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Abstract Background Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a state of abnormal vaginal microbiota, which is associated with increased numbers of aerobic, enteric bacteria and inflammation of the vaginal epithelium. Anti-microbial treatment combined with anti-inflammatory therapy could be useful in the treatment of this condition. It is known that calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, plays an important role in modulating the immune response in several inflammatory diseases. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of calcitriol on the immune response of human vaginal epithelial cells to bacterial infection. Moreover, we assessed the anti-bacterial properties of calcitriol, as well as its synergistic activity with antibiotics that are used for the treatment of AV. Results Human vaginal A431 epithelial cells were treated with calcitriol (100 nM) and then stimulated with thermally inactivated strains of AV-associated bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae), or first stimulated with heat-treated bacteria and then incubated with calcitriol (30 nM). After 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-infection, culture supernatants were collected, and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). As it turned out, calcitriol treatment pre- or post-bacterial stimulation of vaginal epithelial cells significantly decreased the levels of IL-6 and IL-1β compared to cells stimulated only with bacteria. Downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines was more frequently significant when cells were pre-treated with calcitriol. Additionally, this study evaluated the anti-bacterial properties and synergistic activity of calcitriol with antibiotics by determining the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) using colorimetric, Resazurin-based microdilution method detecting the active metabolism of bacteria. As a result, calcitriol by itself did not exhibit clinically relevant anti-bacterial activity; however, when combined with antibiotics, calcitriol significantly reduced the MIC values. Conclusions The results of this preliminary study confirm that calcitriol treatment influences cytokine-mediated immune response during infection and indicate that it can be effective in enhancing antibiotic activity. Such properties could be very useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, conclusions regarding the potential use of calcitriol in the treatment of AV require further confirmation in in vivo studies as well as in well-designed clinical trials.

Abstract Background Nasal allergen provocation tests are an important part of the diagnostics of allergic diseases triggered by environmental factors. Recently, increased attention has been paid to the potential use of this method in the diagnosis of food allergy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of the nasal allergen provocation test in a group of subjects allergic to hen's egg white allergens. Methods The material consisted of a group of 57 subjects (32 subjects with hen's egg white allergy and 25 healthy controls). The method consisted in a nasal allergen provocation test carried out with the use of hen's egg white allergen and assessed using the visual analog scale and optical rhinometry as well as by determination of sIgE and tryptase levels in nasal lavage fluid. Results Subjective nasal symptoms and objective evaluations following the application of 100 µg of hen's egg white allergen revealed a moderately positive nasal mucosal response in optical rhinometry tests (ΔE = 0.34 OD). Conclusions Nasal food challenge with hen's egg white allergen is a good diagnostic alternative in the group of food allergy patients. Due to the insufficient number of studies carried out so far, further attempts at standardization of the method are required.

Photogrammetric and remote sensing studies have a wide range of applications. They are popular data sources for various purposes, including spatial analysis, site and object surveys, and environmental studies. Research aimed at developing an optimal and reliable erosion model requires a specialized and comprehensive approach due to the numerous natural and anthropogenic factors that must be considered. Physical and chemical characteristics of soils change according to land-use practices, terrain topography, and prevailing meteorological conditions. Such diverse issues require detailed and specific investigations. Data for these studies can be obtained through spatial analyses based on remote sensing and photogrammetric data as well as thematic cartographic studies. We present a method for acquiring and processing various types of geospatial data using geographic information system (GIS) tools to generate the individual parameters required in the G2 erosion model. This article was conducted in an area covering 36.3 km2, corresponding to the Odra River watershed in the Silesian Voivodeship, Poland. This article employed publicly available high-resolution thematic layers, such as high-resolution layers from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service and Sentinel-2. Methods such as remote sensing, GIS analysis, and normalization of available parameters were used to determine various parameters of the G2 erosion model. This effort yielded a high-resolution erosion map, facilitating the accurate determination of the model parameters at any given location on the site.

Endogenic endophthalmitis due to Listeria monocytogenes infection is an uncommon entity, affecting mainly immunocompromised patients. This case report addresses infectious endophthalmitis caused by this pathogen in a patient with plasmacytic myeloma. The condition manifested primarily as acute anterior uveitis. Microbiological analysis of an anterior chamber fluid sample confirmed the presence of L. monocytogenes, while blood and vitreous body cultures were negative. A combination therapy involving high-dose systemic ampicillin treatment and intravitreal injections of vancomycin resulted in full recovery and restoration of visual acuity.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the use of biofertilizers on the degree of colonization of cucumber and tomato plant roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the number of AMF spores in the rhizosphere soil. Two experiments were carried out in containers on cucumber and tomato plants under field conditions. The plants were fertilized with standard NPK fertilizer, mineral fertilizers: POLIFOSKA 6, Super FOS DAR 40 and urea in the full recommended dose and reduced by 40%, microbiologically enriched, and only with strains of beneficial microorganisms (Bacillus spp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Paenibacillus Polymyxa, Aspergillus niger, Purpureocillium lilacinum). The experimental results showed a beneficial effect of the POLIFOSKA 6 mineral fertilizer enriched with beneficial bacteria of the Bacillus genus on increasing the colonization of the roots of tomato and cucumber plants by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Compared to the control, fertilization with microbiologically enriched urea at doses of 100% and 60% reduced the frequency of mycorrhizas in the roots of tomato and cucumber plants. The use of POLIFOSKA 6 100% and Super FOS DAR 40 at a dose of 60% resulted in an increase in the number of spores in the rhizosphere soil. The experimental results will allow the development of new biofertilizers as alternative methods of fertilizing plants and improving soil quality compared to standard mineral fertilization.

