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The paper presents issues associated with the impact of electromagnetic interference on static converters, which exploitation in a railway transport environment. The measurements of an electromagnetic field emitted by a static converter were shown. Designs of this kind are exploitation in railway facilities, therefore, they should not disturb the functioning of other equipment, the rail traffic control systems, in particular. As a result of the EMC tests, it was concluded that the permissible values of conducted interference emissions were exceeded. An analysis of the obtained results enabled developing a research model, and a further reliability and exploitation analysis, taking into account electromagnetic interference. This, in turn, enabled determining a relationship allowing to determine the probability of a static converter staying in a state of full ability. The presented discussions regarding a static converter, taking into account electromagnetic interference, allow for the numerical assessment of different types of solutions (technical and organizational), which can be implemented in order to mitigate the impact of electromagnetic interference on a system’s functioning.

Bearing capacity of the working platform for heavy tracks was analysed using Distinct Layout Optimization (DLO) method. The platform layer constructed from cohesionless soils is resting on weak cohesive subgrade. Different thickness of the platform, its effective angle of internal friction and undrained shear strength of the soft soil were taken into consideration. Kinematic method permits different failure mechanisms to be analyzed. Margin of safety for a given load and subsoil conditions was determined using two approaches: increasing the load or decreasing the shear strength up to failure. The results were compared with solution proposed in BRE recommendations.

This paper discussed the measurement of radiated emissions of electromagnetic disturbances generated by diesel electric locomotive system. The measurement methodology, permissible values of a magnetic and electric field according to EN 50121-3-1 standard during driving and standstill for electric diesel locomotive are presented. The article presents examples of test results and an assessment of the obtained measurement results in the electric and diesel traction according to the applicable requirements.

BACKGROUND Congenital malformations of the alimentary tract constitute 5% to 6% of newborn anomalies, with congenital intestinal atresia being a common cause of alimentary tract obstruction. This study explores advanced ultrasound diagnostic possibilities, including 2D, HDlive, HDlive inversion, and HDlive silhouette imaging modes, through the analysis of 3 cases involving duodenal and intestinal obstructions. Congenital malformations of the alimentary tract often present challenges in prenatal diagnosis. The most prevalent defect is congenital intestinal atresia leading to alimentary tract obstruction, with an incidence of approximately 6 in 10 000 births. We focused on advanced ultrasound diagnostic techniques and their applications in 3 cases of duodenal and intestinal obstructions. CASE REPORT Three cases were examined using advanced ultrasound imaging modes. The first patient, diagnosed at week 35 of gestation, revealed stomach and duodenal dilatation. The second, identified at week 32, had the characteristic "double bubble" symptom. The third, at week 31, also had double bubble symptom and underwent repeated amnioreduction procedures. HDlive, HDlive inversion, and HDlive silhouette modes provided intricate visualizations of the affected organs. Prenatal diagnosis of alimentary tract obstruction relies on ultrasound examinations, with nearly 50% of cases being diagnosed before birth. CONCLUSIONS Advanced ultrasound imaging modes, particularly HDlive silhouette, play a crucial role in diagnosing fetal alimentary tract obstruction. These modes offer detailed visualizations and dynamic evaluations, providing essential insights for therapeutic decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of sustained fetal surveillance, a multidisciplinary approach, and delivery in a level III referral center to ensure specialized care for optimal outcomes.

Introduction: The study aimed to determine the level of basic hope and symptoms of anxiety and depression in women after miscarriage.Methods: To evaluate the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and basic hope, the standardized questionnaires the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Basic Hope Inventory (BHI-12), respectively, were used. Patients hospitalized at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Provincial Combined Hospital in Kielce due to miscarriage in the period from September 2019 to August 2021 were included in the study., Results: The sense of basic hope increased after 3 months ( p < 0.001). The intensity of symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased ( p < 0.001). The BHI-12 correlated significantly and negatively with the level of anxiety ( r = -0.438, p < 0.001) and depression symptoms ( r = -0.456, p < 0.001) during and after hospitalization (anxiety r = -0.649, p < 0.001; depression r = -0.643, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: It was found that the level of hope significantly increased after 3 months compared to this level during hospitalization. Hope was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Termedia & Banach.)

A model of charge population decay upon ultrafast optical pulse excitation in complete, working perovskite solar cells is proposed. The equation, including charge injections (extractions) from perovskite to contact materials, charge diffusion, and charge recombination via first-, second-, and third-order processes, is solved using numerical simulations. Results of simulations are positively verified by broadband transient absorption results of mixed halide, triple-cation perovskite (FA 0.76 MA 0.19 Cs 0.05 Pb(I 0.81 Br 0.19 ) 3 ). The combined analytical and experimental findings reveal the best approaches for the proper determination of the crucial parameters that govern charge transfer dynamics in perovskite solar cells on picosecond and single nanosecond time scales. Measurements from both electron and hole transporting layer sides under different applied bias potentials (zero and close to open circuit potential) and different pump fluence (especially below 5 μJ/cm 2 ), followed by fitting of parameters using numerical modeling, are proposed as the optimal methodology for describing the processes taking place in efficient devices.

