concentration rises 3.924 times relative to the WHO 1 grade; (2) with the WHO 3 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases 4.721 times in relation to the WHO 1 grade; (3) with a tumor located in the rectum, the mean CRP concentration rises 2.139 times compared to a tumor located in the distal colon; (4) with a tumor located in the proximal colon, the mean concentration of CRP increases 1.998 times compared to the tumor located in the distal colon; if other model parameters are fixed.

Novel hybrid materials based on the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix and lanthanide(III) carboxylates Eu:2,6-DClB and Tb:2,6-DClB were synthesized and carefully analyzed in the context of their potential application in optically active polymer-based optical fibers. To determine the usefulness of the obtained materials, a careful thermal, mass spectroscopy, and optical characterization was performed, focusing on the features critical for the technology of optical fiber processing. In addition, the luminescent features of both lanthanide complexes and the resulting hybrid composites were carefully investigated to identify the processes responsible for light emission and to analyze the influence of the PMMA host on light emission intensity and spectral characteristics. The obtained results showed that both lanthanide carboxylate complexes exhibited intense luminescence in the red and green spectral range, typical of europium and terbium dopants, and that those features were well preserved after introducing them into the PMMA polymer. Thermal analysis also proved that introducing the luminescent additives did not significantly affect the thermal properties of both hybrid materials, thus enabling further processing into the form of optical fibers.

What can be observed is a growing awareness of personal care about one’s own health and increased physical activity. It influenced by numerous external and internal factors, analysed by researchers of Exercise Psychology. Self-esteem and sense of coherence are some of the most significant factors. Aim: Our study comprised 41 participants of specialised health training 2015–16: diagnosing chosen psychological determinants of participation in this type of activity. Health behaviours of the participants were analysed in the context of the psychological variable of the sense of coherence and sel-esteem. Methods: health training, questionnaires: IZZ, SOC-29, SES, Survey Results: Training participants more frequently declared taking up diverse health behaviours. Comparing the group of training participants with non-training persons we found statistically significant differences in the general level of intensification of health behaviours (t-Student 3,06***) and in sub-scales: Active relaxation in the open (2,69*) and Improvement of fitness by sport (4,23**). The persons with higher self-esteem declared using a significantly higher number of diverse health behaviours (0,62***). The training participants with higher sense of meaningfulnessand sense of comprehensibilitysignificantly more frequently declared taking up health activity (r=0,32*).

The research reported here aims to investigate the pro-environmental behavior of respondents in the context of the concept of homo socio-oeconomicus. The main research question addressed in this paper considers the pro-environmental behavior of Generation Z representatives, due to the fact that this age group is believed to display different behavior patterns. In order to identify the differences in the pro-environmental behaviors of Generation Z, the results obtained from this group have been confronted with declarations of respondents from an older group (aged 25 to 65). It is worth noting that in the research on pro-environmental behavior of households in Poland conducted so far, Generation Z has not been taken into consideration as a separate demographic, so this study aims to make a contribution to the existing research gap. The data on the surveyed population were obtained through a standardized research questionnaire. The survey was carried out using the internet surveying technique—computer-assisted web interview (CAWI). This paper uses descriptive, tabular and graphic methods to analyze and present the collected materials. The basic measures of descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the dataset, i.e., mean, median, mode, Pearson chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test. The conducted research has shown that the representatives of Generation Z are less engaged in pro-environmental behavior than people from the older age group. Their pro-environmental actions mainly included turning off lights when leaving a room and choosing public transportation as the basic means of transport. For the whole surveyed sample, the most highly rated pro-environmental behaviors included those imposed by legal regulations and those whose implementation brings financial benefits in the form of lower maintenance costs. The main motivating and demotivating factors determining pro-environmental behavior were predominantly economic in nature.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the methods used for. assessing the density of higher plants. The analysis was carried out on natural population (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) characterized by aggregated spatial structure. Attention has been paid to the surface methods with high (0.25 m2) and low

The sample area of 2.8 ha, divided into 100 m2 square quadrats, comprised two, distinguishable by traditional methods, oak forest patches and a fragment of a neighbouring mixed oak-hornbeam forest. The classification of quadrats was conducted by association analysis. Their identification and interpretation were performed on the basis of the systematic value and fraction of species of the characteristic oak forest combination in each distinguished quadrat group, as well as the range of distinguished communities. It appeared that due to the hornbeam invasion into the oak forest habitat, species forming the characteristic oak forest combination receded and the community area decreased. The data enabled reconstruction of the phases of oak forest recession. They corresponded to the successive phases of the encroachment of hornbeam undergrowth in the analysed area.

