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Abstract Pain assessment in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders during physiotherapy is a challenging yet desired task. Our study addresses two issues. First, we compare the pain perception in patients with TMJ disorders and a control group. The hand dynamometer is verified as an alternate pain self-report device in the second stage. For the dynamometer validation, we employed a cuff-pressure test to induce pain of various intensities. In the second stage, physiological signals (electrodermal activity and blood volume pulse) have been acquired during the physiotherapy in a control group and patients suffering from TMJ disorder. The linear mixed-effects modeling is carried out to find differences in pain and no pain states, considering subjects’ health condition. The main result of the present pilot study is that physiological reactions to painful physiotherapy do not differ between patients with chronic pain and the control group. This finding concludes that studies on TMJ disorder procedures may also be performed on healthy subjects.

Abstract Hypoxia is a common feature in various pathophysiological contexts, including tumor microenvironment, and IFN-γ is instrumental for anti-tumor immunity. HIF1α has long been known as a primary regulator of cellular adaptive responses to hypoxia, but its role in IFN-γ induction in hypoxic T cells is unknown. Here, we show that the HIF1α-glycolysis axis controls IFN-γ induction in both human and mouse T cells, activated under hypoxia. Specific deletion of HIF1α in T cells (Hif1α –/–) and glycolytic inhibition suppresses IFN-γ induction. Conversely, HIF1α stabilization by hypoxia and VHL deletion in T cells (Vhl –/–) increases IFN-γ production. Hypoxic Hif1α –/– T cells are less able to kill tumor cells in vitro, and tumor-bearing Hif1α –/– mice are not responsive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy in vivo. Mechanistically, loss of HIF1α greatly diminishes glycolytic activity in hypoxic T cells, resulting in depleted intracellular acetyl-CoA and attenuated activation-induced cell death (AICD). Restoration of intracellular acetyl-CoA by acetate supplementation re-engages AICD, rescuing IFN-γ production in hypoxic Hif1α –/– T cells and re-sensitizing Hif1α –/– tumor-bearing mice to ICB. In summary, we identify HIF1α-regulated glycolysis as a key metabolic control of IFN-γ production in hypoxic T cells and ICB response.

Abstract Myrmecophilus acervorum, previously considered a parthenogenetic species widely-distributed in Europe, has been observed to have both sexes in populations inhabiting the central part of the distribution range. Specimens from those heterosexual populations have been found being infected with Wolbachia. New mitochondrial data (COI and 16S markers) revealed the well-supported differentiation of M. acervorum populations inhabiting western Polesie (Poland) and southern Europe. In turn, analyses of EF1α marker support the hypothesis on the unfinished lineage sorting at the nuclear DNA level. Interestingly, we found that parthenogenetic populations inhabiting western Polesie are infected with Wolbachia belonging to supergroup A, while endosymbionts occurring in sexual populations of M. acervorum observed in Romania belong to supergroup B. Furthermore, new and potentially diagnostic characteristics in the external structures of the eyes of M. acervorum were identified. The surface of ommatidia in specimens occurring in southern Europe was smooth. In contrast, the ommatidia surface of individuals collected in Poland was visibly sculptured. To sum up, the significant genetic variability found in the present case, and the differentiating morphological character, are almost certainly effects of cryptic species being present within M. acervorum. This is indicative of ongoing speciation within the populations of this insect, and of simultaneous unfinished lineage sorting at the nuclear DNA level.

Osteopathy is a medical system of diagnosis and treatment of a human being who is seen as an inseparable whole in terms of structure and function. However, there is a lack of coherence in the way osteopathic diagnosis and treatments are described in the literature. Medical databases including Medline, PubMed, PEDro, Osteopathic Research Web, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews were reviewed. The data collected were assessed for compliance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria using abstract analysis. In total, 30 articles were analysed in depth. To systematise the results, these publications were divided into the following categories: musculoskeletal disorders, gynaecology, paediatrics, neurology, and internal medicine (gastroenterology, pulmonology, immunology). A review of the literature indicates that osteopathic treatments and techniques are most commonly used in orthopaedics and traumatology of the musculoskeletal system. The physiological and biomechanical mechanisms of action of osteopathic treatments are not confirmed by basic research.

Abstract Access to large amounts of data is essential for successful machine learning research. However, there is insufficient data for many applications, as data collection is often challenging and time-consuming. The same applies to automated pain recognition, where algorithms aim to learn associations between a level of pain and behavioural or physiological responses. Although machine learning models have shown promise in improving the current gold standard of pain monitoring (self-reports) only a handful of datasets are freely accessible to researchers. This paper presents the PainMonit Dataset for automated pain detection using physiological data. The dataset consists of two parts, as pain can be perceived differently depending on its underlying cause. (1) Pain was triggered by heat stimuli in an experimental study during which nine physiological sensor modalities (BVP, 2×EDA, skin temperature, ECG, EMG, IBI, HR, respiration) were recorded from 55 healthy subjects. (2) Eight modalities (2×BVP, 2×EDA, EMG, skin temperature, respiration, grip) were recorded from 49 participants to assess their pain during a physiotherapy session.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate whether heat stress, as defined by the temperature-humidity index (THI) during the close-up dry period, had any impact on the productive performance, fertility, and immunometabolic blood indices of dairy cows in the subsequent lactation. Lactation performance was associated with increasing THI values on − 21, − 14, and − 7 d before calving resulting in decreased milk yield by about 2.30, 2.60, and 2.90 kg, respectively. The THI on the − 7 d before the calving was negatively associated with fertility parameters such as delayed first estrus postpartum, an elongated calving interval by approximately 32 d, a higher number of services per conception by 1.00, and an elongated artificial insemination service period, days open, and inter-calving period by about 20, 52, and 52 d, respectively. The study found that the immunometabolic blood indices were associated with increasing THI values during the close-up dry period. The study showed that exposing dairy cows to close-up dry period heat stress had negative consequences on performance, fertility, and immunometabolic blood indices in the subsequent lactation. Therefore, it is recommended that herd management and barn microclimate changes be implemented earlier, starting from the late dry period, to mitigate the negative impact of heat stress.