Abstract Studies of in situ plant response and adaptation to complex environmental stresses, are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of formation and functioning of ecosystems of anthropogenically transformed habitats. We study short- and long-term responses of photosynthetic apparatus (PSA) and anti-oxidant capacity to complex abiotic stresses of common plants Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago gigantea in semi-natural (C) and heavy metal contaminated habitats (LZ). We found significant differences in leaf pigment content between both plant species growing on LZ plots and their respective C populations. The average values of leaf chlorophyll indexes were 27% lower in the LZ populations of both species and significantly lower in Sg plants in comparison to Ce ones. The average values of the anthocyanin index in CeLZ and SgLZ populations were significantly higher (by 18%) than in their respective controls. In both Ce and Sg plants occurring on LZ plots, the average leaf flavonol indexes were higher than on their controls by 31% and 15% and this index was significantly higher in SgLZ population than CeLZ and CeC plants (by 34% and 54%, respectively). Both Ce and Sg populations growing on LZ plots showed significantly lower photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (g s ) in comparison to controls. On the other hand, a significantly higher photosynthetic rate was detected in SgLZ than in CeLZ populations. The catalase activities were significantly higher than recorded in Sg than in Ce tissues, irrespective of the plot type. They were also higher in LZ populations than those in controls for both species. Moreover, the H2O2 content in Sg tissues was significantly higher than those in Ce. Hydrogen peroxide content in CeLZ and SgLZ were respectively 39% (non-significant) and 57% higher, compared to their controls. The reverse pattern was found in the case of MDA, whose concentration was significantly higher in the leaves of Ce population compared to the control population. The average MDA concentration in CeLZ populations was 17% higher than in the CeC. In the case of Sg no significant differences were found. Mechanisms of plant species adaptation to industrial areas are crucial for species selection and planning effective reclamation of them. The analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves as well as well as the results of JIP test revealed the decreased of Fj value despite positive ΔK–band in SgLZ and CeLZ plants suggesting the increased rate of electron transfer from QA to QB at the acceptor side of PSII, thus a high quantity of P680+ and/or effective quenching by exogenous molecules. The increase in the I–P part of the induction curve typically attributed to the reduction of electron transporters (ferredoxin, intermediary acceptors, and NADP) of the PSI acceptor side was observed in both SgC and SgLZ but not in CeLZ populations. These changes demonstrate species-specific effects on electron transport during the light phase of photosynthesis under complex environmental stress. Our results show that Sg and Ce individuals developed a range of structural and functional adaptations to protect PSA against complex environmental stresses (possible combination of heavy metals, water deficiency, temperature, nutrient deficiency and salinity). Both species from LZ plots could tolerate high levels of Cd, Zn and Pb in leaf tissues. Therefore they can be potential candidates for use in phytoremediation of HM contaminated areas. However, further long-term field and experimental research on plant traits response and adaptation to complex environmental stresses on industrial habitats are needed.

Abstract Patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) face elevated risks of infections. Additionally, patients colonized in the gastrointestinal tract with antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are at higher risk of infection with ARB and other infections. Therefore, patients colonized with ARB before auto-SCT should present with an exceptionally high incidence of infections. According to current literature, ARB colonization is the surrogate marker for dysbiosis, which is known to be associated with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). Given that, this retrospective study aimed to assess the influence of ARB colonization on infection rates, hematopoiesis regeneration, mucositis, overall survival, and progression-free survival following auto-SCT in MM. Data from 138 MM patients undergoing 141 auto-SCT were analyzed, with 15% showing ARB colonization. Among colonized patients, ESBL-producing gram-negative rods predominated. Patients with gut ARB colonization had significantly higher infection rates than non-colonized individuals (52 vs. 26%, P = 0.02), particularly bloodstream infections (43% vs. 14%, P = 0.004). Colonized patients also tended to exhibit shorter survival rates although there was no statistical significance (1-year and 2-year OS; non-colonized vs. colonized; 97 and 92% vs. 90 and 86%; p = 0.054). Based on our results, gut colonization before auto-SCT negatively affects treatment outcomes.

Статья посвящена анализу рассуждений русской писательницы и поэтессы Марии Степановой по поводу семейной истории, её места и значения в русле мировых событий. Художественному осмыслению подвергается место в памяти для активных участников большой истории и тех, которые — как в случае членов семьи Степановой — остались для истории невидимыми. Методологической основой послужили положения теоретиков широко понимаемых memory studies, в том числе исследования Марианны Хирш, Аллейды Ассман, Кшиштофа Помяна и Астрид Эрл. Концепции постпамяти, семиофора и контрпамяти, творчески адаптированные к анализу произведения, позволили сделать вывод о транскультурном измерении памяти в романсе Марии Степановой.

Background and Study Aim. Physical activity (PA) has become a critical component of social, economic, and health policy worldwide. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) plays a particularly significant role in preventing lifestyle-related diseases. This study aimed to analyze students' LTPA and examine the relationship between LTPA levels and somatotype. Material and Methods. The study included 309 students, aged 20–24, from five Polish universities. Anthropometric measurements were taken, somatotypes were determined using the Heath-Carter method, and LTPA was assessed using the Minnesota Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MLTPAQ). Results. Among the students studied, 22.3% had a BMI above the normal range—31% of males and 13.6% of females. Men reported higher levels of LTPA than women and engaged in more physical activity across all intensity levels. In both male and female groups, one in four students did not reach the recommended leisure-time physical activity level of 1000 kcal/week. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between endomorphy and high-intensity LTPA in both sexes. Additionally, one in four Polish students in the study did not achieve a level of leisure-time physical activity sufficient to meet health-protective energy expenditure guidelines. Conclusions. These findings underscore the essential role of high-intensity exercise in achieving beneficial levels of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). They also highlight the importance of considering individual somatotype characteristics when developing physical activity recommendations for university students. Promoting tailored, intensity-specific LTPA programs could enhance engagement and address diverse fitness needs, contributing to effective health interventions in young adult populations.

