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Abstract The presence and extent of metastatic disease in axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) in the setting of breast cancer (BC) are important factors for staging and therapy planning. The purpose of this study was to perform a multiparametric sonographic evaluation of ALNs to better differentiate between benign and metastatic nodes. Ninety-nine patients (mean age 54.1 y) with 103 BCs were included in this study, and 103 ALNs were examined sonographically. B-mode parameters, such as size in two dimensions, shape, cortical thickness and capsule outline, were obtained, followed by vascularity assessment via colour Doppler and microflow imaging and stiffness evaluation via shear wave elastography. Postoperative histopathological evaluation was the reference standard. In the statistical analysis, logistic regression and ROC analyses were conducted to search for feature patterns of both types of ALNs to evaluate the prediction qualities of the analysed variables and their combinations. For a cortex larger than 3 mm, without a circumscribed margin of the LN capsule and SWE (E max > 26 kPa), the AUC was 0.823. Multiparametric assessment, which combined conventional US, quantitative SWE and vascularity analysis, was superior to the single-parameter approach in the evaluation of ALNs.

Fibre metal laminates (FML) are the modern hybrid materials with potential wide range of applications in aerospace technology due to their excellent mechanical properties (particularly fatigue strength, resistance to impacts) and also excellent corrosion resistance. The study describes the resistance to low velocity impacts in Ti/CFRP laminates. Tested laminates were produced in autoclave process. The laminates were characterized in terms of their response to impacts in specified energy range (5J, 10J, 20J). The tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D7137 standard. The laminates were subjected to impacts by means of hemispherical impactor with diameter of 12,7 mm. The following values have been determined: impact force vs. time, maximum force and the force at which the material destruction process commences (Pi). It has been found that fibre titanium laminates are characterized by high resistance to impacts. This feature is associated with elasto-plastic properties of metal and high rigidity of epoxy - fibre composite. It has been observed that Ti/CFRP laminates are characterized by more instable force during impact in stage of stabilization of impactor-laminate system and stage of force growth that glass fibre laminates. It has been observed more stable force decrease in stage of stress relaxation and withdrawal of the impactor. In energy range under test, the laminates based on titanium with glass and carbon fibres reinforcement demonstrate similar and high resistance to low-velocity impact, measured by means of failure initiation force and impact maximum force.

Introduction: The field of Paralympic medicine examines the healthcare issues that are specific to athletes with disabilities. This article presents a historical phenomenon in which the introduction of further activities for patients with neurological conditions led to the hosting of the Paralympic Games. The article describes the complexity of inclusivity in disability health research and outlines the historical context of the emergence of this field of sports medicine. It also presents the main challenges posed by the developing parasport. One of the most significant issues is to guarantee that competition is conducted with the greatest degree of equity possible. This entails ensuring the precision of classification, preventing the over-medicalisation of athletes. It is also imperative that athletes with special requirements are provided with the appropriate support and equipment. The creation of adequate care pathways requires a challenging process, largely due to the inconclusive nature of research findings over the years. Further investigation is necessary to gain a more nuanced understanding of this relatively new area of study. Purpose of work: The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the broader challenges that paramedicine is facing in relation to the rapid development of this branch of sports medicine. Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in Pubmed database and other scientific databases. References were researched using following keywords: paralympic games, persons with disabilities, paramedicine, para-athletes, Conclusions: The advancement of Paralympic medicine is markedly expedited by a synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The integration of these two approaches yields invaluable insights into the personal perspectives of athletes on their health, while also facilitating statistically significant, evidence-based results on the analysis of large groups of athletes.