Seedling emergence from soil seed bank was studied during 3 growing seasons 1997-1999 in: 1) 60 plots in 3 parts of the Potentillo albae-Quercetum patch: A - with Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) present only in the herb layer (canopy cover ca. 50-60%), B - after tree felling, at present with hornbeam dominating the shrub layer (cover > 90%), C - invaded by hornbeam 30-40 years ago (cover ca. 90%), and in 2) 60 soil samples from objects A, B, C kept in an unheated glasshouse. The results suggest that the seed bank realised in natural conditions is poorer in species with high light requirements (the Ellenberg indicator values for light (L ≥ 6) and their seedlings in comparison with the potential seed bank estimated in glasshouse conditions (field: A- 24; B - 17; C- 7, glasshouse : 44; 38; 32 species / 2 m2, field: 321; 108; 14, glasshouse: 785; 1205; 177 seedlings / m2, respectively). Contrarily, more species and seedlings with moderate light demand (L = 3-5) appeared in the field plots (field: A- 26; B- 25, glasshouse: 20; 14 species / 2 m2, field: 1014; 310, glasshouse: 328; 71 seedlings / m2). The shading by hornbeam negatively influences the size of the seed bank (field: A - 1743; B - 1226; C - 680, glasshouse: 1547; 3274; 459 seedlings / m2) and its species richness (field: A- 55; B - 48; C - 19, glasshouse: 76; 59; 56 taxa / 2 m2). Nomenclature: syntaxa - Matuszkiewicz (1981), taxa - Mirek et al. (1995).

The aim of this paper was to analyze the operational parameters of a radiant floor heating system working as a cooling system, in order to determine the value of possible heat flux and the floor surface temperature that can be obtain on the floor surface. The influence of variable air and water temperatures, pipe spacing, and thermal resistance of floor covering on surface heat flux and temperature was analyzed. The admissible values of water temperature that assure thermal comfort according to standard ISO 11855 were determined for the analyzed variables.

Increased tissue activity of cathepsin A and cathepsin C can be observed in many pathological conditions. It is associated with an enhanced degradation of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins, and results in their decreased tissue content. Cathepsin C releases the glycosidases from complexes formed with cathepsin A, and reinstates their activity. In this review a current state of knowledge is presented concerning the regulation of selected glycosidases activity by cathepsin A (EC 3.4.16.1) and C (EC 3.4.14.1).

Forest seed banks mostly studied in managed forests proved to be small, species poor and not reflecting aboveground species composition. Yet studies conducted in undisturbed communities indicate a different seed bank characteristic. Therefore we aimed at describing soil seed bank in an undisturbed forest in a remnant of European lowland temperate forests, the Białowieża Forest. We compared similarity between the herb layer and seed bank, similarity of seed bank between different patches, and dominance structure of species in the herb layer and in the seed bank of two related oak-hornbeam communities. We report relatively high values of Sorensen species similarity index between herb layer and seed bank of both patches. This suggests higher species similarity of the herb layer and soil seed bank in natural, unmanaged forests represented by both plots than in fragmented communities influenced by man. Although there was a set of core seed bank species present at both plots, yielding high Sorensen species similarity index values, considerable differences between plots in seed bank size and dominance structure of species were found, indicating spatial variability of studied seed bank generated by edaphic conditions. Dominance structure of species in the herb layer was not reflected in the underlying seed bank. This stresses, that natural forest regeneration cannot rely only on the seed bank, although some forest species are capable of forming soil seed banks. While forest seed banks may not reflect vegetation composition of past successional stages, they may inform on history and land use of a specific plot.

Pathobiology of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is predominantly associated with T-cell-related actions. Homeostasis of majority of T-cells is critically dependent on signals mediated by CD127 (interleukin-7 receptor, IL-7R). In contrast, regulatory T-cells express very little CD127 and thereby may be delineated by CD4+CD25+CD127− phenotype. Here we aimed to analyze CD127 expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and enumerate CD4+CD25+CD127− T-cells in long-lasting T1D. T-cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunologic data were correlated with vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters. We demonstrated significantly decreased CD127 levels on CD4+, but not CD8+, T cells in T1D pediatric patients. Interestingly, frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127− T-cells were significantly enhanced in T1D children and correlated well with frequencies of CD34+CD144+ endothelial progenitor cells and CD4+CD25− T-cells. Levels of CD127 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in T1D patients were not correlated to each other or HbA1C. Interestingly, however, CD127 levels on CD4+ T-cells were significantly correlated to frequencies of CD4+CD25+CD127− T-cells, whereas CD127 levels on CD8+ T-cells were significantly correlated to concentrations of VEGF and triglycerides. Our data indicate that CD127 expression is differentially modulated on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in the course of T1D. Moreover, we demonstrated that, in contrast to recent-onset T1D, long-lasting T1D is associated with enhancement of T-cells with regulatory phenotype.