Despite ongoing efforts in Europe to tackle discrimination against women in the labor market and societal roles, gender inequality remains entrenched. This study shifts focus from the design of pension systems to explore other key factors impacting women’s careers. By examining life cycle demographics, career paths, and childcare support systems, we utilize clustering to categorize European countries based on factors influencing women’s pension capital accumulation, excluding pension design. Our innovative approach highlights the significance of these factors in the gender pension gap. Findings suggest demographic and social similarities across countries do not necessarily equate to equitable retirement scenarios for women compared to men, underscoring the potential of pension system design to mitigate disparities. Using Ward’s method and the silhouette index for country classification on 10 variables, our analysis reveals distinct differences in gender pension gaps across Southern, Northern, Western, and Eastern Europe. This divergence, alongside observed differences in retirement outcomes for women affected by prior pension regulations, points to increasing challenges for younger European women in achieving pension parity with past generations. First published online 10 October 2024

Intestinal mucins play a crucial role in the mucosal barrier, serving as the body’s initial defense against microorganisms. However, how the host regulates the secretion and glycosylation of these mucins in response to bacterial invasion remains unclear. Our study demonstrates that when exposed to Streptococcus gallolyticus (SGG), a gut pathobiont, the host mucosa promptly adjusts the behavior of specialized goblet cells (GCs) located in the middle of the crypts. A subset of these cells undergoes a remodeling, becoming intercrypt goblet cells (icGCs), which do not detach from the surface but instead migrate along intercrypt spaces while secreting a mucus impermeable to bacterial pathogens. Significantly, a non-piliated SGG mutant unable to bind to mucus fails to induce icGCs, allowing its translocation through the mucosa and submucosa. Interestingly, a closely related nonpathogenic bacterium, SGM, able to bind to mucus, also triggers the differentiation of GCs into icGCs. This discovery opens new avenues for treating patients with a “leaky gut” as observed in intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic disorders, but also patients with a history of repeated antibiotic use. Utilizing mucus-adherent probiotics to induce icGCs represents a promising strategy for reinforcing the mucosal barrier.

The integration of satellite data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS) with ground-based measurements represents a pioneering approach to the assessment of leaf area index (LAI) and in situ biomass at grasslands in Poland and Norway. The aim of this study was to develop a method for assessing grass growth conditions and predicting biomass yield based on Sentinel-2 data and CLMS products. LAI values derived from CLMS were compared with in-situ measurements on grassland plots in the two regions of Podlaskie (PL84) and Wielkopolskie (PL41). Small random statistical errors observed in the differences represent a significant opportunity to use Copernicus data to develop a relationship model for biomass prediction. The NDII index calculated using Sentinel2 was considered important for biomass assessment in the humid areas of Norway. This relational biomass prediction model could provide valuable information to farmers, improving their ability to manage grasslands effectively. As a result of the research, relational models were developed has been developed to predict grassland fresh biomass yield with an R2 accuracy of 0.72 for the first cut, 0.81 for the second cut and 0.91 for the third cut. This allows farmers to effectively manage and monitor grassland throughout the growing season.

In 2021, research was carried out which, despite its small scope, yielded a number of interesting discoveries related to Dąbrówka stronghold settlement. The most significant was the discovery of a well with preserved oak casing, built no earlier than in 870 and no later than in the mid-870s. This sequence of dates, however, covers a long period from 855 (-0/+8) to 878 (-7/+8) and indicates the use of raw material for developments of much greater scope. The only project that involved the use of such masses of wood at the time was the construction of a stronghold. From within the casing comes a wooden bucket with hoops, the ends of which are decorated with representations of animal heads. The research has also revealed a piece of an axe, related to a bradatica-type double-edged weapon, and an appliqué in the form of a rosette with numerous parallels among products of the Avar culture and assemblages of mixed Avaro-Slavic nature.

Abstract Wheat flour is widely used in Poland for the preparation of bread, pasta and other foods. Due to the increasing number of people diagnosed with diet-related diseases, consumer awareness of health-promoting issues and interest in gluten-free products (GFP). There is a dynamic development of the market for these foods with high quality and nutritional value and minerals that benefit human health and prevent deficiencies in patients on a gluten-free diet. The aim of this study was to determine the content of minerals: Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn in flours using the ICP-OES method. The mineral composition of selected GF flours available on the Polish market was analysed. It was tested how they supplement the mineral requirements compared to gluten-containing flours. It was found that these products can be a valuable source of essential minerals, which are often in short supply, especially in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. As our study has shown, flours from the GFP group are a good source of essential minerals, especially in the case of chia and flax flours, as well as buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, lupin or almonds flours.

Purpose – The article explores the linkages between the type of environmental strategy (ES), the use of internal communication (IC), and the greening of organizational culture (OC). Moreover, the article empirically examines whether company size matters in the use of environmental IC practices in the green context. Additionally, the article considers differences between people employed at different organizational hierarchy levels. The basis for such a comparison is their opinions about the effectiveness of communication practices. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical research employed a survey method done on 199 organizations in 2020. Statistical analyses used the chi-squared test, Kendall’s Tau-b correlation coefficient, and the Mann–Whitney U test. Findings – The research showed that companies with a proactive green strategy more often use different communication practices related to ES and have a greener culture. The study proved that larger companies more often use the analyzed communication practices. However, we found no significant difference in opinion between middle managers and line employees about the effectiveness of these practices. Practical implications – The main contribution to business practice is the exploratory model based on the empirical study, which allows organizations to successfully implement the ES. Originality/value – Studies rarely combine the three organizational elements: IC, OC, and ES. This article provides new empirical evidence on relationships between features of OC, green strategy types, and communication practices.