MDD (major depressive disorder) is a highly prevalent mental disorder with a complex etiology involving behavioral and neurochemical factors as well as environmental stress. The interindividual variability in response to stress stimuli may be explained by processes such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). LTP can be described as the strengthening of synaptic transmission, which translates into more efficient cognitive performance and is regulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein responsible for promoting neural growth. It is found in high concentrations in the hippocampus, a part of the limbic system which is far less active in people with MDD. Omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) not only contribute to structural and antioxidative functions but are essential for the maintenance of LTP and stable BDNF levels. This review explores the mechanisms and potential roles of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of MDD., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Minimally invasive procedures are demanding in terms of cardioprotection. In many leading centres Bretschneider HTK solution is used for mitral valve surgery. The study was designed to provide comparison of the del Nido and Bretschneider HTK protocol., Methods: Patients who underwent minimally invasive mitral valve repair for primary mitral regurgitation and received single delivery of either del Nido (Group 1) or Bretschneider HTK cardioplegia (Group 2) were matched on basis of age, gender and length of the cross-clamp time. The groups were compared in terms of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (death, myocardial infarction, stroke), high sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) and creatine kinase- MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) release at 12 h and 24 h following the surgery, incidence of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), postoperative arrhythmia, transfusions and postoperative renal function., Results: Case control matching selected 38 pairs of patients. None of patients died, nor suffered from myocardial infarction or stroke. Troponin values did not differ at 12 h (median: 281.0 pg/mL vs 313.0 pg/mL; p = .38) and 24 h (median: 261.0 pg/mL vs 299.0 pg/mL; p = .54), as well as CK-MB at 12 h (median: 25.0 ng/mL vs 29.0 ng/mL; p = .31) and 24 h (median: 11.0 ng/mL versus 9.6 ng/mL; p = .46). Difference in occurrence of LCOS was insignificant (2 vs 7; 5.2% vs 18.4%; p =.15). No difference was shown in incidence of postoperative arrhythmia, transfusions and renal function., Conclusions: Del Nido cardioplegia can be used safely as an alternative for Bretschneider HTK for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Background: Crystalloid cardioplegic solutions are believed to reduce hemoglobin significantly and increase the transfusion rate. However, recent reports indicate that the del Nido cardioplegia may preserve blood morphology parameters., Methods: In "The del Nido versus cold blood cardioplegia in aortic valve Replacement" trial patients undergoing aortic valve replacement were randomized into the del Nido (DN) or cold blood cardioplegia (CB) group. For the subanalysis, patients who underwent blood transfusions were excluded from the study. Red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC) count and platelet (PLT) count were measured before the surgery, 24-, 48-, and 96 hours postoperatively. Furthermore, percental variation in first-last measure was compared in groups. In addition, indexed normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were compared preoperatively and 24 hours after the surgery., Results: Eighteen (24%) patients from the del Nido group and 22 (29.3%) patients from the CB group received blood product transfusions (p = 0.560) and were excluded from further analysis. As such, 57 patients remained in DN group and 53 patients remained in CB group. No difference was found in RBC, hemoglobin, WBC, and platelet count in time intervals. Percental variation in first-last measure revealed higher fall in RBC (p = 0.0024) and hemoglobin (p = 0.0028) in the CB group. No difference was shown in preoperative and 24-hour postoperative INR and aPTT., Conclusions: The del Nido cardioplegia does not decrease blood morphology parameters when compared to cold blood cardioplegia and may be used alternatively regardless of bleeding and coagulopathy risk.

Background: The evidence on performing minimally invasive coronary artery surgery early after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is limited., Aim: The study aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of this approach., Methods: This registry included 115 (78% male) patients treated from 2013 to 2018, who underwent non-left anterior descending (LAD) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to ACS with contemporary DES implantation (39% diagnosed with myocardial infarction at baseline), followed by endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass (EACAB) surgery within 180 days, after temporary P2Y12 inhibitor discontinuation. Primary composite endpoint of MACCE (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events), defined as death, myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular incident, and repeat revascularization was evaluated in long-term follow-up. The follow-up was collected via a telephone survey and in line with National Registry for Cardiac Surgery Procedures., Results: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) time interval separating both procedures was 100.0 (62.0-136.0) days. Median (IQR) follow-up duration was 1338.5 (753.0-2093.0) days and was completed for all patients with regard to mortality. Eight patients (7%) died; 2 (1.7%) had a stroke; 6 (5.2%) suffered from MI, and 12 (10.4%) required repeat revascularization. Overall, the incidence of MACCE was 20 (17.4%)., Conclusions: EACAB is a safe and feasible method of LAD revascularization in patients who received DES for ACS within 180 days before surgery despite early dual antiplatelet therapy discontinuation. The adverse event rate is low and acceptable.