Introduction Rhodiola rosea L. is an adaptogen with an international reach, widely used in modern medicine. Scientific studies indicate that extracts obtained from Rhodiola rosea L. have a beneficial effect on various pathological conditions, including circulatory system diseases, neurological disorders and metabolic ailments. The wide range of applications of these compounds, combined with potentially low toxicity, makes Rhodiola rosea L. a promising candidate for integration in therapies supporting the treatment of diseases affecting various body systems. The aim of this review is to analyze contemporary research on the potential properties of Rhodiola rosea L., as well as to establish the foundation for further research and development of preparations based on this plant. Materials and Methods The review was conducted by searching PubMed and other scientific databases focusing on currently available publications. The literature available in the PubMed database was reviewed using the following keywords: “rhodiola rosea”, “adaptogen”, "cardiovascular diseases”, “neurological diseases”, “diabetes”. The analysis of 45 articles published between 1998-2023 was used to write the paper.

Introduction Sodium butyrate is an organic chemical compound belonging to sodium salts, which has the potential to be used in anticancer therapy. It reduces inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and promotes the development of beneficial intestinal flora, thanks to which it helps maintain homeostasis. Therefore, butyrate reduces the risk of developing colon cancer or reverses pathological changes occurring under the influence of this cancer. Scientific studies have also shown a beneficial effect of butyrate on the side effects of anticancer treatment - chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A proper diet also has a beneficial effect on the production of endogenous butyrate and reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. It is recommended to use a Mediterranean diet, rich in dietary fiber, highly unsaturated fatty acids and fresh vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to avoid highly processed products, rich in simple sugars and saturated fatty acids, and to limit the consumption of red meat. Materials and methods This article is based on the literature found in the PubMed and other scientific databases from the period of 1978-2023 with the use of key words such as “butyrate” “sodium butyrate” “colon cancer” “anticancer treatment” “intestinal microbiota” “Mediterranean diet” Conclusion Sodium butyrate is a potential substance that, through its properties, may support the treatment of colorectal cancer. Additionally, the use of an appropriate diet has a positive effect on the intestinal microflora, allowing the action of sodium butyrate and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

Migraine is a common and debilitating neurological disorder. It is crucial to realize that migraines are distinguished from other types of headaches. People suffering from migraine are often unable to function normally, neglecting work and daily duties. The associated costs burden not only the patients but also their family and social life. What is more, many psychiatric comorbidities are common in migraine patients. Because of all these factors, preventive treatment is essential because it can decrease migraine frequency and improve quality of life. There are many preventative medications but satisfactory improvement in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks may not be achieved without modification of lifestyle including taking care of physical activity and supplementation. Many studies have shown that moderate physical activity and supplementation of vitamins B2, D, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium has a positive effect on reducing duration and frequency of the migraine attack.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the 8th most common condition in the modern world. Unfortunately, it becomes more and more frequent and constitutes a significant global health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. Therefore, its treatment is an important topic among researchers all over the world. It has been the subject of many trials, so it will eventually be as effective, secure, and comfortable for patients as it possibly can be. That is why updating and assembling current knowledge is the key to organizing information. This paper focuses on pharmacological treatment and nutritional guidelines for CKD pre-dialysis patients, as well as physical activity outcomes. It aims to summarize this knowledge, educate, and help doctors in their daily clinical work.

Introduction: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological condition that continues to pose therapeutic challenges. Despite the availability of various antiepileptic medications, up to one-third of patients still experience insufficient control of their seizures. One approach to managing epilepsy, particularly in drug-resistant cases, is the ketogenic diet. This diet, along with its variations, has shown effectiveness in reducing seizures across all age groups, with additional improvements in behavior. However, despite numerous studies, the exact mechanisms behind its therapeutic effects and potential risks to the body remain unclear. This review of the current literature outlines the fundamental principles and variations of the ketogenic diet, evaluates its safety and effectiveness in treating epilepsy, and explores the possible mechanisms underlying its success. Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in the PubMed database with the use of keywords like: "drug resistance epilepsy", "ketogenic diet", "epilepsy treatment". Conclusion: The ketogenic diet is an effective treatment for epilepsy, especially drug-resistant forms. It reduces the number of seizures and it also has a positive effect on patients' sleep and cognitive functions. Despite many years of using the diet and observing its effects we still do not fully understand its mechanisms of action.