Abstract DNAzymes – synthetic enzymes made of DNA — have long attracted attention as RNA-targeting therapeutic agents. Yet, as of now, no DNAzyme-based drug has been approved, partially due to our lacking understanding of their molecular mode of action. In this work we report the solution structure of 8–17 DNAzyme bound to a Zn2+ ion solved through NMR spectroscopy. Surprisingly, it turned out to be very similar to the previously solved Pb2+-bound form (catalytic domain RMSD = 1.28 Å), despite a long-standing literature consensus that Pb2+ recruits a different DNAzyme fold than other metal ion cofactors. Our follow-up NMR investigations in the presence of other ions — Mg2+, Na+, and Pb2+ – suggest that at DNAzyme concentrations used in NMR all these ions induce a similar tertiary fold. Based on these findings, we propose a model for 8–17 DNAzyme interactions with metal ions postulating the existence of only a single catalytically-active structure, yet populated to a different extent depending on the metal ion cofactor. Our results provide structural information on the 8-17 DNAzyme in presence of non-Pb2+ cofactors, including the biologically relevant Mg2+ ion.

Abstract Background Hyaluronan (HA) is an extracellular glycosaminoglycan polysaccharide with widespread roles throughout development and in healthy and neoplastic tissues. In pluripotent stem cell culture it can support both stem cell renewal and differentiation. However, responses to HA in culture are influenced by interaction with a range of cognate factors and receptors including components of blood serum supplements, which alter results. These may contribute to variation in cell batch production yield and phenotype as well as heighten the risks of adventitious pathogen transmission in the course of cell processing for therapeutic applications. Main Here we characterise differentiation of a human embryo/pluripotent stem cell derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (hESC/PSC-MSC)-like cell population by culture on a planar surface coated with HA in serum-free media qualified for cell production for therapy. Resulting cells met minimum criteria of the International Society for Cellular Therapy for identification as MSC by expression of. CD90, CD73, CD105, and lack of expression for CD34, CD45, CD14 and HLA-II. They were positive for other MSC associated markers (i.e.CD166, CD56, CD44, HLA 1-A) whilst negative for others (e.g. CD271, CD71, CD146). In vitro co-culture assessment of MSC associated functionality confirmed support of growth of hematopoietic progenitors and inhibition of mitogen activated proliferation of lymphocytes from umbilical cord and adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells, respectively. Co-culture with immortalized THP-1 monocyte derived macrophages (Mɸ) concurrently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide as a pro-inflammatory stimulus, resulted in a dose dependent increase in pro-inflammatory IL6 but negligible effect on TNFα. To further investigate these functionalities, a bulk cell RNA sequence comparison with adult human bone marrow derived MSC and hESC substantiated a distinctive genetic signature more proximate to the former. Conclusion Cultivation of human pluripotent stem cells on a planar substrate of HA in serum-free culture media systems is sufficient to yield a distinctive developmental mesenchymal stromal cell lineage with potential to modify the function of haematopoietic lineages in therapeutic applications.

Zasadniczym celem niniejszego opracowania jest analiza prawnej formy działania organu stanowiącego gminy w przedmiocie wstrzymania wykonaniaprzedsięwzięcia, o którym mowa w ustawie z 20 sierpnia 2009 r. o finansach publicznych, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem trybu prowadzącego do zmaterializowania się woli organu. Poruszane zagadnienie skoncentrowane jest wokół problemów związanych z inicjatywą uchwałodawczą wobec tego aktu oraz przedmiotowym aspektem powiązania go z uchwałą w sprawie wieloletniej prognozy finansowej. Istnieje bowiem prawna możliwość stanowienia o realizacji przedsięwzięć w dwóch różnych aktach prawnych, przy czym nie ma wyraźnie określonego obowiązku, aby organy stanowiące zadbały o spójną treść tych aktów. Może wobec tego dojść do trudnej sytuacji powodującej negatywne konsekwencje dla jednostki samorządu terytorialnego w wymiarze finansowym. Opracowanie stanowi próbę wskazania najistotniejszych problemów w tym obszarze wraz z propozycją rozwiązania lub niedopuszczenia do ich zaistnienia.

IntroductionExploring gender differences in cognitive abilities offers vital insights into human brain functioning.MethodsOur study utilized advanced techniques like magnetic resonance thermometry, standard working memory n-back tasks, and functional MRI to investigate if gender-based variations in brain temperature correlate with distinct neuronal responses and working memory capabilities.ResultsWe observed a significant decrease in average brain temperature in males during working memory tasks, a phenomenon not seen in females. Although changes in female brain temperature were significantly lower than in males, we found an inverse relationship between the absolute temperature change (ATC) and cognitive performance, alongside a correlation with blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal change induced by neural activity. This suggests that in females, ATC is a crucial determinant for the link between cognitive performance and BOLD responses, a linkage not evident in males. However, we also observed additional female specific BOLD responses aligned with comparable task performance to that of males.DiscussionOur results suggest that females compensate for their brain’s heightened temperature sensitivity by activating additional neuronal networks to support working memory. This study not only underscores the complexity of gender differences in cognitive processing but also opens new avenues for understanding how temperature fluctuations influence brain functionality.

Na podstawie wtórnej analizy tekstów Autorka rekonstruuje niemiecki dyskurs naukowy dotyczący edukacji dla zrównoważonego rozwoju w kształceniu ustawicznym i edukacji zawodowej. Artykuł szkicuje fazy rozwoju edukacji dla zrównoważonego rozwoju, koncepcje pedagogiczne oraz praktyczny wymiar tej edukacji, która wprawdzie może już poszczycić się znaczącymi osiągnięciami, niemniej w dalszym ciągu poszukuje bardziej efektywnych form, metod oraz koncepcji dialogu z uczestnikami ofert edukacyjnych i możliwości dotarcia do szerszych kręgów społecznych. Ważnym wątkiem podjętym w tekście są inspiracje polityki oświatowej, która od kilku już dekad konsekwentnie wspiera rozwój edukacji dla zrównoważonego rozwoju, zarówno w sektorze formalnym, jak i pozaformalnym, nie tracąc z pola widzenia także potencjału tkwiącego w nieformalnych procesach uczenia się.