Abstract A repeatable and reliable reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) experiment depends upon proper reference genes (RGs) selection. This study aims to examine the expression stability of nine candidate RGs for the Avena sativa – Blumeria graminis experimental setup. B. graminis causes powdery mildew - the most devastating and economically important fungal disease of crops worldwide. RGs were evaluated in Pm3 and Pm4 oat differential lines and the susceptible cultivar Fuchs during compatible and incompatible interactions with different pathotypes of Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae in six-time points post inoculation. The identification of genes exhibiting high expression stability was done by four algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and deltaCt). The results indicated that regardless of the analysed group, two most stable RGs are required for data normalization. The most sufficient RGs combination was HNR (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein 27 C) + EIF4A (eukaryotic initiation factor 4 A‑3). ARF (ADP‑ribosylation factor) could also be pondered as demonstrating high expression stability. These genes can be considered universal candidates for RT-qPCR normalization to study interaction with B. graminis as well as Puccinia coronata and Puccinia graminis, as confirmed by our previous research. The worst candidate for data standardisation was TUA (α- tubulin). To our best knowledge, this is the first report regarding RGs’ selection in this pathosystem. Identified RGs are proper normalisation candidates for gene expression studies in the A. sativa infected by B. graminis as well as other related pathogens.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the safety of those with compromised immune systems and chronic disease has been of particular concern for health care providers. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic, incurable conditions of digestive system with unknown aetiology, but one of the causes is disordered immune response. Medical therapies most frequently used in IBD are immune suppressing or modifying with the rising use of biologic treatment. All these aspects make patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis a group of particular risk. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss potential mechanisms, risks, and management of patients with IBD during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background/Objectives: Lymphocytic esophagitis is a rare inflammatory disease of the esophagus, first described in 2006. Since that time, interest in this disease entity has steadily increased, yet specific data on the etiology of the disease are still lacking. Lymphocytic esophagitis co-occurs with esophageal motility disorders, Crohn’s disease, hypersensitivity (allergy, asthma), the use of certain medications, or immune disorders. Risk factors include smoking and alcohol abuse. The disease is more prevalent in women, developing predominantly within the sixth decade of life. The most important symptom is dysphagia, with odynophagia, epigastric, and chest pain or heartburn being less common. No particular endoscopic presentation is pathognomonic for lymphocytic esophagitis, the findings not infrequently resembling those of eosinophilic esophagitis. Conclusions: There is great need for an international consensus defining strict histopathological criteria for the diagnosis of lymphocytic esophagitis as well as relevant diagnostic and therapeutic management. This review paper presents the current state of knowledge on lymphocytic esophagitis.

Abstract Programmed death receptor 1, PD1, modulates the function of immune cells by providing inhibitory signals and constitutes the marker of immune exhaustion. Monitoring the level of PD1 promises a useful diagnostic approach in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Here we describe the development of an ssDNA aptamer-based molecular probe capable of specific recognition of human PD1 receptor. The aptamer was selected using SELEX, its sequence was further optimized, and the affinity and specificity were determined in biochemical assays. The aptamer was converted into a fluorescent probe and its potential in molecular imaging was demonstrated in a culture of human cells overexpressing PD1 and murine pancreatic organoids / immune cells mixed co-culture model. We conclude that the provided aptamers are suitable probes for imaging of PD1 expressing immune cells even in complex cellular models and may find future utility as diagnostic tools.

Abstract Ensuring the safety and stability of minimally processed foods using natural preservatives is of great scientific and commercial interest in modern biotechnology. Berry juice supplementation is increasingly recognized within this field. This study investigated the effectiveness of juices from four berry species Aronia melanocarpa, Ribes nigrum, Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Sambucus nigra, against the food pathogen Bacillus cereus. Overall, the antibacterial potency of juice supplements (up to 10% v/v in tryptic soy broth) followed the order of chokeberry > blackcurrant > cranberry > elderberry, with the latter showing no inhibitory effects. Notably, chokeberry and elderberry juices presented lower acidity and significantly greater phenolic contents (p

Park pathway characteristics can influence the movement of visitors and the functional usage of space. This article aims to assess the design of different types of public parks in Cairo, Egypt, through the lens of space syntax, which identifies spatial layout as a primary factor that determines pedestrian movement. We integrate space syntax metrics with field observations to examine the underlying spatial logic of small, medium and large public parks, and compare their three structures based on form and function. The results indicated that the degree of spatial accessibility and degree of control over accessing adjacent walkways were positively associated with movement flows on each walkway segment. However, many park facilities, such as wedding halls and theatres, tended to be randomly distributed due to the heavy commercialisation of the parks, which places facilities based on land availability. Our findings provide insights into the design and management of park environments. Overall, leisure facilities should be provided based on community needs. Noisy activities should be placed in isolated zones to attenuate noise. In addition, activities that serve various people groups should be located along highly accessible pathways to encourage their use.

This article aims to present and lexicographically examine culinary loanwords in Portuguese. Our study shows that dictionaries do not always match what we can see in the language. However, we also found that borrowings have a big impact on Portuguese culinary vocabulary. The main aim of examining the selected examples is to detect some grammatical, spelling, and semantic inaccuracies. Dictionaries exhibit hesitation in spelling certain loanwords, as well as hesitations regarding the grammatical numer of borrowed terms and divergencies in the integration of foreign terms.

Niniejszy artykuł ma na celu omówienie cech charakterystycznych reportażu ekologicznego w kontekście głównych założeń paradygmatu określanego mianem dziennikarstwa ekolo­gicznego. Przedmiotem badań, przeprowadzonych przy wykorzystaniu metody close reading oraz wypracowanych w obszarze ekokrytyki praktyk „zielonego czytania”, są dwa tomy reportażowe: „Betonoza. Jak się niszczy polskie miasta” Jana Mencwela oraz „Atlas dziur i szczelin” Michała Książka. W artykule postawiono hipotezę, iż autorzy tych prac, mimo że z odmiennych perspektyw przedstawiają roślinną historię miasta, tworzą teksty wpisujące się w ramy dziennikarstwa dokumentarno-interwencyjnego. Badania wykazały, że wspólnym mianownikiem obu ekoreportaży jest myślenie o ochronie miejskiej przyrody w kategoriach etycznych i eksponowanie przez reporterów performatywnego charakteru ich publikacji.