The nasal septum is a key component of the nasal structure, affecting proper airflow and providing support for the nasal structures. A deviated septum (DSN) can lead to breathing disorders, impaired nasal patency, recurrent nosebleeds, olfactory disorders and frequent upper respiratory tract infections. In competitive sports, where ventilation performance is critical, septal deviation can adversely affect athletic performance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of septoplasty on patients' physical performance. Methodes This article is based on the available literature found in the Google Scholar, PubMed database with the use of key words such as ,,septoplasty'', ,,nasal septal deviation'', ,,septoplasty quality of life'', ,,nasal septal deviation athletes'', ,,septoplasty sport'', ,,nasal obstruction sport''. Results Conducted studies show that surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum improves physical performance as well as respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Restoring proper airflow through the nose after surgery leads to a noticeable improvement in physical performance, highlighting the significance of septoplasty in enhancing patient comfort and improving athletic outcomes.

Beads made of sodium alginate, whey protein concentrate, and red grape seed extract powder were exposed to white light and its red-orange, yellow-green-cyan, and cyan-blue-violet bands. The chemical analysis showed that encapsulation in the alginate–whey protein matrix protected polyphenols, flavonoids and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside when exposed to red-orange light. The reflectance spectra acquired from grape seed extract powder and grape seed extract beads were deconvoluted and anthocyanins-based moieties which contribute to the expression of bathochromic or hypsochromic effects were identified. The evolution of the peak areas assigned to the colored compounds confirms that the most intense polyphenol degradation occurred in grape seed extract powder and grape seed extract beads exposed to cyan-blue-violet light, as shown by the chemical analysis. The results of the study are important in choosing the light band from the visible spectrum which can be used to process food enriched with grape seed extract with minimal polyphenol degradation.

Eating disorders are a significant health problem among athletes, affecting both physical performance and mental well-being. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the existing scientific literature on the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of eating disorders in athletes. By synthesizing the results of the research, this article aims to show the unique challenges that athletes face in terms of eating behavior and to propose directions for future research and intervention strategies.

Introduction: Dermatoses are a common problem among athletes due to exposure to various chemical substances, close skin contact with other individuals and higher risk of abrasions and skin trauma. Dermatoses affecting athletes may be divided to inflammatory, infectious and mechanical dermatoses. Due to various presentations, athletes should not neglect any lesions on their skin and should seek medical help. Physicians must remember about thorough examination including skin, to check if athletes can exercise and participate in sport events. Purpose of work: The aim of this article is to emphasize the association between dermatoses and sport activities, including the necessity of their proper diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods: Articles in Pubmed database were researched using following keywords: dermatoses among athletes, sport dermatoses, infections among athletes, exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Conclusions: Skin diseases may affect athletes’ performance and require them to cease professional training and close contact with other athletes. Physicians must remember the necessity of an accurate diagnosis and prompt initiation of the treatment to avoid delay in practice, team training and competitions.

Endometriosis is common chronic condition that can cause acute and chronic pain. It affects 5-10 % of women in their reproductive years. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial- like tissue outside the uterus and it is associated with pelvic pain and infertility. Diagnosis of endometriosis requires laparotomy or laparoscopy. Therefore, there is often a delay from initial symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. There is no effective treatment. Current therapeutic methods aim to reduce pain and treat infertility. It include surgery, hormonal treatments and analgesics in case of a pain. Additionally, this methods have their limitations in form of side effects and unsatisfactory therapeutic effect. [1,2] Wherefore physical activity (PA) and exercise have been suggested as alternative treatments.[3] In this study authors perform a systematic review to evaluate the effect of PA and exercise on endometriosis-related symptoms.