This study presents the outcome of research into membrane vibrations in a 3D space performed using a system based on position sensitive device (PSD) sensors. Here, measurements were conducted for harmonic vibrations. The use of such detectors for assessing the movement of objects within a plane or space requires determining the position of more than one marker. The article reviews two methods for detecting the position of several light spots on a sensor's photosensitive plane: a marker sequential control method, and a method based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) that employs a square wave control signal. The authors present an approach to improving measurement accuracy for both methods. They also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Introduction: The adequate protection provided by the del Nido cardioplegia has already been proven in trials comparing the solution with blood cardioplegia. However, evidence regarding comparison to the Bretschneider HTK solution is limited., Aim: To determine the efficacy of the del Nido cardioplegia when compared to Bretschneider HTK solution in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis., Material and Methods: Ten patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis using the del Nido solution (group 1) were case-control matched to patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) using the Bretschneider solution (group 2). The observation included: cardioplegia dosage, time to cardiac arrest, cross-clamp and extracorporeal circulation time, ventricular fibrillation (VF) after removing the cross-clamp, gasometry parameters, creatinine kinase (MB isoenzyme - CK-MB) at 24 and 48 h following the surgery and troponin (highsensitivity troponin T - hsTnT) at 24 and 48 h., Results: Patients were no different in terms of comorbidities. Higher incidence of VF occurred in group 2 (3 vs. 9, 30% vs. 90%; p = 0.02). Blood sodium measurements after removing the cross-clamp were significantly higher in group 1 (median 137.0 vs. 130.0; p = 0.0004). Biomarker release trended toward lower values in group 1, but not significantly (median troponin at 24 h: 223.1 pg/ml vs. 294.8 pg/ml; p = 0.4 and 48 h: 208.0 pg/ml vs. 242.5 pg/ml; p = 0.7, median CK-MB at 24 h: 16.6 ng/ml vs. 17.3 ng/ml; p = 0.6, and 48 h: 6.7 ng/ml vs. 5.08 ng/ml; p = 0.3). Peak creatinine trended towards lower values in group 2, but not significantly (1.35 mg/dl vs. 1.05 mg/dl; p = 0.09)., Conclusions: Both del Nido and Bretschneider cardioplegia provide satisfactory myocardial protection. However, del Nido cardioplegia reduces the incidence of VF after declamping the aorta. Further studies are required., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Polish Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (Polskie Towarzystwo KardioTorakochirurgów) and the editors of the Polish Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Kardiochirurgia i Torakochirurgia Polska).)

A child's illness and hospitalization are particularly difficult and most often an unpredictable situation in a family's life cycle. The level of stress of a parent of a hospitalized child depends on many factors, such as the psychological characteristics of the child and the parent, the child's health condition, and support from the family and medical staff. Our research aimed to search for interactions between the stress experienced by the parent and the temperamental variables of both the child and the parent, and the support received from the family and hospital staff. Using three pencil-paper questionnaires-PSS, EAS-D, EAS-C-and interview questionnaire, we tested 203 parent-child dyads at the time of children hospitalization. It was revealed that the most notable moderator of the relationship between temperamental traits and the characteristics of the hospital-related situation is the child's age. When analyzing the situation of a family with a hospitalized child, particular attention should be paid to parental emotional distress, which, regardless of the child's age, predicts a high level of parental stress.

Background: The evidence regarding the impact of patient's age and gender on del Nido cardioplegia cadio-protection capability in adults is strongly limited., Methods: A group of 75 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with del Nido cardioplegia was divided into Group 1 (male) and Group 2 (female). Creatine kinase (CK-MB isoenzyme) and high sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) values at 24 hours and 48 hours, occurrence of cardiac activity during crossclamp and ventricular fibrillation (VF) during reperfusion were compared. The impact of age on hs-TnT,CK-MB, VF during reperfusion and cardiac activity during crossclamp was investigated using regression models., Results: No difference between the groups was reported in 24-hour CK-MB (median 15.57 ng/mL; IQR 12.13-22.82 ng/mL vs. 13.97; 12.09-17.147 ng/mL; P=0.168), 48-hour CK-MB (6.19; 4.22-7.71 ng/mL vs. 6.07;4.56-7.06 ng/mL; P=0.707), 24-hour hs-TnT (259.2; 172.0-376.9 pg/mL vs. 193.0; 167.8-351 pg/mL.1; P=0.339), 48-hour hs-TnT (169.1; 124.9-293.0 pg/mL vs. 159.2; 123.12-211.77 pg/mL; P=0.673), VF during reperfusion (25% vs. 18,5%; P=0.774) and cardiac activity during arrest (39.6% vs. 37.1%; p= 1.0). Values of CK-MB at 24 hours, hs-TnT at 24 hours and hs-TnT at 48 hours were not dependent on age. The CK-MB at 48 hours was dependent on age (P=0.039). Probit regression failed to reveal the impact of patients' age on postclamp VF occurrence (P=0.11) or electrical activity during arrest (P=0.57)., Conclusions: Considering our study results, it can be hypothesized that the del Nido cardioplegia provides adequate myocardial protection in AVR patients regardless of age and gender.