In the search for new active pharmaceutical ingredients, the precise control of the chemistry of cocrystals becomes essential. One crucial step within this chemistry is proton migration between cocrystal coformers to form a salt, usually anticipated by the empirical ΔpKa rule. Due to the effective role it plays in modifying intermolecular distances and interactions, pressure adds a new dimension to the ΔpKa rule. Still, this variable has been scarcely applied to induce proton-transfer reactions within these systems. In our study, high-pressure X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy experiments, supported by DFT calculations, reveal modifications to the protonation states of the 4,4′-bipyridine (BIPY) and malonic acid (MA) cocrystal (BIPYMA) that allow the conversion of the cocrystal phase into ionic salt polymorphs. On compression, neutral BIPYMA and monoprotonated (BIPYH+MA−) species coexist up to 3.1 GPa, where a phase transition to a structure of P21/c symmetry occurs, induced by a double proton-transfer reaction forming BIPYH22+MA2−. The low-pressure C2/c phase is recovered at 2.4 GPa on decompression, leading to a 0.7 GPa hysteresis pressure range. This is one of a few studies on proton transfer in multicomponent crystals that shows how susceptible the interconversion between differently charged species is to even slight pressure changes, and how the proton transfer can be a triggering factor leading to changes in the crystal symmetry. These new data, coupled with information from previous reports on proton-transfer reactions between coformers, extend the applicability of the ΔpKa rule incorporating the pressure required to induce salt formation.

MALT lymphoma of the dura is a very rare type of low-grade B-cell lymphoma. Little more than 100 cases have been reported in the literature to date. We report a 43-year-old woman who was referred to hospital because of a series of three tonic-clonic seizures on the day of admission. Neurological examination revealed confusion and aphasia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a contrast-enhanced, broad-based lesion along the dura in the left parieto-occipital area. The suspicion of an en plaque meningioma was raised. The tumour invaded the brain parenchyma with visible extension into the brain sulci. There was a marked brain oedema surrounding the lesion and causing the midline shift 8 mm to the right. After stabilization of neurological condition (intravenous diuretics and steroids), the operation was performed. The diagnosis of dural MALT lymphoma was established. During the pathological examination, it was especially problematic to distinguish MALT lymphoma from follicular lymphoma, but the final diagnosis was MALT lymphoma. Surgical partial removal with additional R-CVP immunochemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone) resulted in complete remission. The follow-up period is 1 year. Our presented case of a MALT lymphoma highlights the fact that surgical partial removal with additional immunochemotherapy is an available option in these rare intracranial tumours.

Abstract Currently, the differentiation between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not straightforward, and the features of both types of diabetes coexist in one subject. This situation triggered the need to discriminate so-called double diabetes (DD), hybrid diabetes or type 1.5 diabetes, which is generally described as the presence of the insulin resistance characteristic of metabolic syndrome in individuals diagnosed with T1D. DD not only raises the question of proper classification of diabetes but is also associated with a significantly greater risk of developing micro- and macroangiopathic complications, which was independent of glycaemic control. When considering the global obesity pandemic and increasing incidence of T1D, the prevalence of DD may also presumably increase. Therefore, it is of the highest priority to discover the mechanisms underlying the development of DD and to identify appropriate methods to prevent or treat DD. In this article, we describe how the definition of double diabetes has changed over the years and how it is currently defined. We discuss the accuracy of including metabolic syndrome in the DD definition. We also present possible hypotheses connecting insulin resistance with T1D and propose possible methods to identify individuals with double diabetes based on indirect insulin resistance markers, which are easily assessed in everyday clinical practice. Moreover, we discuss adjuvant therapy which may be considered in double diabetic patients.

Abstract Fungal pathogens are considered as serious factors for deadly diseases and are a case of medical concern. Invasive fungal infections also complicate the clinical course of COVID-19, leading to a significant increase in mortality. Furthermore, fungal strains' multidrug resistance has increased the demand for antifungals with a different mechanism of action. The present study aimed to identify antifungal compounds targeting yeast topoisomerase II (yTOPOII) derived from well-known human topoisomerase II (hTOPOII) poisons C-1305 and C-1311. Two sets of derivatives: triazoloacridinones (IKE1-8) and imidazoacridinones (IKE9-14) were synthetized and evaluated with a specific emphasis on the molecular mechanism of action. Our results indicated that their effectiveness as enzyme inhibitors was not solely due to intercalation ability but also as a result of influence on catalytic activity by the formation of covalent complexes between plasmid DNA and yTOPOII. Lysine conjunction increased the strength of the compound's interaction with DNA and improved penetration into the fungal cells. Triazoloacridinone derivatives in contrast to starting compound C-1305 exhibited moderate antifungal activity and at least twice lower cytotoxicity. Importantly, compounds (IKE5-8) were not substrates for multidrug ABC transporters whereas a derivative conjugated with lysine (IKE7), showed the ability to overcome C. glabrata fluconazole-resistance (MIC 32–64 µg mL−1).

This study aims to design a time-continuous pain level assessment system for temporomandibular joint therapy. Our objectives cover verifying literature suggestions on pain stimulus, protocols for collecting reference data, and continuous pain recognition models. We use two types of pain data acquired during 1) heat stimulation and 2) temporomandibular joint therapy. Thirty-six electrodermal activity (EDA) features are determined to build a binary classification model. The experimental dataset is used to train the initial model that produces pseudo-labels for weakly-labeled clinical data. In training the final long short-term memory (LSTM) model, we propose a novel multivariate loss involving, i.a., dynamometer data. Significant differences are found between EDA features extracted from experimental and clinical datasets in pain and no pain events. The classification model is validated at different stages of the model development. The final model classifies each four-second frame with a mean accuracy of 0.89 and an F1 score of 0.85. Our study introduces the dynamometer as a novel source of pain-feeling indications that meets the challenges given in the literature: data can be acquired in various procedures and from patients with limited abilities. The main contribution of the study is to design the first time-continuous and short-term pain assessment system for a clinical setting.