Fatigue is a significant problem in patients with bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy. This pilot study evaluated fatigue and related variables during a treatment period. Four measurements were made, the first 1 month after the cystectomy, and the next three at an interval of about 3 months each (at 4 months, 7 months, and 10 months after the surgery). In addition to the author's questionnaire (sociodemographic variables and a question about the impact of the disease on the patient's life), the FACIT-F Fatigue (to measure fatigue), NCCN/FACT FBISI-18, version 2 (symptoms, general condition of the patient), HADS (depression, anxiety, and irritability) measures were used. In this study, 21 patients participated in all four measurement periods. The fatigue intensity increased significantly between the first and second measurements and gradually decreased between the third and fourth measurements.As the severity of fatigue increases, can be observed an increase in the sense of the impact of the disease on the patient's life in all except the first measurement.The study revealed statistically significant correlations between fatigue and experiencing symptoms of cancer and treatment at each stage of the study, with the strongest correlations in the second and fourth measurements regarding symptoms of cancer and a stronger correlation in the second compared to the first measurement regarding side effects. At each stage of measurement, the experience of dizziness, lack of appetite, feeling of being sick, and feeling of annoyance from treatment side effects were statistically significantly correlated with fatigue. The intensity of fatigue correlated with the feeling of experiencing difficulties in meeting the needs of the family due to the physical condition in the first measurement (Rho = 0.76), a sense of weakness (Rho = 0.92) and sleepiness (Rho = 0.72) in the second measurement, pain in the third (Rho = 0.77). The greatest number of correlates of fatigue were described in the fourth measurement (all symptoms of cancer and side effects except losing weight).Stress, anxiety, depression and irritability were correlated with fatigue at each of the stages of research except the first one (without differences between the correlation coefficients in the second, third and fourth measurements). Significantly lower levels of fatigue characterised patients who survived over 6 months after the end of the study compared to the first three measurements.

Both the Russian hybrid activities and warfare include the use of genocide to strengthen the Krem­lin’s position and overcome Ukrainians. It can be observed within many spheres, but mainly as the Russian Federation falsely accuses Ukraine of committing genocide against Russians and claims that the West supports it. Russians commit war crimes that fulfil all the requirements to be considered genocide. The Kremlin uses genocide as a part of cognitive warfare, trying to influence not only the way the Ukrainians are thinking but also how they are behaving. In unofficial channels, there is much content showing Russian violence to generate fear and diminish the resilience of Ukrainians. Bearing in mind how much Russia has already lost with respect to the hybrid war in Ukraine, it is more and more likely that the Kremlin will focus in the future on hybrid activities and will try to exploit the potential of the threats that have already materialised. Principally, the hybrid warfare potential of genocide has been explored by Russians to various extend. This work addresses chosen aspects of the use of genocide by the Russian Federation in the conduct of hy­brid activities and warfare in Ukraine from 2022, as well as the motivation behind it.

Państwo, jako instytucja, jest zawsze głównym gwarantem każdego rodzaju bezpieczeń-stwa, ale to społeczeństwo jest podstawowym podmiotem i przedmiotem wszelkich przyj-mowanych rozwiązań instytucjonalnych. Ciągła interakcja między państwem a jego obywate-lami jest warunkiem sine qua non bezpiecznego funkcjonowania każdego systemu demokra-tycznego. Priorytetową rolą tegoż jest ochrona egzystencjalnych podstaw życia ludzi oraz gwarancja realizacji ich potrzeb i aspiracji życiowych oraz rozwoju. Należy do niej także bu-dowanie postaw społecznej aktywności i zaangażowania w tworzenie warunków bezpiecznej egzystencji, zarówno jednostek, jak i całych grup społecznych. Szczególną strukturą, w ra-mach której jednostki uczą się kreatywności i nabywają umiejętności zaspokajania potrzeb i realizowania interesów, nie tylko w wymiarze indywidualnym, ale również wspólnotowym, jest społeczeństwo obywatelskie. Jest to wspólnota osób, które wykorzystują swój osobisty kapitał (intelektualny, ekonomiczny, społeczny) w celu zaspokajania zbiorowych interesów i budowania wspólnego dobra. Wspólnotowość społeczna urzeczywistnia się najwyraźniej w powoływaniu do życia organizacji pozarządowych, czyli zrzeszeń ludzi dobrowolnie działają-cych w imię realizacji interesu publicznego. Praktyczny wymiar działalności organizacji poza-rządowych sprowadza się przede wszystkim do świadczenia usług, których ani państwo, ani rynek nie są w stanie lub nie chcą realizować. Trzeci sektor stanowi zatem istotny element zaspokajania potrzeby bezpieczeństwa, także społecznego. Celem artykułu jest zdiagnozo-wanie stanu polskiego sektora społecznego oraz roli, jaką odgrywają organizacje pozarządowe w tworzeniu bezpieczeństwa społecznego w Polsce, po transformacji systemowej w 1989 roku. W artykule odwołano się w analizach głównie do treści dostępnej literatury przedmiotu. Wykorzystano także dostępne materiały źródłowe oraz istniejące akty prawne. Zanalizowano wyniki badań dotyczących funkcjonowania trzeciego sektora w Polsce, prowadzone przez niezależne instytucje badawcze skupione od wielu lat na problematyce jego działalności.