Recent studies imply that there is a tight association between epigenetics and a molecular mechanism of major depressive disorder (MDD). Epigenetic modifications, i.e., DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification and interference of microRNA (miRNA) or long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), are able to influence the severity of the disease and the outcome of the therapy. This article summarizes the most recent literature data on this topic, i.e., usage of histone deacetylases as therapeutic agents with an antidepressant effect and miRNAs or lncRNAs as markers of depression. Due to the noteworthy potential of the role of epigenetics in MDD diagnostics and therapy, we have gathered the most relevant data in this area.

Introduction: The family response to intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalisation includes development of adverse psychological outcomes such as stress, anxiety or depression. These complications from exposure to critical care are termed post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-f). Psychological repercussions of critical illness affect the family member's ability to perform care functions after hospitalisation., Material and Methods: A total of 37 family members of patients hospitalised in an ICU were included. To evaluate the level stress, anxiety, depression and basic hope the standardized questionnaires the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Basic Hope Inventory (BHI-12) respectively were used., Results: In 33 respondents (89.19%) a high level of stress was identified, and 14 (37.84%) and 12 (32.43%) respondents had severe anxiety and depression, respectively. Higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression were found in spouses and family members living with the patient. Female subjects had a higher level of basic hope (P = 0.026). It was found that perceived stress correlated with anxiety (r = 0.456, P = 0.005) and depression (r = 0.481, P = 0.003)., Conclusions: Most relatives of the patients reported stress, anxiety, depression and low basic hope. Preventive family-centred interventions are needed to minimize the risk of adverse psychological repercussions, including post-intensive care syndrome family.

Previous studies suggest that depression may be associated with reactive oxygen species overproduction and disorders of the tryptophan catabolites pathway. Moreover, one-third of patients do not respond to conventional pharmacotherapy. Therefore, the study investigates the molecular effect of escitalopram on the expression of Cat , Gpx1/4 , Nos1/2 , Tph1/2 , Ido1 , Kmo , and Kynu and promoter methylation in the hippocampus, amygdala, cerebral cortex, and blood of rats exposed to CMS (chronic mild stress). The animals were exposed to CMS for two or seven weeks followed by escitalopram treatment for five weeks. The mRNA and protein expression of the genes were analysed using the TaqMan Gene Expression Assay and Western blotting, while the methylation was determined using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting. The CMS caused an increase of Gpx1 and Nos1 mRNA expression in the hippocampus, which was normalised by escitalopram administration. Moreover, Tph1 and Tph2 mRNA expression in the cerebral cortex was increased in stressed rats after escitalopram therapy. The methylation status of the Cat promoter was decreased in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the rats after escitalopram therapy. The Gpx4 protein levels were decreased following escitalopram compared to the stressed/saline group. It appears that CMS and escitalopram influence the expression and methylation of the studied genes.

Improvement in the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSC) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) upon modifications of mesoporous titania layers has been studied. For PSC with triple cation perovskite (FA0.76 MA0.19 Cs0.05 Pb (I0.81 Br0.19)3) about 40% higher photocurrent (up to ∼24 mA cm-2) was found for more homogenous, made of larger particles (30 nm) and thinner (150-200 nm) titania layer. For DSSC (both with liquid cobalt-based electrolyte as well as with solid state hole transporter - spiro-OMeTAD), a greater dye loading, rise in photovoltage, and the enhancement in relative photocurrent were observed for the cells prepared from the diluted titania paste (2 : 1 w/w ratio) with respect to those prepared from undiluted one. The impact of these improvements in titania layers on charge transfer dynamics in the complete solar cells as well as in pristine TiO2 layers was investigated by femtosecond transient absorption. Shorter photocarriers lifetime in perovskite material observed in better PSC, indicated that faster electron transfer at the titania interface was responsible for the higher photocurrent. Moreover, the photoinduced changes close to TiO2 interface were revealed in better PSC, which may indicate that in the efficient devices halide segregation takes place in perovskite material. In liquid DSSC, the fast component of unwanted recombination was slower in the samples with the diluted titania paste than in those made with undiluted ones. In solid state DSSC, hole injection from MK2 dye to spiro-OMeTAD takes place on the very fast ps time scale (comparable to that of electron injection) and the evidence of better penetration of spiro-OMeTAD into thinner and more porous titania layers was provided.

Depression is the serious mental disorder. Previous studies suggest that the development mechanism of depression may be associated with disorders of the tryptophan catabolic pathway (TRYCAT). Thus, this study investigates the effect of agomelatine treatment on the expression and methylation status of genes involved in TRYCAT in the brain and blood of rats exposed to a chronic mild stress (CMS). Separate groups of rats were exposed to CMS for two or seven weeks; the second group received vehicle or agomelatine for five weeks. After completion of both stress conditions and treatment, the expression levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein, as well as the methylation status of promoters, were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in brain structures with the use of TaqMan Gene Expression Assay, Western blot, and methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting techniques. In PBMCs, Kmo mRNA expression increased in the group after CMS, while this effect was normalized by agomelatine therapy. In brain, KatI and KatII expression changed following CMS exposure. Moreover, CMS decreased the methylation status of the second Tdo2 promoter in the amygdala. Protein expression of Tph1, Tph2, Ido1, and KatII changed in the group after CMS and agomelatine administration, most prominently in the basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. The results indicate that CMS and agomelatine affect the mRNA and protein expression, as well as the methylation of promoters of genes involved in the tryptophan catabolic pathway.