Objectives Fatigue can be the result of overexertion and overload. It occurs when the burdened body does not have enough time for regeneration and biological renewal. The aim of this study was analysis of fatigue based on the subjective feeling in physiotherapists, nurses, and paramedics. Material and Methods The research covered 193 women and 107 men aged 30–60 years, including 100 physiotherapists, 100 nurses and 100 paramedics with higher education, employed in clinics and hospitals in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Poland. The research tool of choice was 30-item Research Committee on Industrial Fatigue Fatigue Scale , adapted into the Polish language by Paluch. The data were analyzed based on ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results Values determining frequency of decrease in activity were higher in nurses than in physiotherapists (p < 0.001) and paramedics (p = 0.005). Physiotherapists and nurses showed statistically significant positive associations of all fatigue indices with age and seniority. Sex-related differences in the frequency of physical fatigue symptoms have been noted (p = 0.044). Among people working in outpatient clinics and hospitals there were statistically significant differences in the frequency of decrease in activity (p = 0.001) and general level of fatigue (p = 0.031). Conclusions In nurses and physiotherapists, the frequency of experiencing ailments increases with age and work experience. This suggests that in the case of these professions it is important to quick identification of signs of fatigue and taking actions to prevent its worsening. Women experience fatigue more often, so they especially need to take steps to prevent and, if necessary, treat this condition. Hospitals should be an area of special involvement in the process of implementing programs to counteract fatigue of employees in the medical services sector. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(1):72–83

The aim of the study was to use regenerated activated carbon to adsorb phenol from a river. Coconut shell activated carbon was derived from used tap water filter cartridges. The activated carbon was carbonised and then activated with KOH at 200°C, under a nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting adsorbent was characterised on the basis of nitrogen adsorption by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and point of zero charge (pH PZC). The study of periodic adsorption included kinetic and equilibrium modelling, determined the effect of solution pH on efficiency and the possibility of regeneration and reuse of the adsorbent. The efficiency of phenol removal from model water was evaluated, followed by the possibility of their adsorption from a polluted river in Silesia Province. Phenol adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorbents showed high adsorption abilities, as determined by the Langmuir isotherm model. The model fits the experimental data well. The concentration of phenol in the river was in the range of 0.45–0.77 mg∙dm– 3, which means that its value was at least five times higher than the standard values. The use of regenerated activated carbon from waste filter cartridges removed phenol from the river by 78% using optimal test parameters.

Background: The issue of the relation betweeen training loads on the shape of the spine of young players is of significant importance, as with the advancement of training seniority, unfavorable changes may be perpetuated resulting in possible consequences in the next stages of ontogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the formation of the sagittal curvatures of the spine in girls practicing volleyball versus their nonpractising peers. Methods: We examined 60 girls aged 10–13 years, including 30 volleyball players and 30 untrained peers. The Baseline Bubble inclinometer was applied as a research. The data were analyzed based on Mann–Whitney U test and Pearson Chi-square test. Results. There were statistically significant intergroup differences in lumbar lordosis curvature values (Z = −2.67; p = 0.007). The prevalence of correctness values of the thoracic kyphosis curvature, was group-dependent (χ2(1) = 4.34; p = 0.037). Group also determined the prevalence of lumbar lordosis normalities (χ2(1) = 5.41; p = 0.020). Conclusions. Volleyball has a beneficial effect on the formation of the thoracic kyphosis, while the lumbar lordosis is shallowed under the influence of training. This indicates the need for a holistic approach to player training and the need to supplement the technique and tactics training with exercises to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the lumbar spine, improve spinal mobility, learn how to control the anterior tilt of the pelvis and train the fascia.

Artifacts in computed tomography and X-ray microtomography are image distortions caused by various factors. Some can be reduced before or during the examination, while others are removed algorithmically after image acquisition. The latter group includes metallic artifacts caused by metal objects in the sample. This paper proposes a new method for eliminating metallic artifacts, applying a bone- and soft-tissue decomposition (BSTD) algorithm to microtomography raw data before the reconstruction process. We show that the decomposition algorithm can effectively remove metallic artifacts in microCT images, which increases the image contrast and allows for better visualization of regions near the metallic elements. For quantity analysis, we computed SSIM and PSNR factors, and we observed values increasing from 0.97 to 0.99 and from 40 dB to 43 dB, respectively.

Black currants are more popular and consumed more often than red and white ones. These fruits are low in calories, and they are recognised as a rich source of vitamin C. It can be hypothesised that currant fruits, depending on the colour, may differ in the profile of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and basic composition. The objective of this study was to determine the basic chemical composition, selected polyphenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity of black, red and white currant fruits collected over two years. Red currant fruits had a higher protein content, than black currant fruits, which had the lowest. The highest fat content was found in white currants and the lowest in black currants. The black currant variety was the richest in total carbohydrates. The highest amount of total polyphenols was found in black currant fruits and the lowest in red currant fruits. In all types of currant fruit, catechin was the major phenolic compound. However it showed the highest difference between types of currants. It was observed that red currant fruits had the highest antioxidant activity when tested with the ABTS+ and FRAP methods, and the lowest was found in white currant fruits. The highest antioxidant activity, tested by the FRAP method, occurred in black currant fruits, while the lowest was observed in white currant fruits.

Statistics Poland utilizes Earth Observation and in-situ data to assess green areas, aiming to derive vital information on natural capital statistics and human well-being. This is essential for informed decision-making and sustainable development. Improving regional well-being statistics is a priority due to Poland's low rankings in environmental well-being indicators. To overcome challenges in obtaining comprehensive data at the commune level, the study introduces a new and innovative system for monitoring green areas. This system employs Sentinel-2 satellite data, combined with Copernicus vegetation and phenology products in order to determine extent and condition of green areas. In addition, the applied land cover product (Dynamic World) and national vector database of topographic features (BDOT10k) contributes to the quality and accuracy of the analyses carried out. The system yields two pivotal indicators: one delineating the proportional coverage of green areas within communes boundaries, and the other elucidating the state and health of these delineated areas. A key highlight of the system is its innovative use of local resources and the Google Earth Engine application to observe green areas at a 10-meter resolution at the commune level, particularly in major cities in Poland. These observations are crucial for the Polish Public Services Monitoring System (SMUP), providing comprehensive local-level evaluation services. The research outcome consists of a comparison between the extent of green areas delineated by public administration at the commune level and the extent of green areas determined using a newly proposed method, which relies on satellite imagery from the Copernicus program. The results indicate variability between these two datasets, depending on different forms of land cover within each administrative unit. The most consistent data is derived from large urban agglomerations in Poland.