Abstract Background People differ in their preferred time for intellectual activities. Morningness-eveningness preferences describe the preferred time for performing daily activities and are determined by chronotype. Chronotype reflects circadian preference in humans and is divided into morning, intermediate, and evening types. Learning motivation is a key predictor of student success and may influence learning and study, academic performance, intention to continue medical research, and well-being. Helping students develop learning motivation may improve their educational achievement and health. There are opposing studies regarding chronotype and academic achievement. We hypothesized that chronotype affects the learning motivation of medical school students. Methods We used the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) for Russian, Polish, Japanese, and Australian students in the first and second years of medical university. A total of 540 medical students answered the questionnaires. The MSLQ contains six subscales: intrinsic goal orientation, extrinsic goal orientation, self-efficacy for learning and performance, control of learning beliefs, task value, and test anxiety. Results The rMEQ was used to classify the students into three types, which were morning (26.7%), intermediate (60.5%), or evening chronotypes (12.7%) based on their scores. The learning motivation scores for the intrinsic and extrinsic goal orientations, task value, and self-efficacy were lower in evening chronotypes. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the evening chronotype had a lower learning motivation than the morning chronotype. Evening-oriented students may need a more flexible schedule, and a shift of the most important courses in the university to the afternoon may help them to attain higher motivation for learning medicine.

To evaluate the quality of watercourses in the Western part of Carpathians from a hydro-chemical perspective, a systematic approach is required. This involves gradually excluding factors that contribute to the washing, mixing, and transportation of contaminants in the watercourse pathway. The model that considers spatial dependencies by autoregression was implemented in this study to determine the correlation between hydrodynamic and physico-chemical characteristics of waters at surface in different groups and forms of catchment use. The surface water at forested areas had the maximum average shear stress of 0.178 N∙m−2. The watercourse at sustained grassland had the maximum average Reynolds number (Re) of 23,654 and the minimum number of 0.426 at arable lands. Spatial autoregression analysis revealed space-time relations in various measurement points. When constructing the space-physical model, it is important to consider the influence of hydraulic characteristic parameters on the generation of physicochemical indicators in the flysch basin. Specifically, it may be beneficial to take into account the turbulent diffusion coefficient. The autoregression analysis demonstrated that for the ions P-PO43− and K+ in surface water on cropland and for total iron and the cation K+ ion grassland (p < 0.05), the turbulent diffusion coefficient proved to be of great importance. The study did not identify any physicochemical dependency for woodland surface waters. The findings can be utilised to create an erosion model that considers the contribution of material supply in a catchment area, specifically from weathered Carpathian flysch or surface runoff, to the alimentation of alluvial deposits.

Abstract Patients with high-grade ovarian cancer have a poor prognosis, thus effective treatment remains an unmet medical issue of high importance. Moreover, finding the reason for resistance to cisplatin is a crucial task for the improvement of anti-cancer drugs. In this study, we showed for the first time a chemical difference in a serum collected from platinum-resistance and platinum-sensitive women suffering from ovarian cancer using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy followed by a data analysis by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Component Analysis (HCA) and 4 different machine learning algorithms. Obtained results showed a shift of PO2 -symmetric vibrations, amide III and amide II were observed on the FTIR spectrum of the serum collected from platinum-resistance women in comparison with the spectrum of the serum from platinum-sensitive women. Furthermore, PCA analysis clearly demonstrated the most important role of amide II and amide I in the differentiation of platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistance women. In addition, machine learning algorithms showed the important role of wavenumber at 1631 cm-1(amide I) and wavenumber at 2993 cm-1 (asymmetric stretching CH3 vibrations). The accuracy of the obtained results was above 92%. Summarizing, FTIR can be used in detection platinum-resistance phenomena.

The Bruns-Garland syndrome (diabetic amyotrophy) is a rare disorder that affects fewer than 1% of patients with diabetes. It is manifested by unilateral or bilateral pain, weakness and muscle wasting in the proximal part of the lower limbs (proximal motor neuropathy). We present a 72-year-old patient with long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus and with the Bruns-Garland syndrome. All the symptoms, including neurological manifestations, were reversible and resolved after the implementation of intensive treatment. Optimizing diabetes treatment, rehabilitation, pain management and the use of benfotiamine and alpha-lipoic acid preparations were crucial to accelerate the treatment effects of diabetic amyotrophy.

W artykule przedstawiono genezę powstania oraz funkcjonowania Uniejowskiego Uniwersytetu Trzeciego Wieku, który stanowi ważny ośrodek edukacji i aktywności, a także miejsce integracji lokalnej społeczności. Podsumowano dziesięć lat jego działalności i zrealizowanych w tym czasie aktywności. Dokonano analizy liczby słuchaczy oraz ich miejsca zamieszkania. Podkreślono znaczenie Uniejowskiego Uniwersytetu Trzeciego Wieku dla lokalnej społeczności, jego udział w projektach o zasięgu regionalnym, a także jego reprezentację w Radzie Społecznej Seniorów i Obywatelskim Parlamencie Seniorów, co pozwala m.in. na uwzględnianie aktualnych potrzeb osób starszych w planowanych i realizowanych z myślą o nich działaniach.