A growing body of evidence suggests that depression may be associated with impairment of the tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) pathway. The present study investigated the effects of the chronic administration of venlafaxine on the expression and methylation status of Katl, Tph1/2, Ido1, Kmo and Kynu in the brain and blood of rats exposed to the CMS model of depression. The rats were subjected to the CMS procedure for 2 or 7 weeks and administered venlafaxine (10 mg/kg/day, IP) for 5 weeks. mRNA and protein expression and the methylation status of gene promoters in PBMCs and six brain structures were evaluated and analysed using the TaqMan Gene Expression Assay and Western blotting, and methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM), respectively. We found that the CMS procedure increased KatI expression in the midbrain and KatII expression in the midbrain and the amygdala, while venlafaxine administration decreased KatII expression in the hypothalamus and the cerebral cortex. The methylation status of the Tph1 and Kmo promoters in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was significantly increased in the stressed group after antidepressant therapy. The protein levels of Tph1 and Ido1 were decreased following venlafaxine administration. Our results confirmed that CMS and venlafaxine modulate the expression levels and methylation status of genes involved in the TRYCATs pathway.

The properties of efficient solar cells fabricated with triple-cation perovskite placed between a mesoporous titania layer and a spiro-OMeTAD layer are studied by using devices either prepared under water-free drybox conditions or fabricated under ambient room humidity. The morphological studies indicate that the content of unreacted PbI 2 phase in the perovskite structure is much higher near the interface with titania than near the interface with spiro-OMeTAD. The stationary emission spectra and transient bleach peaks of perovskites show additional long-wavelength features close to the titania side. Time-resolved techniques ranging from femtoseconds to seconds reveal further differences in charge dynamics at both interfaces. The population decay is significantly faster at the titania side than at the spiro-OMeTAD side for the cells prepared under ambient conditions. An increased hole injection rate correlates with higher photocurrent seen in the devices prepared under drybox conditions. The charge recombination loss on the millisecond time scale is found to be slower at the interface with titania than at the interface with spiro-OMeTAD. The ideality factor of the cells is found to increase with increasing DMSO content in the precursor solution, indicating a change in recombination mechanism from bulk to surface recombination. We also found that the charge dynamics are not uniform within the whole perovskite layer. This feature has significant implications for understanding the operation and optimizing the performance of solar devices based on mixed cation perovskites.