ABSTRACT: Campylobacter is the most reported zoonotic pathogen in humans in the European Union. Poultry is a major source of human infection with Campylobacter. Although many studies are done on the presence of Campylobacter in broilers and theoretically effective control measures are known, their relative importance at broiler farms remains poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Campylobacter on selected broiler farms in the Netherlands, to determine the moment of introduction, and associated risk factors. A longitudinal study on 25 broiler farms was carried out between June 2017 and December 2020. Fecal samples were collected weekly from 43 broiler houses. In total 497 flocks were sampled. Putative variables on flock and farm characteristics for a risk factor analysis were gathered through questionnaires. Risk factors associated with the presence of Campylobacter in a broiler flock were determined using regression models. In total 30% of the flocks included in the study were positive for Campylobacter. Factors associated with presence of Campylobacter at slaughter age included: season, mowing lawns and presence of agricultural side activities. While summer/autumn and mowing lawns were associated with an increase in Campylobacter presence in flocks, the farmer having agricultural side activities other than poultry production was associated with a decrease. Analysis of the age at which flocks first tested Campylobacter positive revealed that slower growing breeds became positive on average 1 wk later compared to regular growers. This study revealed a delayed introduction of Campylobacter in slower grower vs. regular grower broiler flocks reared indoors. In addition, it confirmed importance of season as major risk factor. The relevance of mowing and preceding positive flocks as risk factors needs further investigation.

The article attempts to analyze the discourse formulas: on behalf of Rzeczypospolita and on behalf of Poland in the speeches of the presidents of the Third Polish Republic (1995-2023). The aim is to describe the potential of these formulas in the context of constructing the collective identity. The authors continue the debate undertaken in the previous publication (Dyoniziak & Pirogowska, 2023) and show on the basis of 1000 presidential speeches written on www.prezydent.pl that the proper name Rzeczpospolita has greater identity potential than the name Polska in creating a national community.

L’article présente, de façon synthétisante, quelques observations de l’auteure quant au fonctionnement des éléments prosodiques dans le discours portant sur des questions juives qui, très souvent, dégénère en discours antisémite. Le corpus est constitué d’apports discursifs puisés dans des interactions internet authentiques, focalisées sur les activités de Dieudonné M’bala M’bala en France à partir de 2009 et sur les performances de Rafal Betlejewski en Pologne à partir de 2007. Puisque ce discours se réalise dans le registre interactif écrit, il s’agit des imitations graphiques de la prosodie. On analyse des exemples des équivalents de la prononciation marquée, de l’accent sur le topic de l’énoncé, des jeux de mots résidant sur l’homonymie. L’auteure soutient que de telles imitations, outre l’expression des émotions, entrainent aussi des effets argumentatifs.

Abstract Over the last few decades, high-frequency ultrasound has found multiple applications in various diagnostic fields. The fast development of this imaging technique opens up new diagnostic paths in dermatology, allergology, cosmetology, and aesthetic medicine. In this paper, being the first in this area, we discuss the usability of HFUS in anti-aging skin therapy assessment. The fully automated algorithm combining high-quality image selection and entry echo layer segmentation steps followed by the dermal parameters estimation enables qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-aging products. Considering the parameters of subcutaneous layers, the proposed framework provides a reliable tool for TCA-peel therapy assessment; however, it can be successfully applied to other skin-condition-related problems. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, forty-six postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Women were treated four times at one-week intervals and applied skin cream daily between visits. The three month follow-up study enables measurement of the long-term effect of the therapy. According to the results, the TCA-based therapy increased epidermal (entry echo layer) thickness, indicating that the thinning process has slowed down and the skin’s condition has improved. An interesting outcome is the obtained growth in the intensity of the upper dermis in the experimental group, which might suggest a reduced photo-aging effect of TCA-peel and increased water content. The same conclusions connected with the anti-aging effect of TCA-peel can be drawn by observing the parameters describing the contribution of low and medium-intensity pixels in the upper dermis. The decreased share of low-intensity pixels and increased share of medium-intensity pixels in the upper dermis suggest a significant increase in local protein synthesis.

The ongoing increase in the proportion of elderly people in society, sometimes referred to as the aging societies phenomenon, has numerous effects. Multimorbidity affects about every third person in the general population and, on average, the likelihood of chronic illness increases with age, so multimorbidity is more common in older age groups. This increases the demand for medication, leading to concurrent use of many drugs, which is referred to as polypharmacy. We carried out a literature review to identify the problems associated with the use of medications in people sixty years and older. Aging societies contain an increasing number of elderly people struggling with the burden of multimorbidity and the resulting polypharmacy. They require a systemic approach to prescription problems, which include potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and overprescription, as well as potential prescribing omission (PPO), taking into account issues like lack of patient compliance and self-medication. Any attempt to solve these problems requires tools to objectively evaluate prescription practice, using the existing and emerging capabilities of electronic health records (EHR), actively encouraging all medical personnel who prescribe medications or evaluate their use (including physicians, nurses and pharmacists) to join rational deprescribing attempts, and convincing patients that more drugs are not always better.

