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Abstract Background Sleep, sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and the composition of these movement behaviours across the 24-h day are associated with cognitive function in early years children. This study used a Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach to identify the optimal duration of sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with desired cognitive function outcomes in early years children. Methods This cross-sectional study included 858 children aged 2.8–5.5 years from the Sleep and Activity Database for the Early Years. 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) were measured using ActiGraph accelerometers. Cognitive function was measured using three tasks from the Early Years Toolbox: visual-spatial working memory, response inhibition, and expressive vocabulary. A Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach was used in R software to identify the optimal time-use compositions associated with the best 10% of the cognitive function scores. Results The movement behaviour composition and the relative time spent in sleep and sedentary behaviour but not different intensities of physical activity were significantly associated with working memory (P ≤ 0.01). The movement behaviour composition and relative time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, and different intensities of physical activity were not significantly associated with response inhibition or expressive vocabulary (P > 0.2). Therefore, optimal time use was only determined for working memory. Optimal daily durations for working memory were observed with 11:00 (hr:min) of sleep, 5:42 of sedentary behaviour, 5:06 of light physical activity, and 2:12 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Conclusion Working memory was the only cognitive function outcome related to the 24-h movement behaviour composition. Optimal sleep for working memory was consistent with current recommended durations, while optimal moderate-to-vigorous physical activity greatly exceeded minimal recommended levels. Optimal sedentary behaviour was longer and light physical activity was shorter than the sample average.

Studies have shown that eosinophilic COPD (eCOPD) is a distinct phenotype of the disease. It is well established that innate lymphoid cells are involved in the development of eosinophilic inflammation. Interleukin(IL)-25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL-33 are a group of cytokines produced by epithelium in response to danger signals, e.g., cigarette smoke, and potent activators of ILC2s. In the present study, we examined circulating and sputum ILC2 numbers and expression of intracellular IL-5 as well as receptors for TSLP, IL-33 and IL-25 by ILC2s in non-atopic COPD patients with and without (neCOPD) airway eosinophilic inflammation and healthy smokers. In addition, we examined the association between ILC2s and clinical indicators of COPD burden (i.e., symptom intensity and risk of exacerbations). ILC2s were enumerated in peripheral blood and induced sputum by means of flow cytometry. We noted significantly greater numbers of airway IL-5+ILC2s and TSLPR+ILC2s in eCOPD compared with neCOPD (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and HSs (p < 0.001 for both). In addition, we showed that IL-5+ILC2s, IL-17RB+ILC2s and ST2+ILC2s are significantly increased in the sputum of eCOPD patients compared with HSs. In all COPD patients, sputum ILC2s positively correlated with sputum eosinophil percentage (r = 0.48, p = 0.002). We did not find any significant correlations between sputum ILC2s and dyspnea intensity as measured by the modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC) and symptom intensity measured by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT). These results suggest the involvement of epithelial alarmin-activated ILC2s in the pathobiology of eosinophilic COPD.

Prediction categories in the Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP) experiments change with the need to address specific problems in structure modeling. In CASP15, four new prediction categories were introduced: RNA structure, ligand-protein complexes, accuracy of oligomeric structures and their interfaces, and ensembles of alternative conformations. This paper lists technical specifications for these categories and describes their integration in the CASP data management system.