The pandemic that broke out in 2019 had a significant impact on the lives of all social groups around the world. The imposed restrictions and mandatory quarantine were crucial to limit the virus’s spread. The research comprises an analysis of the psychosocial impact exerted by the pandemic that attempted to determine the response to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. For this purpose, a study on social resilience in the pandemic era was worked out. The study consisted of several parts: stress and the sense of safety, education, trust and defined needs and the mass media in COVID-19. The research team decided to present the study’s results in a series of articles that will contribute to forming a complete picture of the community in the context of the analysed variables. The paper is the first in this series. It contains an analysis of variables intended to determine the level of the experienced sense of safety and its constituent, i.e., stress, and the identification of socio-demographic data strongly influencing the studied variables. The study comprised 559 individuals who were surveyed between May 2020 and November 2020 with the use of an online survey questionnaire. SPSS Statistics version 21.0 and PQStat were used to conduct statistical analyses and correlate and assess the correlation of responses. Also used were Chisquare, Fisher’s test and Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient. A logistic regression analysis was carried out for dichotomous variables. The results of the study indicate that the level of experienced stress is influenced by age, place of residence, gender and job security. The sense of safety is inversely correlated with stress, i.e., as stress increases, the sense of safety decreases, indicating a need to undertake appropriate measures to reduce stress. It may be interesting to compare the level of stress with, among other things, information retrieval from different sources. These results will be presented in the subsequent studies.

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a representative of Canidae and is closely related to red fox-like canids, although the species exhibits high distinctiveness in the family. These animals were farmed for fur products, but thousands were intentionally released into the wild in western Russia. This newly established alien species in Europe has spread rapidly into many European countries. The aim of the study was to determine the origin of Polish populations by comparing the mitochondrial molecular marker cytochrome b (cytb) sequences of Polish wild and farm individuals with wild raccoon dogs from the western Russia and Asian specimens whose sequences were obtained from GenBank resources. The results of our phylogenetic analysis support the previous suggestions on the existence of two main clades clearly referring to continental and Island populations. Polish individuals were classified into a highly diverse continental group. The relationships between the haplotypes within the clade together with estimated values of genetic diversity parameters indicate that the Polish raccoon dog populations exhibit high genetic similarity to the Russian population. In combination with the history of introduction of the species to Europe, this suggests the most probable assignment of the Polish populations to the subspecies N. procyonoides ussuriensis. Our results indicate the presence of two Japanese haplotypes within the continental group, which is inconsistent with the assumed scenario of post-glacial expansion of raccoon dogs excluding gene flow between continental and Island populations.

Nicotinamide (NA) derivatives play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as inflammation, regulation of the cell cycle, and DNA repair. Recently, we proposed that 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR), an unusual derivative of NA, could be classified as an oncometabolite in bladder, breast, and lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the relations between NA metabolism and the progression, recurrence, metastasis, and survival of patients diagnosed with different histological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We identified alterations in plasma NA metabolism, particularly in the clear cell RCC (ccRCC) subtype, compared to papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, and oncocytoma. Patients with ccRCC also exhibited larger tumor sizes and elevated levels of diagnostic serum biomarkers, such as hsCRP concentration and ALP activity, which were positively correlated with the plasma 4PYR. Notably, 4PYR levels were elevated in advanced stages of ccRCC cancer and were associated with a highly aggressive phenotype of ccRCC. Additionally, elevated concentrations of 4PYR were related to a higher likelihood of mortality, recurrence, and particularly metastasis in ccRCC. These findings are consistent with other studies, suggesting that NA metabolism is accelerated in RCC, leading to abnormal concentrations of 4PYR. This supports the concept of 4PYR as an oncometabolite and a potential prognostic factor in the ccRCC subtype.