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare evapotranspiration estimates obtained from different data sources over grassland regions in central-western Poland during the vegetation seasons in the years 2021 and 2022. The dataset provided includes evapotranspiration (ET) estimates derived from three sources: (1) evapotranspiration measurements from the ECOSTRESS satellite; (2) evapotranspiration estimates calculated using the energy balance method based on ERA5-Land meteorological data with land surface temperature (LST) from MODIS; and (3) evapotranspiration estimates with meteorological data derived from ground measurements replacing ERA5-Land data and using MODIS LST for the surface temperature. For the second and third sources, where the energy balance method (Penman–Monteith) was applied, the data used for the ET calculation were obtained from the nearest ground-based meteorological station to the test fields, with the most distant fields being up to 40 km away in a straight line. In addition, for comparison, the MOD16 global evapotranspiration product was added. In a study conducted in the central-western region of Poland, specifically in Wielkopolska (NUTS2–PL41), 18 grassland plots ranging in size from 0.36 to 21.34 ha were studied, providing valuable insights into the complex relationships between environmental parameters and evapotranspiration processes. The evapotranspiration derived from different sources was tested by applying correlation with soil moisture and the height of the grass obtained from ground measurements. It was found that the evapotranspiration data derived from ECOSTRESS had the best correlation with soil moisture (r = 0.46, p < 0.05) and the height of the grass (r = 0.45, p < 0.05), both of which were statistically significant. The values of the ground measurements (soil moisture and vegetation height were considered as verification for the evapotranspiration precision). In addition, the information about precipitation and air temperature during the time of measurements was considered as the verification for the evapotranspiration conditions. Comparisons between ECOSTRESS data and other sources suggest that ECOSTRESS measurements may offer the most precise estimates of evapotranspiration in the studied region.

Sundews (Drosera sp.) are the source of biologically active secondary metabolites: phenolic acids, flavonoids, and 1,4-naphtoquinones. Because obtaining them from the natural environment is impossible (rare and endangered species), in this study modifications of traditional tissue cultures grown in solid medium (SM), such as agitated cultures (ACs) (cultures in liquid medium with rotary shaking) and temporary immersion bioreactors PlantformTM (TIB), were used for multiplication of four sundew species: Drosera peltata, Drosera indica, Drosera regia, and Drosera binata, with simultaneously effective synthesis of biologically active phenolic compounds. Each species cultivated on SM, AC, and TIB was tested for biomass accumulation, the content of total phenols and selected phenolic derivative concentrations (DAD-HPLC), the productivity on of phenolic compounds, as well as its antibacterial activity against two human pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results showed that the type of culture should be selected for each species separately. Phytochemical analyses showed that the synthesis of secondary metabolites from the groups of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and 1,4-naphthoquinones can be increased by modifying the cultivation conditions. D. regia turned out to be the richest in phenolic compounds, including 1,4-naphtoquinones: plumbagin and ramentaceone. Extracts from D. indica and D. regia tissue showed strong antibacterial activity against both pathogens. It has also been shown that the growth conditions of sundews can modify the level of secondary metabolites, and thus, their biological activity.

The residues of pharmaceutical compounds are often resistant to degradation, causing an environmental problem. Our research aimed to perform a study of the photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of non-opioid analgesic paracetamol and some of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (ketoprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen). Semiconductor WO3, Fe2O3, and WO3/Fe2O3 photocatalysis using solar energy lamps were applied for this purpose. As a result of the photocatalytic processes, high decomposition efficiency was obtained for ketoprofen (97%) and naproxen (70%). Low photodegradation yields were achieved for diclofenac. Under the used measurement conditions, both paracetamol and ibuprofen were not degraded.

Sea buckthorn leaves (SBT_LVs) form notable by-product during harvesting and post-harvest management of the berries. It is already known that sea buckthorn berries are important for their chemical composition and based on this, they occupy a wide field in nutrition. SBT_LVs also have a rich chemical composition, like the berries. The aim of this study was to describe these by-products in the context of protein and complex carbohydrates–dietary fiber fractions, including qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids. Proximate composition, amino acids, nutritional values of the protein, and dietary fiber fractions of SBT_LVs of four cultivars (cvs.) Ascola, Habego, Hergo, and Leikora were assessed. SBT_LVs from different years of the study had statistically different levels of crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE), confirming that the quality of the raw material (leaves) can be significantly modified by habitat conditions. The largest fraction of dietary fiber was neutral detergent fiber (NDF), including the sum of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, followed by the acid detergent fiber fraction (ADF), consisting of lignin and cellulose. The content of essential amino acids in SBT_LV protein was high. Overall, this study confirms that SBT_LVs hold promise as a valuable resource for use as a food ingredient, functional food, and dietary supplement for both humans and animals.

Background: Paravalvular leaks can be detected in almost 15% of patients after mitral valve prosthesis implantation. This complication can result in congestive heart failure and hemolysis. Despite advancements in non-invasive imaging, percutaneous closure of paravalvular leaks is not always successful. Therefore, efforts are made to improve treatment outcomes by using 3D-printed models of defects as preprocedural support for interventional cardiologists. Methods: Retrospectively, 3D-transesophageal echocardiography recordings of 8 patients with clinically significant mitral paravalvular leaks were analyzed. Qlab Software was used to export DICOM images of each paravalvular leak channel, including surrounding tissue. Image segmentation was performed in 3D Slicer, a free, open-source software package used for imaging research. Models were printed to actual size with the poly jet Stratasys Objet 30 printer with a transparent, rigid material. Results: Duration of model preparation and printing, as well as the total cost, was calculated. Mean total time of model preparation was 430.5 +- 196 minutes. Conclusion: 3D-printing from 3D-transesophageal echocardiography is technically feasible. Both shape and location of paravalvular leaks are preserved during model preparation and printing. It remains to be tested if 3D-printing would improve outcomes of percutaneous paravalvular leaks closure.

The article discusses the issues related to personal knowledge management (PKM) and initiatives undertaken in this area by a professional group of teachers. These issues are still insufficiently researched, and thus cognitively interesting and requiring further exploration. The aim of the study was to determine the level of teachers' initiative in the area of personal knowledge management, with reference to the relationships between the variables characterizing the surveyed teachers, such as: gender, age, seniority, type of educational institution and the position held. In the study, conducted by means of a diagnostic survey method among 169 professionally active teachers, the author's Questionnaire of Personal Knowledge Management Initiatives was used. The obtained research results were statistically analyzed using the PSPP program, Gnu General Public License Version 3. The data were processed using the ANOVA analysis of variance. The applied method of standard deviations showed that the largest group of the surveyed teachers presents an average level of initiative in the field of personal knowledge management. Based on the obtained results, it can also be concluded that: women, teachers with the longest seniority, from the oldest age group, holding managerial positions; employed in kindergartens and educational non-school institutions, are characterized by a higher level of initiative in the field of personal knowledge management. The obtained research results are of practical importance both for teachers and for the organizations in which they work. They may also contribute to the introduction of new solutions in the education of future teachers at the university level, as well as to the organization of training and workshops improving and developing personal knowledge management skills among professionally active teachers.