Abstract Single-strand DNA-binding proteins SSB/RPA are ubiquitous and essential proteins that bind ssDNA in bacteria/eukaryotes and coordinate DNA metabolic processes such as replication, repair, and recombination. SSB protects ssDNA from degradation by nucleases, while also facilitating/regulating the activity of multiple partner proteins involved in DNA processes. Using Spi− assay, which detects aberrantly excised λ prophage from the E. coli chromosome as a measure of illegitimate recombination (IR) occurrence, we have shown that SSB inhibits IR in several DSB resection pathways. The conditional ssb-1 mutation produced a higher IR increase at the nonpermissive temperature than the recQ inactivation. A double ssb-1 recQ mutant had an even higher level of IR, while showing reduced homologous recombination (HR). Remarkably, the ssb gene overexpression complemented recQ deficiency in suppressing IR, indicating that the SSB function is epistatic to RecQ. Overproduced truncated SSBΔC8 protein, which binds to ssDNA, but does not interact with partner proteins, only partially complemented recQ and ssb-1 mutations, while causing an IR increase in otherwise wild-type bacteria, suggesting that ssDNA binding of SSB is required but not sufficient for effective IR inhibition, which rather entails interaction with RecQ and likely some other protein(s). Our results depict SSB as the main genome caretaker in E. coli, which facilitates HR while inhibiting IR. In enabling high-fidelity DSB repair under physiological conditions SSB is assisted by RecQ helicase, whose activity it controls. Conversely, an excess of SSB renders RecQ redundant for IR suppression.

Abstract Background The motor neuron survival protein performs numerous cellular functions; hence, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is considered to be a multi-organ disease with possible sensory system damage. The controversy surrounding the presence of sensory disturbances, prompted us to conduct standard electrophysiological studies and assess the sensory thresholds for different modalities in adults with SMA types 2 and 3. The study group consisted of 44 adult SMA patients (types 2 and 3). All patients underwent neurological examination using the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale – Expanded (HFMSE). Standard sensory electrophysiological studies in the ulnar nerve and the estimation of vibratory, temperature, and warm- and cold-induced pain thresholds with temperature dispersion assessment were performed using quantitative sensory testing (QST). Results The most repeatable result was the high amplitude of the sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) in SMA patients compared to controls. This was higher in type 2 patients compared to type 3a and 3b patients and patients with low HFSME scores. Patients with SMA, especially type 3b presented a longer sensory latency and slower conduction velocity than did controls. Cold pain threshold was higher and warm dispersion larger in SMA. The vibratory limit was higher in patients with high HFSME scores. Conclusions A high SNAP amplitude suggests sensory fibre hyperactivity, which may be based on overactivation of metabolic pathways as an adaptive mechanism in response to SMN protein deficiency with additionally coexisting small C- and A-delta fibre damage. SMA patients seem to have a concomitant, mild demyelinating process present at the early SMA stage.

Abstract Here, we show that during continuous navigation in a dynamic external environment, mice are capable of developing a foraging strategy based exclusively on changing distal (allothetic) information and that this process may involve two alternative components of the spatial memory circuit: the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex. To this end, we designed a novel custom apparatus and implemented a behavioral protocol based on the figure-8-maze paradigm with two goal locations associated with distinct contexts. We assessed whether mice are able to learn to retrieve a sequence of rewards guided exclusively by the changing context. We found out that training mice in the apparatus leads to change in strategy from the internal tendency to alternate into navigation based exclusively on visual information. This effect could be achieved using two different training protocols: prolonged alternation training, or a flexible protocol with unpredictable turn succession. Based on the c-FOS mapping we also provide evidence of opposing levels of engagement of hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex after training of mice in these two different regimens. This supports the hypothesis of the existence of parallel circuits guiding spatial navigation, one based on the well-described hippocampal representation, and another, RSC-dependent.

Background The level of health behavior of physical education teachers and people preparing to perform this profession is important from the point of view of the need to play the role of a health promoter – an authority in the promotion of health culture. The aim of the study was to assess the level of teachers’ health behaviors of physical education teachers and students, as well as to search for their determinants. Material and Methods The research covered 127 teachers and 173 physical education students. Standardized questionnaire tools were used to assess the level of health behaviors ( Juczyński Health Behavior Inventory ) and physical activity ( International Physical Activity Questionnaire ). Results Teachers demonstrate a higher level of health behaviors than students. Most respondents achieved an average level of the general health behavior index (HBI) (53.1% of teachers, 52.3% of students), while a high level – 26.8% of teachers, 19.8% of students and a low level – 19.9% of teachers and 27.7% of students. Female gender and teaching profession are significant predictors of HBI. Physical activity, both its current level and the level undertaken in the past, as well as the body mass index (BMI) do not determine HBI. In the regression model, physical activity is significantly associated with male gender, past sports activity and a lower BMI level. Conclusions Research indicates neglect in the general area of health behaviors among men, while among women, physical activity needs to be more widely popularized. The teacher education system should be more focused on the development of self-development competencies in the context of health-promoting behaviors. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(4):355–365

Abstract Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and herpesviruses are detected in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We sought to analyze the prevalence of HPV’s 16 and 18, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in peripheral blood, ovarian, and fallopian tube (FT) tissue samples collected from 97 EOC patients, including 71 cases of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), and from 60 women with other tumors or non-neoplastic gynecological diseases. DNA isolates were analyzed by PCR methods, including droplet digital PCR. The results demonstrate that (1) HPV16 DNA has been detected in one-third of the FT and tumor samples from EOCs; (2) the prevalence and quantity of HPV16 DNA were significantly higher in FT samples from HGSOCs, non-HGSOCs, and ovarian metastases than in those from non-neoplastic diseases; (3) CMV and EBV have been detected in approximately one-seventh of EOC samples. The results suggest that HPV16 might be a potential risk factor for EOC development.