Preclinical studies conducted so far suggest that oxidative stress processes may be associated with the mechanism of depression development. This study shows the effects of chronic administration of agomelatine on expression and the methylation status of Sod1 , Sod2 , Gpx1 , Gpx4 , Cat , Nos1, and Nos2 in the brain stricture and blood in the chronic mild stress (CMS) animal model of depression. The animals were exposed to the CMS procedure and treatment with agomelatine (10 mg/kg/day, IP) for five weeks and then were sacrificed. TaqMan Gene Expression Assay, Western blot, and methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting techniques were used to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of the genes, and the methylation status of their promoters. Gpx1 , Gpx4, and Sod2 expression in the PBMCs and Sod1 and Sod2 expression in the brain were reduced in the stressed group after agomelatine administration. CMS caused an increase in the methylation of the third Gpx4 promoter in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and Gpx1 promoter in the cerebral cortex. Additionally, stressed rats treated with agomelatine displayed a significantly lower Gpx4 level in the hypothalamus. The results confirm the hypothesis that the CMS procedure and agomelatine administration change the expression level and methylation status of the promoter region of genes involved in oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Introduction: Lung cancer holds the first position as the number of deaths among both the genders and, even if oncological efficient, is related to lasting psychological effects, which may significantly influence further functioning of a patient's professional and social life. The researches objective was to find the level of acceptance of lung cancer and to determine what is the patient's readiness to accept the changes in life after the surgery., Material and Methods: In total, 135 patients suffering from lung cancer were enrolled. To evaluate the readiness to accept the changes in life after the surgery the authors' questionnaire was used and to evaluate of level of acceptance of illness the standardized the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) was used., Results: The awareness of the treatment consequences is high among the patients scheduled for surgery. The acceptance of lung cancer is high (mean = 32.23; SD = 7.53). The level of disease acceptance depends on the evaluation of own health - both currently (it is higher among the patients who consider their health as good) and compared to the previous year (it is higher among the patients who evaluate it as the same or better than a year ago) ( p < 0.05). The willingness to accept the life changes depends on a gender, age, marital status, education, employment and health orientation ( p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Regardless of the achievements of the recent years in the lung cancer treatment, it remains the biggest oncologic challenge worldwide. Only multidisciplinary actions including prevention and psychological support may contribute to much more efficient treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Perovskite solar cells, composed of a mixture of methylammonium (MA) and formamidinium (FA) cations [in the benchmark proportions of (FAPbI 3 ) 0.85 (MAPbBr 3 ) 0.15 ] and titania as an electron-accepting material, are prepared under different conditions, with the objective of finding correlations between the solar cell performance and several important stationary and dynamical parameters of the material. The effects of humidity, oxygen, the use of anti-solvent, and the presence and quality of a mesoporous titania layer are investigated. It is found that an increase in the photocurrent corresponds to a higher content of the desired cubic perovskite phase and to increased long-wavelength absorption of the sample. On the contrary, for poorer-quality cells, additional short-wavelength bands in both absorption and emission spectra are present. Furthermore, a higher photocurrent of the cells is correlated with faster interfacial charge-transfer dynamics. For the highest photocurrent of >20 mA cm -2 , the characteristic times of about 1 μs are observed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and emission half-lifetimes of about 6 ns by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (upon excitation with 420 nm pulses of ≈0.5 mW power). Both first- and second-order rate constants, extracted from the emission measurements, are greater for the cells showing higher photocurrents, probably owing to a more rapid charge injection., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Introduction: Minimally invasive mitral repair is less traumatic and more acceptable for the patient than traditional surgery. However, it is a challenging procedure that requires effort from all the personnel involved., Aim: To investigate the results of the minimally invasive mitral valve repair learning curve at the institution., Material and Methods: The indication for the surgery was severe mitral regurgitation. Patients with other valvular insufficiency, body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m 2 , ejection fraction (EF) < 45%, aortic dilatation, reoperation, pleural adhesions, coronary artery disease requiring invasive treatment, and pregnant women were disqualified. The patients were assigned to one of three groups regarding their surgery date - group 1 (2012-2013), group 2 (2014-2015) and group 3 (2016-2017). The primary endpoints were death, myocardial infarction, stroke, an reoperation for mitral dysfunction. The investigation was performed to determine preoperative parameters (EuroSCORE, age, sex, BMI, arrhythmias, EF), intraoperative parameters (procedure, cross-clamp, extracorporeal circulation), and postoperative parameters (chest revision, transfusion, drainage, ventilation time, pleurocentesis, hospitalization time)., Results: There were 173 patients in total. One patient from group 1 (0.6% overall) died. No myocardial infarction or stroke was observed in any of the three groups. Chest revision count (5 vs. 1 vs. 1; p = 0.0004), total drainage (797.20 vs. 517.92 vs. 449.69; p = 0.0018) and hospitalization time (7.89 vs. 7.18 vs. 6.73; p = 0.0005) were significantly different among the groups. The ventilation time, transfusion number and pleurocentesis count did not differ significantly., Conclusions: The procedure is safe and ensures optimal perioperative results. The number of complications is low and acceptable., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest.

Background: The physicians of intensive care units (ICUs) encounter patients who are critically ill and have severe injuries and require life-saving interventions. Working in such a stressful environment may be highly stressful. A high level of stress among intensive care units' staff is commonly reported. The aim of this study was to explore doctors' perceptions of their stress and identify the coping processes associated with this task., Methods: A total of 89 physicians of various specialties working in ICUs were included. For evaluation of coping with stress the Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress (Mini-COPE) was used together with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to assess the stress level., Results: In 46 respondents (51.7%) a high level of stress was identified. Women were under a higher level of stress than men (P = 0.011). Adaptive stress-coping strategies were more frequently used than maladaptive stress-coping strategies. Planning, active coping and seeking support were the most frequently reported stress-coping strategies while denial, turning to religion, suppression of activities and psychoactive substance use were the least frequently reported stress-coping strategies. Females used both adaptive and maladaptive stress-coping strategies more frequently than males (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Approximately a half of surveyed physicians presented symptoms of a high level of stress, which indicates that it is a very important problem. Further investigations of stress and coping strategies among ICU physicians are necessary.

Tryptophan catabolites pathway disorders are observed in patients with depression. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphisms of tryptophan hydroxylase genes may modulate the risk of depression occurrence. The objective of our study was to confirm the association between the presence of polymorphic variants of TPH1 and TPH2 genes, and the development of depressive disorders. Six polymorphisms were selected: c.804-7C>A (rs10488682), c.-1668T>A (rs623580), c.803+221C>A (rs1800532), c.-173A>T (rs1799913)-TPH1, c.-1449C>A (rs7963803), and c.-844G>T (rs4570625)-TPH2. A total of 510 DNA samples (230 controls and 280 patients) were genotyped using TaqMan probes. Among the studied polymoorphisms, the G/G genotype and G allele of c.804-7C>A-TPH1, the T/T homozygote of c.803+221C>A-TPH1, the A/A genotype and A allele of c.1668T>A-TPH1, the G/G homozygote and G allele of c.-844G>T-TPH2, and the C/A heterozygote and A allele of c.-1449C>A-TPH2 were associated with the occurrence of depression. However, the T/T homozygote of c.-1668T>A-TPH1, the G/T heterozygote and T allele of c.-844G>T-TPH2, and the C/C homozygote and C allele of c.-1449C>A-TPH2 decreased the risk of development of depressive disorders. Each of the studied polymorphisms modulated the risk of depression for selected genotypes and alleles. These results support the hypothesis regarding the involvement of the pathway in the pathogenesis of depression., (© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.)