Abstract In this work, we investigated the oncogenic role of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (SGG), a gut bacterium associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). We showed that SGG UCN34 accelerates colon tumor development in a chemically induced CRC murine model. Full proteome and phosphoproteome analysis of murine colons chronically colonized by SGG UCN34 revealed that 164 proteins and 725 phosphorylation sites were differentially regulated. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) indicates a pro-tumoral shift specifically induced by SGG UCN34, as ~ 90% of proteins and phosphoproteins identified were associated with digestive cancer. Comprehensive analysis of the altered phosphoproteins using ROMA software revealed up-regulation of several cancer hallmark pathways such as MAPK, mTOR and integrin/ILK/actin, affecting epithelial and stromal colonic cells. Importantly, an independent analysis of protein arrays of human colon tumors colonized with SGG showed up-regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathways, providing clinical relevance to our findings. To test SGG’s capacity to induce pre-cancerous transformation of the murine colonic epithelium, we grew ex vivo organoids which revealed unusual structures with compact morphology. Taken together, our results demonstrate the oncogenic role of SGG UCN34 in a murine model of CRC associated with activation of multiple cancer-related signaling pathways.

Platelets are the first to reach the site of tissue damage and secrete substances like platelet growth factors (GFs), which perform many different functions in the human body. Many studies suggest that GFs such as transforming GF (TGF), platelet-derived GF (PDGF), or insulin-like GF-1 (IGF-1) may be markers of survival, disease severity, and post-coronavirus disease (COVID) complications. The study aimed to analyze the concentration of TGF-β, IGF-1, and PDGF-BB in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group (GK). The study group consisted of 50 patients (23 men and 27 women) at the time of COVID-19 detection, 7 days after detection, then 14 and 28 days after detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The GK comprised 48 healthy volunteers (25 women and 23 men). IGF-1, TGF-β, and PDGF-BB concentrations in blood serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. There was a statistically significant relationship between the concentration of IGF-1, TGF-β 1, and PDGF-BB in the study group (I–IV blood draw) and the GK (p

Abstract It has been found that the thermoresponsive behavior of emulsions stabilized by block copolymer surfactants (BCSs) can induce either gelation or emulsion break‐up with mild temperature changes. A hydrophilic, steric‐stabilizing component of the BCS, polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA), is crucial to control the thermoresponsive behavior of the emulsions: longer PEG chains (950 g mol−1) lead to thermoregulation, whereas shorter PEGM chains (500 or 300 g mol−1) lead to emulsion break‐up upon mild heating. Additionally, the relative abundance of PEGMA to the thermoresponsive component in the BCS controls the gelation temperature of BCS‐stabilized emulsions. Small‐angle neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the BCS forms oblate ellipsoids which grow anisotropically with temperature. In samples that form a gel, there is evidence that these nano‐objects form supra‐colloidal structures, which are responsible for the gel mesophase formation. An optimal BCS can form emulsions that transition from a liquid to gel state when warmed above 32 °C. This makes the system ideal for in situ gelation upon contact with the body. Overall, this study highlights the great potential of BCSs in generating thermoresponsive emulsions for drug delivery and other healthcare applications.

ABSTRACT: Fermented rapeseed meal has the potential to partial replace soybean meal in feed mixtures for poultry without a negative impact on the health condition and performance of birds. This is due to the fact that the fermentation process can reduce the amount of antinutritional factors, improve the use of nutrients and impart probiotic properties to rapeseed meal. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effect of fermented rapeseed meal on the performance, egg quality, intestinal morphometry, the viscosity of intestinal content and total phosphorus availability. A total of 108 Lohmann Brown laying hens at 26 wk of age were used in the 90-day study. All hens were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, with 12 replicates (cages) each, as follows: control group received no rapeseed meal, the URSM group received 3% unfermented rapeseed meal and the FRSM group received 3% fermented rapeseed meal. In the case of performance, egg traits, sensory evaluation of eggs, the viscosity of intestinal content and the availability of total phosphorus, if the distribution was normal, a 1-way analysis of variance was performed. If the distribution was not normal, the Kruskal-Wallis test was performed. In the case of histomorphometric evaluation of the intestine, if the distribution was normal, the Student t test for independent samples was performed. If not, a Mann-Whitney U test was performed. The performed analyses showed that the supplementation of fermented rapeseed meal had no negative effect on the performance of birds and the quality of eggs. Fermented rapeseed meal was also associated with improved histomorphometric parameters of the small intestine compared to the group receiving unfermented rapeseed meal in the feed. Laying hens from FRSM group were characterized by significantly lower viscosity of intestinal content (P < 0.05) compared to URSM group. Phosphorus in FRSM group was significantly more available to the birds (P < 0.05) compared to URSM group. These results suggest that supplementation with fermented rapeseed meal may be beneficial, especially in times of unstable prices of soybean meal and problems with its availability.

The study explores the feasibility of adapting the EOStat crop monitoring system, originally designed for monitoring crop growth conditions in Poland, to fulfill the requirements of a similar system in Ukraine. The system utilizes satellite data and agrometeorological information provided by the Copernicus program, which offers these resources free of charge. To predict crop yields, the system uses several factors, such as vegetation condition indices obtained from Sentinel-3 Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) optical and Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR). It also incorporates climate information, including air temperature, total precipitation, surface radiation, and soil moisture. To identify the best predictors for each administrative unit, the study utilizes a recursive feature elimination method and employs the Extreme Gradient Boosting regressor, a machine learning algorithm, to forecast crop yields. The analysis indicates a noticeable decrease in crop losses in 2022 in certain regions of Ukraine, compared to the previous year (2021) and the 5-year average (2017–2021), specifically for winter crops and maize. Considering the reduction in yield, it is estimated that the decline in production of winter crops in 2022 was up to 20%, while for maize, it was up to 50% compared to the decline in production.