BACKGROUND: Genetic susceptibility to chemicals is incompletely characterized. However, nervous system disease development following pesticide exposure can vary in a population, implying some individuals may have higher genetic susceptibility to pesticide-induced nervous system disease. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to build a computational approach to characterize single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) implicated in chemically induced adverse outcomes and used this framework toassess the link between differential population susceptibilitytopesticides and human nervous system disease. METHODS: We integrated publicly available datasets of Chemical--Gene, Gene--Pathway, and SNP--Disease associations to build Chemical--Pathway-Gene--SNP-Disease linkages for humans. As a case study, we integrated these linkages with spatialized pesticide application data for the US from 1992 to 2018 and spatialized nervous system disease rates for 2018. Through this, we characterized SNPs that may be important in states with high disease occurrence based on the pesticides used there. RESULTS: We found that the number of SNP hits per pesticide in US states positively correlated with disease incidence and prevalence for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis. We performed frequent itemset mining to differentiate pesticides used over time in states with high and low disease occurrence and found that only 19% of pesticide sets overlapped between 10 states with high disease occurrence and 10 states with low disease occurrence rates, and more SNPs were implicated in pathways in high disease occurrence states. Through a crossvalidation of subsets of five high and low disease occurrence states, we characterized SNPs, genes, pathways, and pesticides more frequently implicated in high disease occurrence states. DISCUSSION: Our findings support that pesticides contribute to nervous system disease, and we developed priority lists of SNPs, pesticides, and pathways for further study. This data-driven approach can be adapted to other chemicals, diseases, and locations to characterize differential population susceptibility to chemical exposures. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14108, Introduction Interactions between environmental factors and genetics underlie the majority of chronic human diseases, (1) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of loci that may describe interindividual variability [...]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute lower and upper respiratory tract infections in all age groups. The clinical course of RSV infection differs depending on age and comorbidities. RSV infections are severe in the adult population; the highest risk of complications is seen in the elderly (age over 60 years) and in individuals with certain chronic disorders. Vaccination is the only currently available method of active prevention of RSV infections in adults. RSV vaccines stimulate both the humoral and the cell-mediated immunity and ensure a high level of protection against severe and complicated infection. Vaccination is recommended in all patients over the age of 60 years, particularly those with chronic disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic respiratory tract disorders, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, diabetes, chronic kidney disease), immunodeficient individuals and nursing home residents.

Abstract Background Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) have great potential for applications in several fields, including agriculture, food industry or medicine. Nevertheless, the large-scale use of COS requires the development of cost-effective technologies for their production. The main objective of our investigation was to develop an effective method of enzymatic degradation of chitosan in a column reactor using Mucor circinelloides IBT-83 cells, immobilized in a polyurethane foam (PUF). These cells serve as a source of chitosanolytic enzymes. Results The study revealed that the process of freeze-drying of immobilized mycelium increases the stability of the associated enzymes during chitosan hydrolysis. The use of stabilized preparations as an active reactor bed enables the production of COS at a constant level for 16 reactor cycles (384 h in total), i.e. 216 h longer compared to non-stabilized mycelium. In the hydrolysate, oligomers ranging in structure from dimer to hexamer as well as D-glucosamine were detected. The potential application of the obtained product in agriculture has been verified. The results of phytotests have demonstrated that the introduction of COS into the soil at a concentration of 0.01 or 0.05% w/w resulted in an increase in the growth of Lepidium sativum stem and root, respectively (extensions by 38 and 44% compared to the control sample). Conclusions The research has verified that the PUF-immobilized M. circinelloides IBT-83 mycelium, which has been stabilized through freeze-drying, is a promising biocatalyst for the environmentally friendly and efficient generation of COS. This biocatalyst has the potential to be used in fertilizers.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare but life-threatening condition most commonly arising from trauma and paranasal sinus infections. The diagnosis of CST remains a formidable challenge despite advancements in medicine. Early identification and therapeutic intervention require an increased level of clinical awareness and a profound understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder. This report presents a case of CST in a 58-year-old female with a long history of nasal and paranasal sinus polyposis and aspirin-induced asthma.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the nasal and sinus mucosa, affecting over 10% of adults in Europe and the USA. Treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life, with initial approaches including saline irrigations, intranasal corticosteroids, and short-term antibiotics when necessary. When medical therapy fails, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is considered. This minimally invasive procedure has been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life in CRS patients, as demonstrated by various studies. Aim This study aims to gather and analyze the current knowledge on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with a specific focus on the surgical treatment known as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. By reviewing existing literature and clinical studies, this article seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of how FESS impacts the quality of life in CRS patients, the factors influencing its success, and the associated risks and complications. Methods The study contains data available in freely accessible databases like PubMed, the National Library of Medicine and Google Scholar. The databases were searched using the keywords such as chronic rhinosinusitis, CRS, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, FESS.

Digital marketing and social media marketing play an essential role in shaping consumer buying behaviour. The spread of technology has created new opportunities for consumer-business interactions across various digital platforms such as social media networks, e-commerce websites, and mobile applications. These platforms provide consumers with access to product information, reviews and price comparisons that influence their purchasing decisions. This article aims to explore the relationship between digital marketing, social media marketing and consumers' online purchasing behaviour. The research will examine how marketing activities in digital and social media such as product reviews, social media advertising, e-mail marketing and influencer marketing affect consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions. It will also examine how social media networks influence the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies and how consumers interact with social media advertising. Results from this study will provide insights into the use and effectiveness of digital and social media marketing strategies. It will help companies better understand consumer behaviour in the digital age and inform their online marketing efforts to increase sales and profitability. The study will also contribute to the literature on consumer online purchasing behaviour and increase knowledge of the impact of digital marketing and social media marketing on consumer decision-making.

No maximum residue limits in honey have been legislated in the EU for antimicrobial substances such as sulphonamides, and they are not permitted, therefore, for treating honey bees unless in a cascade system. Since sulphonamides are used illegally in apiculture to treat foulbrood, their residues can be found in honey and other apiculture products, including beeswax. The study aimed to assess the contamination of honey from beeswax containing residues of 10 sulphonamides (sulphadimethoxine (SDM), sulphadoxine (SDX), sulphamonomethoxine (SMM), sulphamethoxazole (SMX), sulphameter (SMT), sulphamethazine (SMZ), sulphamerazine (SMR), sulphadiazine (SDA), sulphathiazole (STZ) and sulphacetamide (SCA)).

W artykule dokonano kwantyfikacji i oceny stopnia rozwoju zrównoważonej (zielonej) mobilności miejskiej w wybranych krajach Unii Europejskiej. W tym celu skonstruowano kluczowe wskaźniki opisujące poszczególne obszary zielonego transportu w latach 2011–2020. W analizie wykorzystano dostępne dane publiczne i zastosowano dynamiczną taksonomiczną metodę Hellwiga. Wyniki analizy umożliwiły uzyskanie odpowiedzi na postawione pytania badawcze: 1) „Jaki jest stan i dynamika rozwoju zielonego transportu w badanych państwach?”, 2) „Które państwa w UE są liderami zrównoważonego transportu i dlaczego?”, 3) „Co determinuje zróżnicowanie i rozwój zielonej mobilności miejskiej w analizowanych krajach?”. Rezultaty badania wskazały, że pomimo przestrzennej polaryzacji rozwoju występuje podobieństwo strukturalne cechujące kraje o najwyższym i najniższym poziomie rozwoju zrównoważonej mobilności. Silną grupę stanowią państwa skandynawskie, Belgia (zdecydowany lider), Węgry, Austria, Dania i Czechy. W latach 2011–2020 można zaobserwować spadek poziomu rozwoju w sektorze zrównoważonego transportu, determinowany m.in. skutkami globalnego kryzysu finansowego w latach 2011–2014. Z kolei lata 2015–2020 to dynamizacja rozwoju ekologicznej branży transportu. Analizując czynniki warunkujące ten rozwój, można zauważyć, że pomimo podjętych starań europejska polityka transportowa nadal stoi w obliczu wielu wyzwań, zwłaszcza ze względu na stały wzrost poziomu emisji gazów cieplarnianych w sektorze transportu. Ponadto specyfika regionalna i różnice w modelach transportu niosą ze sobą ryzyko osłabienia wyników działań Unii Europejskiej w tym obszarze.

Introduction: In recent years, sleep deprivation has increasingly been recognized as a significant factor influencing athletic performance. The basal sleep requirement for healthy adults slightly differs from the sleep needs of individuals who regularly engage in sports. Furthermore, athletes frequently experience sleep loss due to their active and busy schedules. The impact of insufficient sleep on physical and cognitive functions can significantly impair the body's functioning and lead to serious consequences. Purpose of the study: The aim of the study was to emphasize the prevalence of sleep deficiency among athletes, demonstrate how insufficient sleep affects various body functions, and explore its impact on injury risk across different sports disciplines. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were selected based on specific keywords and then assessed for their relevance and suitability for inclusion in this review. Results: The findings indicate that athletes frequently experience sleep problems due to factors such as training schedules, stress, night performances, and travel, with individual sport athletes getting less sleep compared to those in team sports. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts physiological and cognitive functions and is significantly associated with increased injury incidence in sports like soccer, volleyball, and basketball, although results are inconsistent in swimming, cycling, and running, highlighting the need for further research considering factors like training load and individual sleep variability.

Introduction and Objective: PTSD is a psychiatric disorder associated with the experience of a traumatic event in the past. Changes in the immune system are presented as one of the mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology. The purpose of this review is to investigate the potential link between PTSD and autoimmune diseases, as well as to highlight the therapeutic implications. Review methods: The review is based on scientific publications in PubMed, Science Direct and NCBI databases. After an initial evaluation of the articles, primarily observational studies and meta-analyses on the relationship between PTSD and autoimmune diseases, the underlying pathophysiology, and new potential therapeutic options were selected. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: PTSD is associated with numerous changes in the immune and neuroendocrine systems. As a result, patients affected by the disorder are susceptible to developing somatic diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Numerous studies indicate a reciprocal effect on the increased risk and aggravation of symptoms for PTSD and autoimmune diseases due to certain similarities in pathophysiology. New treatment options for PTSD targeting the immune system with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs are currently being explored. Summary: This review article highlights the existing reciprocal relationship between PTSD and autoimmune diseases, which carries important clinical implications. The authors of the review emphasize the importance of better understanding the pathophysiology of PTSD and the early diagnosis and treatment of people with PTSD, as well as the need to develop new effective treatments for PTSD that can help reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases in people with the disorder. As suggested, treatment targeting the immune system may be an effective therapeutic option for patients with PTSD.

Introduction: Running, as a generally accessible form of physical activity, is recognized as a popular means of preventing lifestyle diseases. Each year, an increasing number of people of various ages, levels of training, and physical fitness participate in mass running events. Purpose: The study aims to identify the opinions of amateur long-distance runners regarding health. Material: 140 individuals from several Polish provinces, approximately 30 years old. Method: A proprietary questionnaire survey. Results: The most important factor motivating the respondents to engage in long-distance running is the improvement of sports performance, followed by the need to relieve stress, improve quality of life, and, to a lesser extent, health goals. According to most respondents, endurance-based long-distance running is healthy because it improves physical fitness, positively affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, enhances immunity, and is a way to relieve stress. Only a few respondents believe that running is not healthy. The main forms of preparation for half marathons and marathons among runners include warm-up exercises before the planned effort and strength and muscle stretching exercises. In the studied group of runners, past injuries do not diminish the satisfaction of engaging in long-distance running. Despite a significant number of respondents having experienced injuries in the past while practicing this sport, they still consider running to be healthy. Conclusions: Long-distance running brings numerous health benefits. It improves physical fitness, positively affects cardiovascular function, including lowering blood pressure, significantly enhances sleep quality, and helps reduce stress, as confirmed by the respondent’s opinions.

Otitis externa, commonly known as a swimmer’s ear, is an inflammation of the external auditory canal, often caused by bacterial infection, primarily affecting individuals engaged in water activities. Acute otitis externa is the most prevalent form among swimmers, characterized by symptoms such as ear pain, itching, and discharge. This article explores the epidemiology, anatomy, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of otitis externa, highlighting the condition's prevalence in warm, humid climates and its exacerbation by water exposure. Differential diagnosis is crucial to distinguish a swimmer's ear from other ear conditions, such as acute otitis media. Preventive measures, particularly for athletes, include the use of earplugs, drying ears after water exposure, and avoiding ear trauma. Treatment typically involves topical antibiotics, with the addition of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain. Severe cases may require oral antibiotics or surgical intervention. Complications of untreated otitis externa might lead to hearing loss and could be life-threatening. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital to avoid severe outcomes and ensure optimal recovery for athletes and other affected individuals. Aim The aim of this study is to gather and analyse the current state of knowledge about the pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis and the treatment of swimmer’s ear. Methods The study contains data available in freely accessible databases like PubMed, the National Library of Medicine, Google Scholar. While searching the keywords such as swimmer’s ear, otitis externa, swimming hygiene, ear infections were used. Articles were selected based on their title, abstract and were written in English.

The NeoChord DS 1000 system offers a minimally invasive alternative for treating degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), particularly in high-risk patients with previous aortic surgery. A 74-year-old male with a history of Bentall procedure presented with severe MR and dyspnea (NYHA III). Transapical mitral valve repair was performed using the NeoChord DS 1000 system. Three artificial chordae were implanted, significantly reducing MR. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged in good condition after 8 days. This case demonstrates the NeoChord system's potential in high-risk patients where traditional MVR poses high risks. Transapical access avoids sternotomy and extracorporeal circulation, offering a safer alternative. The NeoChord DS 1000 system shows promise for high-risk patients and those with complex surgical histories, though further research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and durability.

Anaesthesiologists are responsible for procedures performed in a multidisciplinary team. The complexity of procedures, the burden of responsibility, time pressure, efficiency demands, psychological and physiological limitations, the necessity for quick and accurate decision-making, and many other challenges pose a risk of error. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of human factors in the occurrence of errors during anaesthesia procedures, as well as to identify strategies, which implementation into the training process and clinical practice of anaesthesia could support the safety of the therapeutic process. This paper discusses selected issues that, in our opinion, should be a permanent element of training and periodic qualification improvement among anesthesia team members.

INTRODUCTION: The human gut microbiota is an extremely diverse and complex ecosystem that inhibits the mucous membranes of the intestines. It is probable that the microbiota, with its capacity to influence the immune system and establish the conditions required for metabolic and structural functions essential for maintaining homeostasis, may significantly affect the health, well-being, and performance of athletes. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge about the differences in athletes’ gut microbiota, how these changes affect their physical performance and uncover the mechanisms behind gut microbiota and probiotics in physical performance among population of athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following review was conducted using the articles from the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases, employing keywords related to gut microbiota, athletes, physical performance. We collected studies performed on populations of athletes, exploring different sport disciplines. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous studies have investigated the gut microbiota of athletes, emphasizing the impact of both training and diet. Athletes' unique dietary regimens, including higher protein or carbohydrates intake, influence their gut microbiome, leading to enhanced performance. These findings uncover that diet diversity correlates with gut diversity, which is linked to metabolic benefits and a lean phenotype. Studies on rugby players, cyclists, and marathoners reveal that certain microbial species, like Prevotella and Veillonella, are more abundant in athletes and play significant roles in nutrient metabolism and exercise recovery. These findings suggest that the interaction between athletic lifestyle and the gut microbiota affects positively the metabolism of the host, by enhancing microbiota diversity, and increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria.

Introduction and objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and joint damage resulting from an excessive production of inflammatory cytokines. The objective of this text is to describe the interplay between the gut microbiome, dietary factors, physical activity and RA pathogenesis. By synthesizing current knowledge, we aim to provide potential insights into the development of personalized therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for individuals with RA. Review methods Literature review was carried out using PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The following search terms were used: “rheumatoid arthritis gut microbiome”, “rheumatoid arthritis diet”, “rheumatoid arthritis sport”. Articles published from 2016 to 2023 were analyzed. Earlier articles were sometimes included, if referenced by later works. State of knowledge While there is no cure for RA, several treatments aim to manage its symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected. The most common treatments include medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, corticosteroids. Recent attention has turned to the role of sport, diet, and the gut microbiome in modulating RA severity, offering promising avenues for holistic management approaches. Summary Recent research highlights the role of diet in modulating RA severity, with evidence suggesting alterations in gut microbiota composition in RA patients, including the impact of dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, antibiotics, and vitamin D supplementation on the gut microbiome and their potential efficacy in mitigating RA-associated symptoms. Physical activity has also been shown to reduce the severity of RA symptoms.

Introduction and purpose: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a worldwide prevalent sleep-related medical condition characterised by upper airway collapse, leading to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Excess body weight is the risk factor of OSAS. Lifestyle interventions, particularly targeting weight loss, have emerged as potential management strategies for OSAS. The purpose of this review is to compile the information about the effectiveness of different forms of lifestyle interventions in the treatment of OSA. Brief description of the state of knowledge: While CPAP remains the current “gold standard” treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, it’s not always well-tolerated. Consequently, lifestyle interventions such as dietary modifications, exercise programs, and behavioural therapies have emerged as important components in the management of this disease. The research has shown that these strategies not only reduce the severity of OSA but also improve quality of life. Summary: Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, exercise programs, and behavioral therapies targeting weight loss, have demonstrated promising results in reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and alleviating associated symptoms. However, further large-scale, long-term studies are necessary to validate their efficacy and understand their broader impact on OSA management.

Summary: Morphological studies of skeletal muscle tissue provide insights into the architecture of muscle fibers, the surrounding cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, a spatial proteomics analysis of the skeletal muscle including the muscle-tendon transition zone is lacking. Here, we prepare cryotome muscle sections of the mouse soleus muscle and measure each slice using short liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) gradients. We generate 3,000 high-resolution protein profiles that serve as the basis for a network analysis to reveal the complex architecture of the muscle-tendon junction. Among the protein profiles that increase from muscle to tendon, we find proteins related to neuronal activity, fatty acid biosynthesis, and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Blocking the RAS in cultured mouse tenocytes using losartan reduces the ECM synthesis. Overall, our analysis of thin cryotome sections provides a spatial proteome of skeletal muscle and reveals that the RAS acts as an additional regulator of the matrix within muscle-tendon junctions.

Abstract Genetic mechanisms of blood pressure (BP) regulation remain poorly defined. Using kidney-specific epigenomic annotations and 3D genome information we generated and validated gene expression prediction models for the purpose of transcriptome-wide association studies in 700 human kidneys. We identified 889 kidney genes associated with BP of which 399 were prioritised as contributors to BP regulation. Imputation of kidney proteome and microRNAome uncovered 97 renal proteins and 11 miRNAs associated with BP. Integration with plasma proteomics and metabolomics illuminated circulating levels of myo-inositol, 4-guanidinobutanoate and angiotensinogen as downstream effectors of several kidney BP genes (SLC5A11, AGMAT, AGT, respectively). We showed that genetically determined reduction in renal expression may mimic the effects of rare loss-of-function variants on kidney mRNA/protein and lead to an increase in BP (e.g., ENPEP). We demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.81) in expression of protein-coding genes between cells harvested from urine and the kidney highlighting a diagnostic potential of urinary cell transcriptomics. We uncovered adenylyl cyclase activators as a repurposing opportunity for hypertension and illustrated examples of BP-elevating effects of anticancer drugs (e.g. tubulin polymerisation inhibitors). Collectively, our studies provide new biological insights into genetic regulation of BP with potential to drive clinical translation in hypertension.

Annual vaccination is the most effective protection against influenza and its serious complications. It is especially important for people at high risk of severe course of the disease and serious complications: individuals with specific chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, children aged 6–59 months, older people, and healthcare workers. Despite a progressive increase in seasonal vaccine coverage, influenza-related morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization rates remain high and have continued to increase in people aged 65 years and over. Standard vaccines against influenza are less efficient in this group due to immunosenescence. Consequently, more effective vaccines are needed to prevent influenza and its complications in older adults.

The paper discusses potential hazards at hydrogen refueling stations for transportation vehicles: cars and trucks. The main hazard analyzed here is an uncontrolled gas release due to a failure in one of the structures in the station: storage tanks of different pressure levels or a dispenser. This may lead to a hydrogen cloud occurring near the source of the release or at a given distance. The range of the cloud was analyzed in connection to the amount of the released gas and the wind velocity. The results of the calculations were compared for chosen structures in the station. Then potential fires and explosions were investigated. The hazard zones were calculated with respect to heat fluxes generated in the fires and the overpressure generated in explosions. The maximum ranges of these zones vary from about 14 to 30 m and from about 9 to 14 m for a fires and an explosions of hydrogen, respectively. Finally, human death probabilities are presented as functions of the distance from the sources of the uncontrolled hydrogen releases. These are shown for different amounts and pressures of the released gas. In addition, the risk of human death is determined along with the area, where it reaches the highest value in the whole station. The risk of human death in this area is 1.63 × 10−5 [1/year]. The area is approximately 8 square meters.

Background: Humanized mice transplanted with CD34+ hematopoietic cells (HPCs) are broadly used to study human immune responses and infections in vivo and for testing therapies pre-clinically. However, until now, it was not clear whether interactions between the mouse major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) and/or the human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) were necessary for human T-cell development and immune reactivity. Methods: We evaluated the long-term (20-week) human hematopoiesis and human T-cell development in NOD Scid Gamma (NSG) mice lacking the expression of MHC class I and II (NSG-DKO). Triplicate experiments were performed with HPCs obtained from three donors, and humanization was confirmed in the reference strain NOD Rag Gamma (NRG). Further, we tested whether humanized NSG-DKO mice would respond to a lentiviral vector (LV) systemic delivery of HLA-A*02:01, HLA-DRB1*04:01, human GM-CSF/IFN-α, and the human cytomegalovirus gB antigen. Results: Human immune reconstitution was detectable in peripheral blood from 8 to 20 weeks after the transplantation of NSG-DKO. Human single positive CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were detectable in lymphatic tissues (thymus, bone marrow, and spleen). LV delivery harnessed the detection of lymphocyte subsets in bone marrow (αβ and γδ T-cells and NK cells) and the expression of HLA-DR. Furthermore, RNA sequencing showed that LV delivery increased the expression of different human reactome pathways, such as defense responses to other organisms and viruses. Conclusions: Human T-cell development and reactivity are independent of the expression of murine MHCs in humanized mice. Therefore, humanized NSG-DKO is a promising new model for studying human immune responses, as it abrogates the xenograft mouse MHC interference.

Unlike proteins, RNAs deposited in the Protein Data Bank do not contain topological knots. Recently, admittedly, the first trefoil knot and some lasso-type conformations have been found in experimental RNA structures, but these are still exceptional cases. Meanwhile, algorithms predicting 3D RNA models have happened to form knotted structures not so rarely. Interestingly, machine learning-based predictors seem to be more prone to generate knotted RNA folds than traditional methods. A similar situation is observed for the entanglements of structural elements. In this paper, we analyze all models submitted to the CASP15 competition in the 3D RNA structure prediction category. We show what types of topological knots and structure element entanglements appear in the submitted models and highlight what methods are behind the generation of such conformations. We also study the structural aspect of susceptibility to entanglement. We suggest that predictors take care of an evaluation of RNA models to avoid publishing structures with artifacts, such as unusual entanglements, that result from hallucinations of predictive algorithms.

Cały trzyczęściowy artykuł omawia pamiętniki działaczy komunistycznych jako ważnego źródła do dziejów „walki klasowej” w okresie od rewolucji 1905–1907 do wybuchu II wojny światowej. Druga jego część dotyczy wielkiego dylematu, przed którym stanęli w pierwszych latach po Wielkiej Wojnie: niepodległość czy rewolucja społeczna? Podczas, gdy dla starszych komunistów (weteranów 1905 roku) wybór wydawał się oczywisty, dla ich młodszych towarzyszy był to wciąż czas politycznego dojrzewania, często naznaczony rozczarowaniem ojczyzną, za którą wcześniej walczyli. Niezależnie bowiem od propagandowej funkcji omawianych tekstów, pozwalają one przyjrzeć się różnym wydarzeniom z historii Łodzi (np. strajkom i demonstracjom) niejako pod mikroskopem, oddając emocje towarzyszące ich uczestnikom, a czasem też indywidualne odczucia i charaktery autorów.