The dominating hypothesis among numerous hypotheses explaining the pathogenesis of depressive disorders (DD) is the one involving oxidative and nitrosative stress. In this study, we examined the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the genes encoding SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2), CAT (catalase), GPx4 (glutathione peroxidase 4), NOS1 (nitric oxide synthase 1), NOS2 (nitric oxide synthase 2), and the development of depressive disorders. Our study was carried out on the DNA isolated from peripheral blood collected from 281 depressed patients and 229 controls. Using TaqMan probes, we genotyped the following six polymorphisms: c.47T>C (p.Val16Ala) (rs4880) in SOD2, c.-89A>T (rs7943316) in CAT, c.660T>C (rs713041) in GPx4, c.-420-34221G>A (rs1879417) in NOS1, c.1823C>T (p.Ser608Leu) (rs2297518), and c.-227G>C (rs10459953) in NOS2. We found that the T/T genotype of the c.47T>C polymorphism was linked with an increased risk of depression. Moreover, the T/T genotype and T allele of c.660T>C increased the risk of DD occurrence, while the heterozygote and C allele decreased this risk. On the other hand, we discovered that the A/A genotype of c.-89A>T SNP was associated with a reduced risk of DD, while the A/T genotype increased this risk. We did not find any correlation between the genotypes/alleles of c.-420-34221G>A, c.1823C>T, and c.-227G>C, and the occurrence of DD. In addition, gene-gene and haplotype analyses revealed that combined genotypes and haplotypes were connected with the disease. Moreover, we found that sex influenced the impact of some SNPs on the risk of depression. Concluding, the studied polymorphisms of SOD2, CAT and GPx4 may modulate the risk of depression. These results support the hypothesis that oxidative and nitrosative stresses are involved in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The Eurasian beaver ( Castor fiber ) has a greater impact on local ecosystems than other herbivores, and the affected area exceeds the range of its presence. Its activity may change or create new habitats by modifying the availability of the biotic and abiotic resources available not only to beavers, but also to other groups of animals. Our aim was to study how beaver activity affects the benthos composition in a small river and in a beaver pond. The way in which beavers function in the case of small rivers has received little attention. The study showed a lower density of benthos above the dam (beaver pond - 1467 ind./m 2 ) compared to the river (3147 ind./m 2 ). Below the dam, the diversity of Trichoptera and Coleoptera was greater, while Diptera were more abundant in the beaver pond. Betidae were a constant component in the benthos assemblages and were most abundant in the beaver pond. Collectors-gatherers and predators were the most numerous in the beaver pond. Decreasing percentages of collectors-gatherers were observed with an increased abundance of collectors-filterers and shredders in the river. All of the ratio values except the P/T FFG (Predators to total of all other groups) were lower in the beaver pond compared to the river. The % EPT (Ephemeroptera Plecoptera and Trichoptera) was also greater in the beaver pond. Small differences in the physicochemical properties of the water and organic matter content in the bottom sediments were found both above and below the beaver dam., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.All of the experiments complied with the current Polish law.

Surgical revascularization with coronary artery by-pass grafting is still recommended in vast majority of patients with unprotected left main disease. The aim of the paper was to analyze optimal treatment of left main disease in selected groups of patients, on the basis of current guidelines and information gained from literature data. We focused on data in relation to treatment of elderly patients, diabetics and those hemodynamically unstable. Additionally we discussed the issue of anti-platelet therapy and informed consent. As far as efficacy of treatment is concerned, not only method of revascularization but also general condition of the patient, the factors influencing peri-operative risk and optimal pharmacotherapy should be taken into account. Therefore establishment of the heart team is crucial when choosing the most suitable method of invasive treatment of left main disease.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of perioperative blood pressure (BP) variability in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with the use of extracorporeal circulation (ECC)., Methods: Two hundred patients were enrolled, 41 women (21%) and 159 men (79%), aged 6 1± 8 years. A direct method of intraoperative BP measurement was used with a cannula placed in the radial artery, and BP was recorded at intervals of 5 min at three stages of the CABG: from cannula placement to the start of ECC, during ECC, and post-ECC until the transfer of patient to the postoperative room. BP variability was assessed using coefficient of variation (in percentage) for systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressures. Impact of sex, age, and comorbidities was determined., Results: Greater changes in BP during CABG were observed in diastolic BP (4/19%) than in systolic BP (11/15%) and the greatest BP variability was associated with pulse pressure (20/72%). The greatest variability of BP parameters was found during ECC (15/72%). Higher BP lability was found in women (13/83%), younger patients (11/78%), and those without diabetes (11/78%), hypertension (11/82%), or obesity (11/71%), and smoking habit increased the variability during CABG (11/89%). All trends were similar for all types of BP., Conclusion: Special attention in perioperative anesthetic management should be given not only to elder patients with many comorbid conditions, but also to younger and healthier participants because the latter are characterized by greater variations of BP during CABG.