Abstract Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal modification on eukaryotic mRNA, and N6, 2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), are epitranscriptomic marks that function in multiple aspects of posttranscriptional regulation. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) can remove both m6A and m6Am; however, little is known about how FTO achieves its substrate selectivity. Results Here, we demonstrate that ZBTB48, a C2H2-zinc finger protein that functions in telomere maintenance, associates with FTO and binds both mRNA and the telomere-associated regulatory RNA TERRA to regulate the functional interactions of FTO with target transcripts. Specifically, depletion of ZBTB48 affects targeting of FTO to sites of m6A/m6Am modification, changes cellular m6A/m6Am levels and, consequently, alters decay rates of target RNAs. ZBTB48 ablation also accelerates growth of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells and modulates FTO-dependent regulation of Metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) transcripts by controlling the binding to MTA1 mRNA of the m6A reader IGF2BP2. Conclusions Our findings thus uncover a previously unknown mechanism of posttranscriptional regulation in which ZBTB48 co-ordinates RNA-binding of the m6A/m6Am demethylase FTO to control expression of its target RNAs.

The system of Polish law on juvenile proceedings has undergone significant changes over the years. The result of these changes is the currently in force Act of 9 June 2022 on the support and re-socialisation of minors, which replaced, after 40 years, the Act of 26 October 1982 on proceedings in juvenile matters. The aim of the article is to show the legal solutions adopted in Polish legislation, both historically and in contemporary terms. An important aspect of the study is also the evaluation of the new solutions applied to minors and the formulation of de lege ferenda conclusions.

Innovation is nowadays seen as an essential success factor in achieving economic prosperity and competing in markets. It is one of the most important determinants of the competitive process throughout the world, helping economies catch up with developing and changing technologies while revealing those countries’ innovation perspectives. The article assesses the innovativeness of the economies of selected European Union (EU) candidate countries based on the Summary Innovation Index (SII). It also estimates the innovation gap between these countries and the EU average of the SII between 2015 and 2022. The analysis is limited to Türkiye, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine due to the availability of data that describes the SII. It provided for all the countries surveyed in the European Innovation Scoreboards, i.e., the reports of the European Commission, only from 2015. The presented analysis is based on a research hypothesis that suggests that the surveyed countries are characterized by a lower level of innovativeness of economies than the EU average, and therefore, they show an innovation gap compared to the average for EU countries in the analyzed period. The results of the analysis confirm this hypothesis – between 2015 and 2022, the economies of all the examined candidate countries recorded a lower level of innovativeness than the EU average. They showed a lower level of the SII than the EU average, and therefore, all these countries demonstrated an innovation gap compared to the EU average. Recommendations for increasing the innovativeness of those economies are formulated separately in the conclusions. The article reviews the literature on the innovation and innovativeness of economies and the innovation gap. Descriptive analysis, statistical data analysis, and comparative analysis methods are applied, and statistical data from the European Innovation Scoreboard 2022 are used. The value added of the article lies in its comparison of the level of innovativeness of the economies of selected EU candidate countries to the EU average, as well as its estimation of the innovation gap between these countries and the EU average.

Celem artykułu jest omówienie zagadnienia zespołowego tworzenia i negocjowania znaczeń przez cudzoziemców uczących się języka polskiego. Analizując wybrane fragmenty wymian komunikacyjnych, autorka koncentruje się na opisie procesu konstruowania znaczenia, który prowadzi do wzajemnego zrozumienia się rozmówców oraz do efektywnego przekazywania swoich intencji. Pokazuje, w jaki sposób zręczne posługiwanie się działaniami o charakterze strategicznym może wspomóc uzgadnianie treści przekazu, a w związku z tym samą komunikację.

Strategic thinking is a complex construct that refers to the cognitive activities of individual strategists. A literature review has identified five dimensions of strategic thinking, each exhibiting a dual nature: attitude towards the environment (confrontational vs. cooperative); level of participation (individual vs. collective); approach to change (exploitation vs. exploration); information processing style (intuitive vs. analytical); and level of flexibility (planned vs. emergent). This article aims to identify how these individual characteristics of strategic thinking cluster and whether recurring patterns can be observed, leading to a typology of strategic thinkers. The study adopts an exploratory approach, with quantitative research conducted on a sample of strategic thinkers in Poland (n=184) using an original validated scale. To identify relationships between the characteristics of strategic thinking, statistical methods for dependency analysis of categorical traits were applied, including multidimensional correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. The research identified three types of strategic thinkers, with correspondence analysis most clearly indicating a type embodied by a confrontational, intuitive, exploring, and planning individualist leader. The quality of the mappings obtained through multidimensional correspondence analysis demonstrates the utility of this method for profiling strategic thinking styles, while hierarchical cluster analysis effectively supports the interpretation of the correspondence analysis results.

Abstract Western diets are the underlying cause of metabolic and liver diseases. Recent trend to limit the consumption of protein-rich animal products has become more prominent. This dietary change entails decreased protein consumption; however, it is still unknown how this affects innate immunity. Here, we studied the influence of a low protein diet (LPD) on the liver response to bacterial infection in mice. We found that LPD protects from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium)-induced liver damage. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of murine liver cells showed reduced inflammation and upregulation of autophagy-related genes in myeloid cells in mice fed with LPD after S. Typhimurium infection. Mechanistically, we found reduced activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, whilst increased phagocytosis and activation of autophagy in LPD-programmed macrophages. We confirmed these observations in phagocytosis and mTOR activation in metabolically programmed human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages. Together, our results support the causal role of dietary components on the fitness of the immune system.

Proliferative lesions of the thymus are very rare in children and represent about 2% of mediastinal tumours. They may result from organ hyperplasia, the presence of cysts, or germinal and epithelial neoplasms. All of them can result in massive enlargement of thymus but differ considerably in terms of course and prognosis. This article presents the case of a 2.5-year-old girl with symptoms of respiratory tract infection not responding to antibiotics and with an enlarged thymus, which transpired to be true thymic hyperplasia. In this example, the details of the multidisciplinary diagnostic approach, differentiation, and treatment modalities in children were discussed. An algorithm of the proceedings, with respect to the child’s age, was proposed. Although the described pathologies are casuistic in nature, they indicate a necessity to increase vigilance towards symptoms that persist over a prolonged time with no response to standard treatment, because early diagnosis allows the application of appropriate treatment in advance.

