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The rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, particularly its spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD), was crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the development and optimization of two types of aptasensors: quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical sensors, both employing thiol-modified DNA aptamers for S-RBD detection. The QCM aptasensor demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, achieved by optimizing aptamer concentration, buffer composition, and pre-treatment conditions, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.07 pg/mL and a linear range from 1 pg/mL to 0.1 µg/mL, and a significant frequency change was observed upon target binding. The electrochemical aptasensor, designed for rapid and efficient preparation, utilized a one-step modification process that reduced the preparation time to 2 h while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) enabled the detection of S-RBD concentrations as low as 132 ng/mL. Both sensors exhibited high specificity, with negligible non-specific interactions observed in the presence of competing proteins. Additionally, the QCM aptasensor’s functionality and stability were verified in biological fluids, indicating its potential for real-world applications. This study highlights the comparative advantages of QCM and electrochemical aptasensors in terms of preparation time, sensitivity, and specificity, offering valuable insights for the development of rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tools for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.

Abstract Ca2+ signal-generation through inter-membrane junctional coupling between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) STIM proteins and plasma membrane (PM) Orai channels, remains a vital but undefined mechanism. We identify two unusual overlapping Phe-His aromatic pairs within the STIM1 apical helix, one of which (F394-H398) mediates important control over Orai1-STIM1 coupling. In resting STIM1, this locus is deeply clamped within the folded STIM1-CC1 helices, likely near to the ER surface. The clamped environment in holo-STIM1 is critical—positive charge replacing Phe-394 constitutively unclamps STIM1, mimicking store-depletion, negative charge irreversibly locks the clamped-state. In store-activated, unclamped STIM1, Phe-394 mediates binding to the Orai1 channel, but His-398 is indispensable for transducing STIM1-binding into Orai1 channel-gating, and is spatially aligned with Phe-394 in the exposed Sα2 helical apex. Thus, the Phe-His locus traverses between ER and PM surfaces and is decisive in the two critical STIM1 functions—unclamping to activate STIM1, and conformational-coupling to gate the Orai1 channel.

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective medical interventions to prevent infectious diseases. The introduction of vaccines against coronavirus acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was aimed at preventing severe illness and death due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at high risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and serious effects associated with COVID-19, mainly due to the use of immunosuppressive therapies, which further cause suboptimal response to COVID-19 vaccination. Aim of the study: We aimed to compare post-vaccination response to BNT162b2 in kidney–pancreas transplant recipient, specifically in immunocompetent individuals, over two years of simultaneous monitoring. Methods: To determine the humoral response, the levels of the IgG and IgA anti-S1 antibodies were measured. To assess the cellular response to SARS-CoV-2, the released IFN-γ-S1 was determinate. Results and Conclusion: After primary vaccination, compared to immunocompetent subjects, SOTR showed lower seroconversion for both antibody classes. Only the additional dose produced antibodies at the level reached by the control group after the baseline vaccination. During the monitored period, SOTR did not achieve a positive cellular response in contrast to immunocompetent individuals, so in order to obtain longer protection, including immune memory, the adoption of booster doses of the vaccine should be considered.

A gB/MF59 vaccine candidate for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) provided partial protection in organ transplant patients. Here, the authors identify antibody responses in trial participants that target virally infected cells to control cell-to-cell spread of HCMV, providing a potential mechanism for the observed protection.

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the changes in the care burden and quality of life of caregivers of cancer patients and correlates of care burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the census sampling technique with 260 cancer patients and their caregivers during January to March 2020 in northeast Iran. Data collection tools included the Novak and Guest Care Burden Scale, the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test and multiple linear regression analysis). Results: Baseline scores of care burden and quality of life in caregivers suggested mild to moderate care burden and a reasonable quality of life and moderate levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in patients. The post-outbreak mean scores of care burden and quality of life significantly decreased and increased, respectively (p

In Poland, food supplements have been popular among consumers for many years. Their sale brings producers huge profits. The interest in these products, especially in vitamin and mineral preparations and in immunity-supporting products increased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-medication with untested dietary supplements may be health hazardous. Since in Poland and in other countries the procedures of quality control of food supplements are imperfect, this situation raises serious concerns about the risks of their unrestricted use and food fraud. The article briefly presents important problems in the safety of food supplements from the point of view of experts involved in their evaluation.

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. is a member of the Malvaceae family. The plant is also known by other common names such as: kapok tree, silk cotton tree, Java cotton and many others. It grows in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, India, Thailand, Indonesia. The plant is best known because of the fiber produced by tree fruits and unique fiber structure. Interestingly, the plant, in addition to a specific fiber with multiple uses, is used as food and its parts also exhibit medicinal activity. This paper attempts to give an overview of the current knowledge of C. pentandra (L.) Gaertn. This review provide a brief and important information concerning kapok tree and kapok fiber industrial applications as well as on reports of its use in nutrition and traditional medicine.

The rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, particularly its spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD), was crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the development and optimization of two types of aptasensors: quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and electrochemical sensors, both employing thiol-modified DNA aptamers for S-RBD detection. The QCM aptasensor demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, achieved by optimizing aptamer concentration, buffer composition, and pre-treatment conditions, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.07 pg/mL and a linear range from 1 pg/mL to 0.1 µg/mL, and a significant frequency change was observed upon target binding. The electrochemical aptasensor, designed for rapid and efficient preparation, utilized a one-step modification process that reduced the preparation time to 2 h while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) enabled the detection of S-RBD concentrations as low as 132 ng/mL. Both sensors exhibited high specificity, with negligible non-specific interactions observed in the presence of competing proteins. Additionally, the QCM aptasensor's functionality and stability were verified in biological fluids, indicating its potential for real-world applications. This study highlights the comparative advantages of QCM and electrochemical aptasensors in terms of preparation time, sensitivity, and specificity, offering valuable insights for the development of rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tools for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective medical interventions to prevent infectious diseases. The introduction of vaccines against coronavirus acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was aimed at preventing severe illness and death due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at high risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and serious effects associated with COVID-19, mainly due to the use of immunosuppressive therapies, which further cause suboptimal response to COVID-19 vaccination. Aim of the study: We aimed to compare post-vaccination response to BNT162b2 in kidney–pancreas transplant recipient, specifically in immunocompetent individuals, over two years of simultaneous monitoring. Methods: To determine the humoral response, the levels of the IgG and IgA anti-S1 antibodies were measured. To assess the cellular response to SARS-CoV-2, the released IFN-γ-S1 was determinate. Results and Conclusion: After primary vaccination, compared to immunocompetent subjects, SOTR showed lower seroconversion for both antibody classes. Only the additional dose produced antibodies at the level reached by the control group after the baseline vaccination. During the monitored period, SOTR did not achieve a positive cellular response in contrast to immunocompetent individuals, so in order to obtain longer protection, including immune memory, the adoption of booster doses of the vaccine should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccination is one of the most effective life-saving medical interventions, and the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines was intended to prevent the serious implications of COVID-19. The objectives of the study were (i) to observe the humoral immune response to the BNT162b2 vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infection (mainly breakthrough infections), (ii) to demonstrate the persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over time in relation to the number of received vaccine doses and the course of infection, and (iii) to determine the adverse effects after primary vaccine doses. Methods: To assess the humoral response, IgG and IgA anti-S1 antibodies were quantified by ELISA assays. In total, the tests were carried out seven times in almost two years. Results: We demonstrated strong immunogenicity (compared to levels before primary vaccination, 150- and 20-fold increases in IgG and IgA, respectively) of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Over time, we observed a systematic decline in antibody levels, which may have contributed to breakthrough infections. Although they caused seroconversion similar to the booster, antibody levels in such patients fell more rapidly than after re-vaccination. On the other hand, in individuals who did not receive booster(s) and who did not present breakthrough infection, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies returned to pre-vaccination levels after 20 months. The most commonly recognized adverse effects were injection site redness and swelling. Conclusion: Vaccination is highly effective in preventing the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 and should be performed regardless of prior infection. Booster doses significantly enhance anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and, in contrast to those obtained by breakthrough infection, they remain longer.

Introduction: The molecular basis of in vivo metabolism of selected representatives of phenylethanoids in the presence of ethanol has not been fully elucidated.

Introduction: The use of dietary supplements has been increasing globally, especially among children. A lot of parents are influenced by advertising. In addition, in Poland a trend to self-medication has been observed. Parents often do not distinguish dietary supplements, medicinal products and non-prescription drugs. These are the most common reasons for the increase in sales of dietary supplements in Poland. Until a few years ago, many products containing vitamins and minerals intended for children were sold as medicines. Today, a product with the same formulation is sold as a dietary supplement. However, a few studies have been conducted to assess the use of dietary supplements among Polish children.

The 108th birthday and 10th death anniversary of Tadeusz W. Nowacki is an excellent opportunity to recall the life and scientific work of the creator of work pedagogy. The recollection commemorates the years of childhood and adolescence, which are little known to the younger generations of work pedagogues. His "Memoirs" were published in the memorial book "The 95th birthday jubilee of Tadeusz W. Nowacki". The publication proves Tadeusz W. Nowacki to be a great patriot heavily experienced by various circumstances and a person sensitive to the fate of a man. Tadeusz W. Nowacki was convinced that the role and importance of work pedagogy in the structure of pedagogical science should be further explored, continuously supplemented and updated. The incredibly rich scientific achievement of Tadeusz W. Nowacki confirms his devotion to work pedagogy. Tadeusz W. Nowacki published over 840 original works, he participated in nearly 70 promotions for academic degrees and titles, 70 different works were dedicated to the Professor as a scientist.

The salt of formula [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 (dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate di(hydrogen sulfate(VI)) was used to examine the physicochemical properties of the resulting Ni layer and evaluate the applicability of the salt as a new additive for Watts-type baths. The Ni coatings deposited from baths containing [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 were compared with those obtained from other baths. The nucleation of nickel on the electrode was proven to occur the slowest in the bath that contained the mixture of [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 and saccharin compared with other baths. The addition of [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 alone (bath III) generated a coating with a morphology similar to that obtained from bath I (without additives). Despite the similar morphology and wettability of the Ni-coated surfaces plated from various baths (all Ni coatings were hydrophilic with contact angles in the range of 68 to 77°), some differences in electrochemical properties were noted. The corrosion resistance for the coatings plated from baths II and IV containing saccharin (Icorr = 1.1 and 1.5 µA/cm2, respectively) and the mixture of saccharin and [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 (Icorr = 0.88 µA/cm2), respectively, was similar or even better than the coating obtained from baths without [H2EDTA2+][HSO4−]2 (Icorr = 9.02 µA/cm2).

It is well known that the electrochemical corrosion negatively affects the functional properties of metal and steel materials that constitute a part of systems conducting electric charge. On the other hand, the phenomenon of corrosion is rarely associated with the degradation of chemical power sources and energy storage devices. This article is aimed to fill this gap by describing the effect demonstrated by a substituted ammonium salt with cyclohexyl substituent and 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate anion used as a corrosion inhibitor in symmetrical electrochemical capacitor system. The accelerated ageing test of capacitor systems has shown that the addition of substituted ammonium salt to capacitor electrolyte allows to extend the service lifetime of the entire system by inhibiting the corrosion of 316L stainless steel current collectors. The inhibitory effect of substituted ammonium salt additives on the electrochemical corrosion of 316L stainless steel surface has been also confirmed by cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP) tests and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements.

Pedagogika pracy nie doczekała się modelowania systemowego, zwanego teorią modelowania systemowego, określaną również mianem systemologii. Twórczynią tej teorii w Polsce jest Krystyna Duraj-Nowakowa (1997). Niniejszy tekst podejmuje próbę adaptacji tej teorii do pedagogiki pracy. Podjęta inicjatywa jest ze wszech miar zasadna, bowiem w pedagogice pracy występuje wiele zagadnień, które już są wymodelowane systemowo. Ich przykłady to np. pedagogika pracy w systemie nauk, w tym pedagogicznych i nauk o pracy; Klasyfikacje Zawodów i Specjalności; Polska Klasyfikacja Działalności; edukacja jako kryterium modelowania pedagogiki pracy.

Time-resolved luminescence lifetime measurements are an important photophysical technique. However, access to this technique at the undergraduate level is limited by the expense of the instrumentation needed to create the well-defined light pulses required to measure the luminescence decay of an excited state molecule. We present here an inexpensive, improved light emitting diode (LED) circuit that is capable of supplying bright light pulses. Our circuit is designed to overdrive the LED resulting in a bright excitation light source with a well-defined square wave pulse shape. This allows for the facile measurement of luminescent molecules with decay lifetimes in the hundreds of nanoseconds to microsecond range. Data are presented for five UV, violet, and blue LEDs as driven by the improved circuit that can be used as a guide for selecting the best excitation light source for a particular molecule of interest. Our students have studied the quenching of aqueous tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride with ferric ion using an overdriven blue LED as an excitation source. While ferric ion is not an efficient quencher compared to molecular oxygen, it is much easier to handle, allowing for the preparation of accurate standard solutions free of dissolved oxygen.

Accurate and rapid identification of COVID-19 is critical for effective patient treatment and disease outcomes, as well as the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) for identifying SARS-CoV-2 are simpler, faster and less expensive than molecular assays. Any new product to be considered a medical device is subject to evaluation and data analysis to verify the in vitro diagnostic ability to achieve its intended purpose. Clinical validation of such a test is a prerequisite before clinical application. This study was a clinical validation on adult Europeans of GenBody COVID-19 Ag, nasal and nasopharyngeal RATs. A set of 103 positive and 301 negative from nose and nasopharynx samples confirmed by RT-qPCR were examined. The tests were safe to use and showed 100% specificity in both specimens, and high sensitivity of 94.17% (95%CI 87.75% to 97.83%) and 97.09% (95%CI 91.72% to 99.4%), respectively. The parameters were significantly better for samples with higher virus loads (the highest for CT ≤ 25). The GenBody COVID-19 Ag RATs are inexpensive (compared to RT-qPCR), reliable and rapid with high sensitivity and specificity, making them suitable for diagnosis and timely isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients, contributing to the better control of virus spread.

Despite the significance of saproxylic beetle species for ecosystems, the investigation of fine‐scale population genetics within the stag beetle, Lucanus cervus, remains notably limited. Because of their limited dispersal distances and habitat fragmentation, high genetic structure and low genetic diversity are expected in its populations.To evaluate the impact of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity and structure, we examined 150 specimens of L. cervus from three sites in western Poland: two forest stands and one stand located in an Oak avenue. We utilised 19 microsatellite DNA loci for this examination.Results of neighbour‐joining analysis and principal coordinates analysis, values of differentiation indexes (G'ST, D(Jost) and FST) and rare/private allele frequencies indicated weak genetic differentiation among individuals collected from the tree sites. A spatial component to the genetic structure was identified through STRUCTURE (LOCPRIOR), isolation by distance tests and spatial autocorrelation analysis. The genetic diversity remained relatively high (HE: 0.49–0.51), with no inbreeding observed and no significant differences in mean relatedness among individuals from sampling sites.Limited genetic differentiation between the individuals of L. cervus from the investigated sites may result from a lag time since fragment isolation, unrestricted gene flow and marker/sample size limitations. Though weak, the significant differentiation between two of the sites may be linked to environmental differences and distance. Genetic data support treating individuals from forests as a single management unit. Non‐invasive sampling suffices for genetic studies, but achieving balanced sampling is crucial for precise historical demography estimates of endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Niniejszy artykuł, do napisania którego inspiracją stała się koncepcja Billa Readginsa, wpisuje się w dyskurs o poszukiwanie oblicza współczesnego uniwersytetu. Badacz ten już w 1995 r. zaczął postrzegać uniwersytet jako ruiną coraz trudniejszą do zamieszkania przez wspólnotę uczonych i ich uczniów, połączonych pasją poszukiwania prawdy. Więcej nie dając schronienia myśleniu, ruiny uniwersytetu zamieniają uczonych w biurokratów, a studentów w konsumentów nabywających kompetencje pożądane dla rynku pracy (Readgins,2017, s. 7–8). Zastanawiał się, na ile owo spostrzeżenie wpisuje się w modelowanie i reformowanie uniwersytetów w różnych krajach. Ja również wpisałam się w dyskurs dotyczący przyszłości uniwersytetów w Polsce oraz tego, które z priorytetów Readingsa zadecydują o przyszłym kształcie uniwersytetu – nauka i jej rozwój wyznaczony badaniami czy problemy rynku pracy wyznaczające kierunki przygotowywania studentów do pracy zawodowej, w tym w Polsce. Uniwersytety nie pozostają obojętne dla nowych obszarów wyznaczanych przez trendy cywilizacyjne, takie jak m.in. rynek pracy, ukierunkowujący edukacyjny wymiar szkolnictwa wyższego, z uniwersyteckim szkolnictwem włącznie. Historia uniwersytetów ukazuje powstawanie pierwszych uczelni wyższych w Europie i ich oddziaływanie na inne kraje, w tym na Polskę. Wreszcie przybliżam kierunek rozwoju uniwersytetów, wyznaczony nowymi realiami życia społecznego i gospodarczego, oddziaływujący na programy uniwersytetów – już nie tylko klasycznych, ale i tzw. przymiotnikowych w Polsce, a ze względu na status własności – publicznych i niepublicznych, co z kolei kierunkuje ich nadzorowanie przez Ministra Nauki i Sztuki lub właściwego ministra dla wykładanej problematyki w uniwersytecie, a także na podmioty je tworzące. Przyszłość uniwersytetów wydaje się raczej niezagrożona, wyrazem czego jest dążenie uczelni o uznanej renomie do przekształcania się w uniwersytety o różnym profilu, tzw. przymiotnikowe, w których kształcenie dostosowane jest do rynku pracy, jak również wymagań jednostek organizacyjnych wpisanych w struktury uczelniane, co nie może być w żadnej mierze pomijane, a wręcz jest preferowany.

Fenugreek has a long tradition of use as a medicine and also has been commonly used as food in many countries. This plant is well known, especially in Asia. In Europe, fenugreek seeds are regarded as a traditional herbal medicine consumed in case of loss of appetite and in confirmed skin inflammations. Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds contain wide spectrum of different biologically active constituents which affect the properties of preparations produced from this plant. Numerous preclinical studies confirm the use of fenu-greek as a hypolipidemic and lowering blood glucose level drug. Unfortunately, there are not many clinical studies on fenugreek seeds in this area. Published studies often significantly differ in the amount and type of fenugreek seed preparation used. However, results of available scientific research are promising and suggest the possibility of using fenugreek seeds in metabolic syndrome therapy. Undoubtedly, further research is required to confirm such properties of Trigonella foenum-graecum.