We describe a case of a 86 year-old male who underwent urgent cardiac surgery and developed post-operative delirium. The treatment and prevention of this condition are discussed.

In performed study the effectiveness of meropenem administration was estimated after therapeutic using in infections treatment after coronary artery bypass graft surgery on the base of antibiotic concentrations determined by HPLC method in the plasma samples of patients. The aim of the present study was to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of meropenem in patients' plasma samples after multiple intravenous antibiotic administration and the estimation of meropenem concentrations to MIC of bacterial pathogens. The biological material to our study was taken in 2; 4; 5 and 6 day of the antibiotic therapy. The solid phase extraction was used to the isolation of meropenem from the plasma samples. Applied chromatographic conditions of antibiotic included the column LiChrisopher 100 RP-18 (5 microm, 250 mm x 4 mm); the mobile phase comprised phosphate buffer pH 7,0/acetonitrile (92:8); DAD with detection at 296 nm. The maximal meropenem concentration in the steady state (Css(max)) in 2 day of treatment 0.25 h after administration of the next dose of antibiotic was 17.58 microg/ml. In the plasma samples which were taken in the end of the dosage regimen (8 h) in subsequent days the antibiotic was not fund. Only in one patient the minimal concentration in the steady state (Css(min)) was 0.87-0.89 microg/ml and exceeded MIC for Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter Escherichia coli i Serratia. The shorter frequency of drug administration has to be consider to assure the therapeutic range of antibiotic concentrations.

The main cause of the Bland-White-Garland (BWG) syndrome is usually an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery, however, the right coronary artery can be affected as well. We report on the surgical treatment of an adult type BWG syndrome in a 59-year-old male patient. The reason for angiography was anginal pain which occurred 7 years prior to the operation. At that time patient did not agree to undergo surgery, however, symptom aggravation brought him to the hospital again. Because of the vessel anatomy the operator decided to implant a vein graft.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the glycine site antagonist of the NMDA receptor, MRZ 2/576 (8-chloro-4-hydroxy-1-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridazino[4,5-b]quinolin-5-oxide choline salt), on the anticonvulsive activity of carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital and valproate against maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures and ethosuximide, valproate and clonazepam against pentetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in mice. MRZ 2/576 applied intraperitoneally 5 min before electroconvulsions, at the dose of 10 and 15 mg/kg, significantly raised the convulsive threshold (from 6.9 to 8.8 and 10.8 mA respectively). At lower doses, it did not affect the threshold. MRZ 2/576 applied at the dose of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg did not influence the clonic phase of PTZ-induced seizures, but protected the animals against the tonic phase. The anticonvulsant effect of a given antiepileptic drug was expressed as its ED(50) value (in mg/kg), which represents the dose of the drug required to protect 50% of animals against MES or PTZ seizures. MRZ2/576 co-administered at a subprotective dose (5 mg/kg) with carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital or valproate, significantly reduced their ED(50) values in MES test. Also, at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg it enhanced the protective activity of carbamazepine and valproate. At the lowest tested dose (1.25 mg/kg), it still potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of valproate. However, MRZ 2/576 (5 mg/kg) applied with valproate, ethosuximide or clonazepam did not influence their protective effects in the PTZ test. The combinations of MRZ 2/576 with almost every studied antiepileptic drug (providing a 50% protection against maximal electroshock or PTZ-induced seizures) did not produce motor impairment in the chimney test nor long-term memory deficit measured in the passive avoidance task. Only valproate alone or combined with MRZ 2/576 impaired both of these measures. It may be concluded that MRZ 2/576 enhanced the anticonvulsive activity of antiepileptic drugs against MES without accompanying potentiation of adverse effects. However, there was no positive interaction in the PTZ test. Finally, pharmacokinetic interactions do not seem responsible for the obtained results because MRZ 2/576 (5 mg/kg) did not alter the free plasma levels of the antiepileptics tested in the present study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the total IgE levels and correlation between total IgE concentration in CF and allergy rhinitis patients and in healthy donors, as well as estimation of the activity of some groups of allergens by measurement of specific IgE concentration. The purpose of the study was to estimate correlation between concentration of specific IgE and skin prick tests. The concentration of total and specific IgE was measured by immunoassay. The study groups contained 16 with CF and 10 with allergy rhinitis patients, the control group contain 15 healthy donors. The highest concentration of total IgE we noted in rhinitis subjects, statistically higher than in CF patients and in the control group. The analysis of the concentration of specific IgE showed that allergens as dermatophagoides, food and grasses are the most effective in CF patients. We did not found correlation between specific IgE level and skin prick tests.