Purpose Bangladesh has experienced a rapid epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in recent decades. There is, however, limited evidence about multidimensional determinants of NCDs in this population. The BangladEsh Longitudinal Investigation of Emerging Vascular and nonvascular Events (BELIEVE) study is a household-based prospective cohort study established to investigate biological, behavioural, environmental and broader determinants of NCDs.Participants Between January 2016 and March 2020, 73 883 participants (aged 11 years or older) were recruited from 30 817 households across urban, urban-poor (‘slum’) and rural settings in Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was administered by trained personnel recording participants’ demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, medical, environmental and other factors. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were recorded for each participant. Biological specimens were collected and aliquoted for long-term storage and analysis.Findings to date Of the 73 883 study participants (mean [SD] baseline age: 39 [15] years), 43 470 (59%) were females, and 38 848 (52%) had no or only primary-level education. Focusing only on the 65 822 adult participants aged 20–79 years at baseline, 15 411 (23%) reported being diagnosed with hypertension; 10 578 (16%) with type 2 diabetes and 7624 (12%) with hypercholesterolaemia. Age and sex-standardised prevalences of these conditions were much higher in urban than slum and rural settings. Overall, the mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) was 25 (5) kg/m2, with 10 442 (16%) participants aged 20–79, classified as obese (ie, BMI≥30 kg/m2). Mean BMI was also higher in urban than slum and rural areas.Future plans The collection of information during the baseline visit was completed in 2020. Regular longitudinal follow-up is ongoing for ascertainment and adjudication of a range of fatal and non-fatal health outcomes among participants. This cohort will provide a powerful resource to investigate multidimensional determinants of incident NCDs across diverse settings in Bangladesh, helping to advance scientific discovery and public health action in an archetypal low-middle-income country with pressing public health needs.

Introduction and Objective: Voyeurism is characterized by recurrent and intense sexual arousal derived from observing unsuspecting individuals who are naked, disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity. Suggested risk factors for developing voyeurism include childhood sexual abuse, substance misuse, hypersexuality, emotional dysregulation, poor mental health, maladaptive coping strategies, and external pressures The aim of this publication is to discuss various aspects of voyeurism based on the latest literature. Review Methods: The PubMed database was searched to find scientific articles in which the terms “voyeurism” or “voyeuristic” appear in the title, abstract, or keywords. Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: Estimating the global prevalence of voyeurism is challenging due to inconsistent data, with reported rates ranging from over 10% to approximately 30–40%. Studies consistently indicate that voyeuristic behavior is more common among men. It often exhibits a compulsive and repetitive nature and can serve as a precursor to other sexual crimes, such as sexual sadism or pedophilia. Treatment primarily involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with pharmacological support using SSRIs like fluoxetine and paroxetine, showing effectiveness. Summary: The authors highlight the importance of further exploration into this topic and emphasize the need for a more accurate understanding of voyeurism's prevalence in the general population, as current data may be inconclusive.

Objectives: Susceptibility to obesity in humans is driven by the intricate interplay of genetic, environmental and behavioural factors. Moreover, the mechanisms linking maternal obesity to infertility remain largely understudied. In this study, we investigated how variable susceptibility to obesity in mice affects ovarian steroidogenesis, with a particular focus on the leptin-mediated dysregulation of Nodal signalling pathway in theca cells (TC). Methods: C56BL/6J (B6) and 129S1/SvlmJ (129) mice, models of maternal obesity (MO), were fed a chow diet (CD) and a high fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. To investigate the contrasting effects of leptin on ovarian steroidogenesis, B6 mice pharmacologically treated with leptin for 16 days on CD were used to model hyperleptinemia, while homozygous ob/ob (−/−) mice with genetic leptin deficiency, also on a CD, were used to examine the effects of obesity in the absence of leptin. Following the characterisation of the mouse phenotype, gonadal fat (GON), whole ovaries (WO), ovarian TC and granulosa cell (GC) fractions were collected for mRNA transcription and protein expression analysis. Finally, in vitro treated ovarian explants obtained from B6 mice were used to further elucidate the effects of Nodal on steroidogenesis. Results: The significant gain in body weight (BW) and fat mass (FM) in HFD-fed B6 mice (p

This paper concerns the early Roman cooking ware uncovered at Maloutena – the residential quarter of Nea Paphos, Cyprus. All registered diagnostic fragments were subjected to macroscopic, typological and quantitative examinations, and a selection of samples was analysed with petrographic and elemental analyses. The results show that locally produced cooking ware is predominant and diverse in terms of typology. Among imports, pottery from north-western Cyprus, Asia Minor, Italy, and Africa is identified, but it constitutes a small part of the assemblage. These indicate that Nea Paphos participated in broader networks of goods circulation, but at the same time, the city’s inhabitants preferred locally produced cooking ware.