The purpose of the article. The aim of the study was to calculate and evaluate the costs of employee sickness absence in European countries over the period 2006–2020. An additional objective was to analyse the sensitivity of the development of absenteeism costs depending on the changing level of the discount rate used in economic evaluation analyses. Methodology. The estimation and subsequent assessment of absenteeism of working-age people costs was based on human-capital approach and was carried out retrospectively using the morbidity, top-down approach, based on aggregated epidemiological data. As a measure of production loss volume, GDP per working person was adopted. Results of the research. The study indicated that there is variation in the cost of sickness absence across European countries, but no clustering relationship was identified from a geographic perspective. In addition, SACS is in the range of 1,9% – 2,1% in all countries in 2006 prices.

Theoretical background: The functioning of the entire housing market and the sale of developer dwellings depends on many factors. They are, e.g. economic and financial, institutional, environmental, cultural, and religious. Due to the complexity of the real estate market and the variety of factors that influence its functioning, the real estate market is characterized by high variability. Some external factors, especially those difficult to predict, may cause rapid changes in the size of this market. Epidemics can be such a factor. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the functioning of many housing markets. Since we spent whole days at home with whole families, it soon turned out that the previous places of residence needed to be bigger, functional, and properly located. Therefore, in many places worldwide, the demand for single-family houses has increased, contributing to the growing sale of such developer projects. The pandemic, however, has passed, but its effects, along with the consequences of the war in Ukraine, also affect the standard of living of the population and real estate development activity, although it seems to be in a different way. Purpose of the article: In connection with the above, two research objectives have been set in this article: to determine the impact of the pandemic on real estate development activity in the Polish housing market and to analyze, on the example of Łódź, whether the pandemic contributed to changes in developers’ offers and level of sale, especially in the context of single-family investments. Research methods: In order to achieve the set goals, the desk research method was used. First, based on statistical data of the Local Data Bank situation on the primary residential real estate market was analyzed (in Łodź). Then, the number of investments implemented in Łódź, broken down into multi-family and single-family housing, was examined (based on data collected by the author from real estate portals and websites of individual developers). Concerning single-family housing, investment commencement, and completion dates were identified and finally, based on the starting dates, single-family investments were divided according to the level of sale. Main findings: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has “turned on its head” housing markets in many parts of the world. Overnight, entire households switched to remote work or learning, which was difficult to reconcile, especially in small dwellings. Difficulties in functioning partly prompted and partly forced to look for other, more suitable places to live. Because of that, developer projects concerning single-family houses sold very well during the pandemic. However, it seems that the increase in popularity (sale) of single-family investments offered by developers was temporary. The increase in interest rates resulted in a decrease in demand for large dwellings, which few people can afford anymore, and they are not an attractive investment for investors. So, developers have frozen capital, which, unfortunately, with the loans taken out, may, in the long run, lead to the risk of debt growth and bankruptcy of smaller enterprises.

This study analyses sickness absence in selected European countries. We suggested and applied three sick‑leave measures: global sickness absence rate, frequency rate, and absolute crude absence rate. To calculate the rates, open access data from Eurostat, the OECD, and the WHO were used. On the one hand, assessing sickness absence is a challenge in spite of accessible numbers of people and days of absence in public and employer registers. Simultaneously, a detailed understanding of sickness benefits and sick‑pay schemes is needed to elucidate cross‑country differences in sick‑leave rates. The long‑term dynamic trajectory (1970–2020) and regional differentiation effects on absenteeism among countries were considered. Using correlation coefficients and one‑way analysis of variance, a robustness check was performed, and the limitations of the proposed approach to measuring absenteeism were presented. The results evidence that the aforementioned indices present a unique and valid approximation to evaluate and monitor the state of sick absence and inequality in national policies.