Introduction: Wistar Han rats are a preferred strain of rodents for general toxicology and safety pharmacology studies in drug development. In some of these studies, visual functional tests that assess for retinal toxicity are included as an additional endpoint. Although the influence of gender on human retinal function has been documented for more than 6 decades, preclinically it is still uncertain if there are differences in retinal function between naïve male and female Wistar Han rats.Methods: In this study, sex-related differences in the retinal function were quantified by analyzing electroretinography (ERG) in 7-9-week-old (n = 52 males and 51 females) and 21–23-week-old Wistar Han rats (n = 48 males and 51 females). Optokinetic tracking response, brainstem auditory evoked potential, ultrasonic vocalization and histology were tested and evaluated in a subset of animals to investigate the potential compensation mechanisms of spontaneous blindness.Results/Discussion: Absence of scotopic and photopic ERG responses was found in 13% of 7-9-week-old (7/52) and 19% of 21–23-week-old males (9/48), but none of female rats (0/51). The averaged amplitudes of rod- and cone-mediated ERG b-wave responses obtained from males were significantly smaller than the amplitudes of the same responses from age-matched females (−43% and −26%, respectively) at 7–9 weeks of age. There was no difference in the retinal and brain morphology, brainstem auditory responses, or ultrasonic vocalizations between the animals with normal and abnormal ERGs at 21–23 weeks of age. In summary, male Wistar Han rats had altered retinal responses, including a complete lack of responses to test flash stimuli (i.e., blindness), when compared with female rats at 7–9 and 21–23 weeks of age. Therefore, sex differences should be considered when using Wistar Han rats in toxicity and safety pharmacology studies with regards to data interpretation of retinal functional assessments.

Abstract Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for hard-to-treat infections. The presence of 19 virulence genes in 120 MRSA isolates obtained from hospitalized patients and genetic relationships of these isolates were investigated. The eno (100%) and ebps (93.3%) genes encoding laminin- and elastin binding proteins, respectively, were ubiquitous. Other adhesion genes: fib (77.5%), fnbB (41.6%), bbp (40.8%), cna (30.8%) encoding proteins binding fibrinogen, fibronectin, bone sialoprotein and collagen, respectively, and map/eap (62.5%), encoding Eap, were also frequent. The etB and etD genes, encoding exfoliative toxins, were present in 15.6% and 12.5% isolates, respectively. The splA, splE and sspA, encoding serine protease were detected in 100%, 70.8% and 94.2% isolates, respectively. The tst gene, encoding toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 was found in 75% isolates. The cna, map/eap and tst genes were the most common in wound isolates and much less common in blood isolates. We identified 45 different spa types, t003 (21.7%) and t008 (18.8%) being the most common. The t003 was the most frequent among isolates from the respiratory tract (35.5%), while t008 in blood isolates (40%). Identification of virulence factors of MRSA is important for evaluation of pathogen transmission rate and disease development.

The effects of physical factors such as radiation (electromagnetic, microwave, infrared, laser, UVC, and X-ray) and high temperature, as well as chemical factors (controlled atmosphere) on the level of global DNA cytosine methylation in C. albicans ATCC 10231 cells were investigated. Prolonged exposure to each type of radiation significantly increased the DNA methylation level. In addition, the global methylation level in C. albicans cells increased with the incubation temperature. An increase in the percentage of methylated DNA was also noted in C. albicans cells cultured in an atmosphere with reduced O2. In contrast, in an atmosphere containing more than 3% CO2 and in anaerobic conditions, the DNA methylation level decreased relative to the control. This study showed that prolonged exposure to various types of radiation and high temperature as well as reduced O2 in the atmosphere caused a significant increase in the global DNA methylation level. This is most likely a response protecting DNA against damage, which at the same time can lead to epigenetic disorders, and in consequence can adversely affect the functioning of the organism.

The magnetic circuit of a 500 W class Hall thruster, an electric propulsive device for spacecraft, was characterized experimentally and the results compared with simulation in order to verify the design. The commercial 3D gaussmeter, which was used in this work, was additionally recalibrated to compensate for translation and rotation of individual Hall sensors inside the probe. The Stokes stream function approach was applied to reconstruct the magnetic field topography in the thruster. The procedure, carried out on four different cases, yielded very good agreement between simulations and measurements, even for cusped configurations. Presented technique could be used as a robust method of verification of new magnetic circuit designs not only for Hall thrusters but also for a wide class of plasma devices for which detailed knowledge about actual distribution of magnetic field is crucial for optimization.

One of the main method of treating prostate cancer is radiotherapy . Contemporary techniques as IGRT concentrate on proper delivery and exact delineation of the target. We present the simple method of correction the visualisation of gold markers implanted before radiotherapy . In the case when one or two seeds were located imperfectly or were lost with stool or urine we implant additional seeds which create the spatial figure recognised in CT and MRI . Implantation of additional seeds is safe and very simple method which can “rescue” sense of image guided procedure in the case of unfavourable primary fiducial seeds location.

An experimental analysis of mechanical behaviour for aluminium-based fibre metal laminates under compression after impact was conducted. Damage initiation and propagation were evaluated for critical state and force thresholds. Parametrization of laminates was done to compare their damage tolerance. Relatively low-energy impact had a marginal effect on fibre metal laminates compressive strength. Aluminium–glass laminate was more damage-resistant than one reinforced with carbon fibres (6% vs. 17% of compressive strength loss); however, aluminium–carbon laminate presented greater energy dissipation ability (around 30%). Significant damage propagation before the critical load was found (up to 100 times the initial damaged area). Damage propagation for assumed load thresholds was minor in comparison to the initial damage size. Metal plastic strain and delaminations are dominant failure modes for compression after impact.

The purpose of this article is to compare selected configuration management systems on Linux. These systems had to meet the condition of integration with Linux. The two of the most popular systems were chosen which are Puppet and Ansible. The comparison was based on a simple system configuration using these two systems in several aspects: installation, file and folder management, package management, user management, configuration of the Apache server and Firewall. Through this comparison, it was possible to determine which system is more suitable for a novice Linux system administrator.

Dyes are highly toxic and persistent in the environment. Their presence in water causes environmental and social problems. Dyes must be effectively removed from the water. A UV/ZVI/H2O2 process was applied to decompose two organic dyes, AM E123 and AM ACID. A commercial ZVI product, Ferox Flow, was used, and its properties were determined using SEM and XRF. The zeta potential, surface area, and optical properties of ZVI were also determined. The efficiency of dye removal in optimal conditions was 85.5% and 80.85% for AM E123 and AM ACID, respectively. Complete decolorization was observed in all samples. The decomposition of both dyes occurred according to a modified pseudo-second-order reaction and there was a statistically significant correlation between the TOC decrease, pH, and process time. The catalyst was observed to have high stability, and this was not affected by the performance of the treatment process even after the third cycle, as confirmed by the results of the catalyst surface analysis and iron diffusion test. Slight differences in process efficiency were observed after each cycle. The need for only a small amount of catalyst to decompose AM E123 and AM ACID, coupled with the ability to reuse the catalyst without the need for prior preparation, may reduce catalyst purchase costs.

Aleutian disease is one of the most serious disease entities affecting mink farms. The disease causes significant economic losses in mink breeding countries. The aim of the study was to optimize a diagnostic test based on duplex PCR to enable detection of Aleutian disease virus in biological and environmental samples.

Two types of lung cells (epithelial cancer lung cells, A-549 and lung fibroblasts MRC-5) were exposed to the clinically established gold drug auranofin at concentrations close to the half-maximal inhibitory drug concentrations (IC50). Collected cells were subjected to speciation analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Auranofin showed better affinity toward proteins than DNA, RNA, and hydrophilic small molecular weight compounds. It can bind to proteins that vary in size (~20 kDa, ~75 kDa, and ≥200 kDa) and pI. However, the possibility of dimerization and protein–protein complex formation should also be taken into account. µRPLC/CZE-ESI-MS/MS studies on trypsinized proteins allowed the indication of 76 peptides for which signal intensity was influenced by auranofin presence in cells. Based on it, identity was proposed for 20 proteins. Except for thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which is directly targeted by gold complex, the proteins were found to be transformed. Five indicated proteins: myosin, plectin, talin, two annexins, and kinase M3K5, are responsible for cell–cell, cell–protein interactions, and cell motility. A wound healing test confirmed their regulation by auranofin as cell migration decreased by 40% while the cell cycle was not interrupted.

Graphene-based nanocomposites constitute an interesting and promising material for various applications. Intensive progress in the development of this group of materials offers an opportunity to create new systems useful for drinking water decontamination or other biotechnological applications. Nanohybrid structures of graphene-ceramic systems can be obtained using covalent graphene surface modification with nanoparticles (NPs) of ceramic and/or co-deposition of metals with selected morphology and chemistry. The present paper systematizes the associated bio-related knowledge and inspires future development of graphene/NPs systems. Emerging knowledge and unique research techniques are reviewed within designing the required nanocomposite structure and chemical composition, development and optimization of new methods of covalent surface modification of graphene with NPs as well as analysis of mechanisms governing the formation of covalent bonding. Further, innovative research tools and methodologies are presented regarding the adjustment of functionalities of materials used for the application in drinking water decontamination or biocidal composites. This study provides a comprehensive base for rational development of more complex, hybrid graphene-based nanomaterials with various bio-functionalities that can be further applied in industrial practice.

Contemporary tasks and imposed requirements in the area of education are focused on improving the efficiency and quality of teaching, including counteracting the disturbing phenomena of the “day of liquid modernity” [1, p. 15–29]. The teacher's person is perceived subjectively, from the perspective of the contractor of professional assumptions. The dynamics of educational processes and progressive civilization changes forces us to meet the emerging expectations of educational policy. The look of many leading educators, among others Jan Władysław Dawid, Zygmunt Mysłakowski, Wincenty Okoń, Maria Grzegorzewska, Czesław Banach for personality traits of the teacher has gone to oblivion to give way to schematic and mass teaching. Increasingly, attention is paid to how? and not who? teaches. Studies in the field of psychology and pedagogy pose a question; What should the teacher be like? Using the following article, in which I will base myself on empirical research, I want to answer a completely different aspect, what kind of teacher would the students want?

Canine parvovirus type 2 is one of the most common causes of death among puppies. Despite preventive vaccination, the disease continues to be diagnosed. The aim of the study was to provide a molecular characterization of CPV-2 isolates found in southeastern Poland. Genetic CPV-2 material was isolated from the blood (n=10) and feces (n=50) of infected dogs. The presence of CPV-2 was confirmed by amplification of sequences coding both VP1 and VP2 protein. The products of the PCR reaction with primers amplifying VP2 protein were sequenced and used for genotyping. Bioinformatics analysis of the sequenced PCR product was performed to determine the phylogenetic relationships with variants recorded in the public databases. Based on the analysis of polymorphism in the nucleotide sequence 7 nucleotide variants were detected and assigned into four amino acid groups. Representatives of three groups contained asparagine at amino acid position 426 of the VP2 protein, which is characteristic of CPV-2a. The variant from the fourth group belonged to type CPV-2b. CPV-2a is the dominant antigenic type of CPV-2 in Poland. The pathogen’s high degree of polymorphism is manifested not only by the presence of numerous variants within the type, but also by the presence of representatives of type CPV-2b. Further studies of the molecular epidemiology of CPV-2 are necessary to optimize the effectiveness of preventive measures.