The paper presents a detailed comparative analysis of two key frameworks used for creating user interfaces in iOS: SwiftUI, which is based on a declarative approach, and UIKit with Storyboard, which uses an imperative approach. The aim of this analysis is to assess the impact of each environment on the design process, development, and final quality of mobile applications. For comparison, the RandomPhotos application was created, displaying random photos. The application was developed in two versions: one using SwiftUI and the other using Storyboard and UIKit, allowing for a direct comparison of performance, flexibility, and usability of both frameworks. The thesis "SwiftUI is more efficient during the startup of applications handling a data collection" was confirmed.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to look at the responsibilities of special education teachers within Poland’s mainstream education system, while situating them within a broader comparative framework – specifically by examining the established role of Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCo) in the British educational context. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The study deals with the issue of identifying the optimal range of responsibilities for the newly created role of special education teachers in Polish mainstream schools and preschools. These tasks are designed to meet the diverse needs of all children and students within these inclusive environments. To investigate this issue, the research employs a content analysis of relevant legal documents and conducts a comprehensive review of existing studies on the subject. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: At the heart of this study is a comparative analysis of the duties of special education teachers in Poland’s mainstream education system, as codified in legal statutes, and those of their counterparts in the British system, particularly the SENCo role. Moreover, the study examines the responsibilities envisioned for the role of Inclusive Education Coordinators as outlined in the Model of Education for All framework. RESEARCH RESULTS: The findings indicate that the duties assigned to special education teachers in Polish mainstream institutions are significantly broader in scope than those associated with SENCo in the British system. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: Given that the role of special education teachers was only introduced in the previous academic year, there remains a significant gap in research on the actual implementation and efficacy of this position. One of the primary recommendations is to undertake more in-depth studies, with the potential to draw on the typologies of SENCo roles outlined in this paper to inform future research on the subject.

Identifying and quantifying ecosystem degradation and recovery is of critical importance for ecosystem health, biodiversity, food security and the livelihoods of local communities. Remote sensing datasets and techniques, particularly land cover maps, provide crucial data for capturing spatial and temporal changes, supporting informed decision-making and targeted interventions. However, these maps often emphasize structural rather than functional attributes and, also due to their thematic and temporal resolution, may not detect early degradation signs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Ecosystem Functional Attributes (EFAs) and Ecosystem Functional Types (EFTs) as early warning indicators of ecosystem degradation. Using Sentinel-2 derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from 2016 to 2022, we conducted qualitative and quantitative EFA/EFT analysis on two fragile protected areas, Moyowosi Game Reserve (Kigoma region, Tanzania) and the Sheikh Jamal Inani National Park (Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh). Firstly, EFA analysis characterized vegetation productivity and seasonality, revealing temporal trends and spatial patterns of change. Secondly, EFTs served as indicators of change levels. Our findings showed significant insights into productivity shifts due to human activities and climate anomalies, identifying specific temporal events and turning points. Variogram-based geostatistical analysis highlighted changes in vegetation diversity’s spatial distribution. Integrating EFA/EFT analysis with geostatistical methods proved effective for early detection of land degradation, surpassing traditional land cover change analysis. Hence, the presented approach forms a robust framework for an early warning system, aimed at monitoring and evaluating environmentally fragile areas and aiding decision-makers in mitigating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable land management.

THE POST-ANTHROPOCENTRIC DEMOS AND CIVIC ORDER The aim of this article is to hermeneutically analyse the narratives associated with the post-anthropocentric turn and their implications for the transformation of political and civic order. These issues can be situated within a framework of broad political thought and theory based on the work of Rosi Braidotti, Karen Barad, Donna Haraway, Bruno Latour, or Michel Serres. Emphasising multispecies justice, the demands of post-humanist positions and adjustments to social theory refer to a concern for a stable future of human and non-human collectivities. They concern the expansion of the public sphere and the political emancipation of hitherto marginalised peripheral actors, reclaiming as they do their voice. This non-anthropocentric point of view refers to elements of nature as well as the technological world gaining legal status. This raises the question of its political consequences for society and the civil order. It involves the restoration or granting of legal and moral subjectivity to non-human entities. Will the next step, therefore, also be to give them political subjectivity and a revolution to match the new social contract? The structure of the text addresses issues such as the evolution of civil society, the possibilities and consequences of moving beyond the category of anthropos, the proposal of monism as ontological egalitarianism, the presentation of examples of non-human actors in the public sphere and Latour’s project of a parliament of things – the pluriversum.

NSDLib, short for Network Source Detection Library, is an advanced package designed to detect the sources of propagation in networks. It is easy to integrate and offers a range of algorithms for source detection, including evaluating node importance, identifying outbreaks, and reconstructing propagation graphs. This library serves as a comprehensive repository, promoting collaboration among researchers and developers worldwide to combat disinformation warfare. By enabling the implementation and comparison of new techniques, NSDLib aims to enhance the understanding and mitigation of misinformation and improve propagation analysis. This paper provides an overview of NSDLib's capabilities, emphasizing its role in bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application.

The aim of the research was to identify differences in the content of phenolic acids in flax fibers and antioxidant activity of the fibers depending on the soil moisture level during plant growth and flax variety. The experiment involved cultivating flax under controlled conditions with constant levels of irrigation: 25%, 35%, and 45% of field water capacity (FWC). The experiment conducted in the vegetative hall of the Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants, National Research Institute in Poland was repeated three times: in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The fibers were extracted from the straw with use of dew retting method. Flax fibers exhibit biological activity. In current study, the impact of drought during flax growth on the antioxidant activity of fibers was determined, as bioactive fibers of linen clothing touching the skin can contribute to neutralizing free radicals formed next to human body. The antioxidant activity of tested fibers was examined using DPPH and FRAP methods. The quantity of phenolic acids may affect the antioxidant capacity of the fibers. The research results showed that the cultivation of flax plants at a soil moisture level of 45% FWC favors the development of antioxidant activity in the fibers.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and acute-onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (A-CIDP) are the most common autoimmune polyneuropathies. Their aetiology is unclear. The pathomechanism includes damage mainly to the myelin sheath and, in the long-term process, secondary axonal loss. Both inflammatory polyneuropathies involve different combinations of motor, sensory and autonomic fibres in the peripheral nerves. The differential diagnosis should be based on clinical and neurophysiological features, and laboratory tests. Numerous studies aim to demonstrate the most common errors in the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome and acute-onset CIDP. Misdiagnosis can result in the wrong treatment. We still do not have reliable markers to help diagnose the disease or to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy.