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INTRODUCTION: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a locally aggressive cutaneous sarcoma with a low metastasis potential, but a high local recurrence rate. It was first described in 1890 [1]. DFSP grows slowly and may take various forms in clinical trials - it presents both as a firm plaque, subcutaneous fat atrophy and a single or polycyclic tumor. Immunohistochemically DFSP, stains positive for CD34. The gold standard for DFSP treatment is a complete surgical excision with a margin of healthy tissue. Adjuvant therapy includes both radiotherapy and imatinib therapy. CASE REPORT: In June 2022, a 66-year-old patient with a tumor of left temporal area located behind the earlobe was admitted to the medical ward. The skin above the lesion remained unchanged. The imaging examination performed before the procedure showed a well-defined lesion and the results of the FNA biopsy np. BC-73765 were as follows: numerous neoplastic cells, partially fusiform with atypical features, cytological picture does not allow to determine the malignancy of the tumor. After performing the necessary examination, the patient underwent surgery. Histopathological biopsy report of the specimen came out as DFSP. Therefore, the patient was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy by the decision of the Medical Council.CONCLUSIONS: Due to high risk of recurrence and incidence of unclear margins after surgical excision, adjuvant radiotherapy is often used in the treatment of DFSP as it reduces the recurrence rate. KEY WORDS: DFSP, radiotherapy, Mohs micrographic surgery, surgical treatment.

The accessory parotid gland (APG, Vth level) differs in histological structure from main parotid tissue. This gives rise to the hypothesis, mirrored in clinical observations, that the representation of tumours is different than in the rest of the gland. Aim To analyse the epidemiological and histological differences of parotid tumours located in regions I-V, with particular emphasis on the distinctiveness of region V. To define the epidemiological factors that will indicate the risk of histological malignancy from clinically benign appearance. Material and Method Multicentre prospective study conducted between 2017-2021 by five Head and Neck Surgery University Departments, cooperating within the Polish Salivary Network Database 1929 patients (1048 women and 881 men) were included. The age, gender, patient occupation, place of inhabitation, tumour size, clinical features of malignancy, histology, facial nerve (FN) paresis were analysed for superficial lobe (I_II), deep lobe (III_IV) and with special regard to the tumours affecting region V. Results 28 tumours were located exclusively in region V (1.45% total) and 72 tumours in region V with extension to neighbouring regions (3,7% total), characterized by significantly younger age and less frequent in retirees. In I-IV regions approximately 90% of tumours were benign, pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and Whartin tumour (WT) predominance. In region V PA exceed 75% but TW were casuistic (2/28). Incidence of malignancies in region V was 40% but clinical signs of malignancy were evident only in tumours>4 cm or in the presence of FN paresis. In 19% of patients with a benign appearance, imaging revealed malignancy, however in 38% of patients, the result remained false negative both in terms of clinical and radiological features of malignancy. Logistic regression models in 28 patients with tumour located exclusively in region V vs 1901 other patients and the in 100 patients with V extension vs 1829 other patients showed no clinical symptoms of malignancy bind with final malignant tumor histology as a single variable or in combination with other variables. The logistic regression models obtained in this study shows strong linkage between tumor location and predictors (age, male gender and tumor diameter) and aimed to act as a good classifier. Conclusion Despite the very clear image of the mid-cheek tumour, easily accessible in palpation and ultrasound examination, it is necessary to improve the oncological vigilance and preoperative patient preparation.

W niniejszej pracy zbadano możliwości wykorzystania technik chromatografii gazowej GC-FID oraz GC-MS wspomaganych klasyczną chromatografią cieczową LC do badania składników biooleju pochodzącego z pirolizy biomasy stałej. Badania biomasy i produktów jej przerobu mają na celu rozwój technologii paliw proekologicznych i/lub zawierających frakcje otrzymywane z biomasy lub surowców odpadowych. Celem tych działań jest stopniowe zwiększanie wykorzystania źródeł energii pochodzących z surowców odnawialnych przy jednoczesnym ograniczaniu zastosowania surowców kopalnych. Jest to jedno z działań, których efektem ma być ograniczenie emisji GHG. Działanie to jest związane z wytycznymi dyrektyw Unii Europejskiej nakazujących wzrost udziału odnawialnych źródeł energii w transporcie oraz energetyce. Są to dyrektywy 2003/30/WE oraz 2009/28/WE, dotyczące promowania użycia biopaliw lub innych paliw odnawialnych w transporcie oraz wzrostu udziału pozyskiwania energii ze źródeł odnawialnych w różnych sektorach krajów Wspólnoty Europejskiej. Energetyczne wykorzystanie biomasy to jeden z głównych obszarów zainteresowania polityki energetycznej Polski, zbieżnej z celami polityki wyznaczonymi przez Unię Europejską. W niniejszym artykule dokonano przeglądu literatury w zakresie rodzajów biomasy występującej w Polsce oraz zastosowania technik chromatografii gazowej i cieczowej (Py-GC, GC-MS, GC-FID) w badaniu ciekłych produktów procesu pirolizy biomasy. Opracowano warunki chromatograficzne badania produktów ciekłych pirolizy biomasy stałej przy wykorzystaniu reaktora mikrofalowego do pirolizy jako elementu aparatury umożliwiającego badania technikami chromatograficznymi. Przy zastosowaniu dobranych warunków analitycznych wykonano badania ciekłych produktów pirolizy biomasy: miskantu olbrzymiego, słomy, trocin sosnowych, łusek słonecznika i ziaren kawy. Zidentyfikowano składniki biooleju pochodzącego z pirolizy biomasy i zaproponowano metodę oznaczania ilościowego składników biooleju. Wykazano możliwość jednoczesnego zastosowania różnych technik chromatografii gazowej w celu poznania składu chemicznego biooleju pochodzącego z pirolizy mikrofalowej różnego rodzaju biomasy stałej.

Prezentowany przegląd literaturowy dotyczy możliwych kierunków zagospodarowania węgla będącego produktem ubocznym procesu pirolizy metanu (dekarbonizacji metanu). Piroliza metanu jest coraz częściej rozpatrywaną metodą będącą alternatywną technologią produkcji wodoru bez emisji CO2 – tak zwanego niebieskiego wodoru. Piroliza/dekarbonizacja stosowana jest do produkcji sadzy od lat trzydziestych XX wieku (np. znany proces firmy Hüls). Piroliza metanu jest procesem endotermicznym, który wymaga, w celu uzyskania wysokiej wydajności, zastosowania temperatur rzędu 1000°C i więcej, co powoduje, że jest to proces mocno energochłonny i kosztowny w porównaniu z aktualnie stosowanymi metodami produkcji wodoru, np. reformingiem parowym. Największą jednak zaletą metody pirolizy/dekarbonizacji metanu / gazu ziemnego jest brak konieczności wychwytywania i składowania CO2 (sekwestracji), co znacznie upraszcza proces i zbliża ekonomiczny koszt wytworzenia wodoru tą metodą do kosztu jego wytwarzania wcześniej wspomnianymi „klasycznymi” metodami. Co więcej, produkcja wodoru tą metodą charakteryzuje się nie tylko mniejszą emisją CO2, ale też pozwala na uzyskanie wodoru o wysokiej czystości, zbliżonego przydatnością do stosowanego w ogniwach paliwowych. Dużym ograniczeniem procesu oprócz wspomnianej wysokiej temperatury jest powstawanie produktu ubocznego w postaci węgla; jeśli w przyszłości wodór będzie pozyskiwany w tym procesie na skalę przemysłową, powstaną duże jego ilości, dlatego znalezienie nowych zastosowań węgla jest kluczowym czynnikiem dla rozwoju tej technologii jako wykonalnej metody produkcji wodoru. Możliwości wykorzystania węgla będą zależeć od jego natury i właściwości. Przeanalizowano dostępne artykuły naukowe i specjalistyczne pod kątem rodzajów powstającego węgla, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem jego struktury. Podjęto próbę zebrania informacji dotyczących korelacji pomiędzy zastosowaną metodą dekarbonizacji metanu a strukturą powstającego węgla.

Wykonane badania zostały ukierunkowane na poprawę parametrów ekologicznych paliw opałowych wytworzonych z komponentów pochodzących z upraw rolnych. Dotyczyły przede wszystkim: oceny wpływu różnych innych niż biomasa leśna komponentów paliw biomasowych na wielkość emisji toksycznych składników spalin powstających w trakcie spalania, poprawy parametrów ekologicznych paliw biomasowych poprzez wykorzystanie mieszanin komponentów „agro” z mniej problematycznym komponentem pochodzenia leśnego oraz poprawy procesu spalania poprzez zastosowanie modyfikatora procesu spalania. Jako komponenty paliw z biomasy wykorzystano pozostałości roślin uprawnych (słomę pszenżyta, łuski słonecznika), roślinę z upraw energetycznych (miskant) oraz biomasę pochodzenia leśnego w postaci pozostałości z przemysłu meblarskiego (trociny). Testy spalania próbek peletów przeprowadzono w piecu kominkowym na pelet model AirPell 8, o nominalnej mocy cieplnej 8 kW. Wykonano pomiary zawartości w spalinach: CO, NOx oraz OGC. Spaliny przeznaczone do analizy zawartości substancji szkodliwych pobierano z króćców zamontowanych w odcinku pomiarowym łączącym ogrzewacz z przewodem kominowym. Skład spalin analizowano z wykorzystaniem analizatorów gazu: model MRU ECU 3000 oraz model Thermo-FID TG. Paliwa biomasowe otrzymane wyłącznie ze składników pochodzących z upraw rolnych charakteryzowały się znacznie wyższymi poziomami emisji CO i OGC niż paliwo z biomasy leśnej. Poprawa parametrów ekologicznych paliw z biomasy poprzez zastosowanie komponentu pochodzenia leśnego okazała się skuteczna w przypadku słomy i łuski słonecznika i dotyczyła obniżenia średniej emisji CO i OGC. Wprowadzenie do składu paliwa trocin w przypadku miskantu wpłynęło jednak negatywnie na stabilność procesu spalania oraz w niewielkim stopniu poprawiło stabilność procesu spalania paliwa z łuskami słonecznika. Zastosowanie modyfikatora spalania wpłynęło pozytywnie na wielkość emisji CO i OGC mieszanek paliw zawierających miskant i łuskę słonecznika. Modyfikator stabilizował również przebieg procesu spalania mieszanek z tymi komponentami. W przypadku wartości emisji NOx nie zaobserwowano jednoznacznego wpływu na ten parametr ani w przypadku wprowadzenia do składu paliw biomasy leśnej, ani modyfikatora spalania.

The purpose of this experiment was a selection of scab resistant apple cultivars suitable for juice production. Special attention was paid to cloudy juices. During three successive seasons, apple cultivars were processed into juices using laboratory method of juice extraction. Considering the possibility of both clear and cloudy juice production, apples were pressed with and without mash enzymation. The parameters investigated were: pressing yield, titratable acidity, soluble solids, juice density, and juices’ sensory characteristics. Average values indicate that all the cultivars fulfilled the requirements of the Code of Practice of the European Fruit Juice Association concerning investigated chemical components, however, in single years, there were some deviations that should be taken into consideration offering single cultivar juices. Considering a low yield of juice without mash enzymation (below 70%), cultivars ‘Renora’ and ‘Retina’ are not recommended for cloudy juice production. Sensory quality of juices, irrespectively if cloudy or clear, depended mostly on taste acceptability and in fact on soluble solids to acidity ratio. Juices with the ratio above 17 were usually scored higher concerning the taste than those with lower values. An example of exception was ‘Free Redstar’ which is highly astringent. Considering the efficiency of pressing and soluble solids content several investigated cultivars were highly suitable for concentrated apple juice production. Especially valuable may be considered ‘Regine’, ‘Rebella’, ‘Sawa’, and ‘Topaz’ and can be recommended for planting in industrial orchards, which became of special interest in recent years.

W ramach przeprowadzonych badań stałego paliwa biomasowego dokonano oceny jednego z najważniejszych parametrów tego typu paliw – wytrzymałości mechanicznej, będącej miarą odporności na warunki panujące w trakcie transportu i przechowywania paliwa. W celu dokonania oceny podatności wybranych typów biomasy na próbę poprawy wytrzymałości mechanicznej uzyskanych z tej biomasy pelletów wykorzystano 5 rodzajów biomasy: trociny sosnowe, makuchy rzepakowe, makuchy lniane, śrutę rzepakową i otręby pszenne. Jako dodatki poprawiające wytrzymałość mechaniczną pelletów zastosowano substancje organiczne i nieorganiczne: szkło wodne, cukier, skrobię ziemniaczaną, tlenek wapnia i lignosulfonian wapnia. Badania wytrzymałości przeprowadzono według metody PN-EN ISO 17831. Wyniki tych badań wykazały, że biomasa, która najlepiej poddaje się uszlachetnieniu, to trociny – tylko one wykazują wyższą wytrzymałość mechaniczną po zastosowaniu wybranych dodatków uszlachetniających. W przypadku pozostałych rodzajów biomasy nie ma sensu stosowania w procesie pelletyzacji żadnego z wyżej wymienionych dodatków. Natomiast najskuteczniejszymi dodatkami poprawiającymi wytrzymałość mechaniczną, spośród badanych w tym projekcie, były cukier i lignosulfonian wapnia. Substancje organiczne okazały się skuteczniejszymi dodatkami niż substancje nieorganiczne. Najlepszą kombinacją biomasy i dodatków w badaniu były trociny z dodatkiem cukru lub lignosulfonianu wapnia – pomijając wynik otrzymany dla nieuszlachetnionych makuchów rzepakowych, takie kombinacje uzyskały dwa najlepsze wyniki pomiarów wytrzymałości. Przeprowadzono również pomiar gęstości nasypowej badanych surowców i otrzymanych pelletów w celu określenia celowości produkcji pelletów. W przypadku makuchów lnianych i śruty rzepakowej przyrost gęstości nasypowej był tak niski, że nie uzasadniało to poniesienia niezbędnych w tym procesie nakładów finansowych. Również wyniki pomiaru wytrzymałości mechanicznej otrzymanych z tych rodzajów biomasy pelletów były najgorsze spośród wszystkich badanych biomas, co dodatkowo podważa sens produkcji pelletów z takich surowców.

Obecnie druk 3D w medycynie oznacza nie tylko protezy czy implanty, ale także modelowanie medyczne i planowanie chirurgiczne. Przyszłością będzie druk 3D połączony z bioinżynierią tkankową (bioprinting). Rusztowania wykonane w technologii 3D zawierające żywe komórki są krokiem do tworzenia tkanek i narządów. Druk trójwymiarowy w chirurgii uważany jest obecnie za przyszłość medycyny rekonstrukcyjnej i regeneracyjnej, a z dokonań na tym polu korzysta także chirurgia głowy i szyi. W prezentowanym artykule opiszemy niektóre możliwości, jakie daje druk 3D w aspekcie edukacji, szkoleń oraz drukowanych protez na potrzeby chirurgii głowy i szyi.

Objectives Vestibular rehabilitation leads to a gradual diminution of the subjective and objective symptoms that accompany the vestibular disorders. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of 2 different types of vestibular rehabilitation on vestibular compensation in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction. Material and Methods The study was conducted on a group of 58 subjects (43 females and 15 males) aged 40–64 years, who presented with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction and were hospitalized. The patients were randomly assigned to either of the 2 groups established. The study was conducted in a 6-week period. Group 1 consisted of patients who underwent customized group vestibular rehabilitation in an outpatient setting. The program was performed once a week for 1 h 30 min, under the supervision of a physiotherapist and a physiatrist. Group 2 was instructed to perform Cawthorne–Cooksey exercises and simple balance exercises twice a day for 15 min. Results An improvement in the outcomes of the Dynamic Gait Index as well as the Berg Balance Scale was statistically significant for group 1. The time for fulfilling the task in the Timed Up and Go Test improved in both groups (p < 0.05). The subjective estimation of the symptoms evaluated with the use of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale revealed a statistically significant improvement in both groups, yet it was higher in group 1. Conclusions The compensation achieved after 6 weeks of the customized, supervised outpatient rehabilitation program in group 1 was superior to the results of the home-based unsupervised Cawthorne–Cooksey and balance exercises. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(3):273–82

Numerous types of prosthodontics surgical guides, with and without metallic sleeves, have been found to be useful in clinical studies. The aim of this in vitro research was to compare the time required to complete the surgical procedure with two differently designed surgical prosthetic templates. Ten identical prototype models of mandible based on a CBCT and optical scan of a partially edentulous patient with missing teeth numbers 37, 46, and 47 were prepared and then printed. Five of these models were used for implant site preparation with a surgical guide without metal sleeves and dedicated surgical kit, and the other five models were used for the same procedure performed with a surgical guide with metal sleeves and a dedicated surgical kit. The time of implant site preparation was measured and recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test for independent samples. Differences between groups were found to be statistically significant (t = −9.94; df = 28; p = 0.0000) with a lower value in favor of the surgical templates without metallic sleeves. Different types of prosthodontics surgical guides, with or without metallic sleeves, seemed to be an important factor which can significantly impact the time of implant site preparation and, therefore, the overall surgical procedure.

The medical burden caused by respiratory manifestations of influenza virus (IV) outbreak as an infectious respiratory disease is so great that governments in both developed and developing countries have allocated significant national budget toward the development of strategies for prevention, control, and treatment of this infection, which is seemingly common and treatable, but can be deadly. Frequent mutations in its genome structure often result in resistance to standard medications. Thus, new generations of treatments are critical to combat this ever-evolving infection. Plant materials and active compounds have been tested for many years, including, more recently, active compounds like flavonoids. Quercetin is a compound belonging to the flavonols class and has shown therapeutic effects against influenza virus. The focus of this review includes viral pathogenesis as well as the application of quercetin and its derivatives as a complementary therapy in controlling influenza and its related symptoms based on the targets. We also touch on the potential of this class of compounds for treatment of SARS-COV-2, the cause of new pandemic.

The goal of this study is to investigate the influence of different types of modifiers, such as sodium hyaluronate (NaH), graphene oxide (GO), silica oxycarbide (SiOC) and oxidation process (ox) on physicochemical, morphological, and biological properties of electrospun carbon nanofibers (eCNFs). Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate the microstructure and chemistry of as-prepared and modified CNFs. The electrical properties of CNFs scaffolds were examined using a four-point probe method to evaluate the influence of modifiers on the volume conductivity and surface resistivity of the obtained samples. The wettability of the surfaces of modified and unmodified CNFs scaffolds was also tested by contact angle measurement. During the in vitro study all samples were put into direct contact with human chondrocyte CHON-001 cells and human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. Their viability was analysed after 72 h in culture. Moreover, the cell morphology and cell area in contact with CNFs was observed by means of fluorescence microscopy. The obtained results show great potential for the modification of CNFs with polymer, ceramic and carbon modifiers, which do not change the fiber form of the substrate but significantly affect their surface and volume properties. Preliminary biological studies have shown that the type of modification of CNFs affects either the rate of increase in the number of cells or the degree of spreading in relation to the unmodified sample. More hydrophilic and low electrically conductive samples such as CNF_ox and CNF_NaH significantly increase cell proliferation, while other GO and SiOC modified samples have an effect on cell adhesion and thus cell spreading. From the point of view of further research and the possibility of combining the electrical properties of modified CNF scaffolds with electrical stimulation, where these scaffolds would be able to transport electrical signals to cells and thus affect cell adhesion, spreading, and consequently tissue regeneration, samples CNF_GO and CNF_SiOC would be the most desirable.

Aim of the study was to assess the risk of any allergic reaction or food hypersensitivity resulting from topical application and chronic oral administration of the fruit of selected strawberry cultivars (‘Elsanta’ and ‘Honeoye’) from farms managed organically. Materials and methods. The plantations were managed according to organic (OFP) as compared to integrated production (IFP) systems. The experiments were performed on outbred young, adult, white albinotic guinea pigs (Dunkin Hartley). Fruit characteristics included total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, sugar, polyphenol content and macro- and micronutrients. Results. The most pronounced changes in guinea pig skin followed topical exposure to ‘Elsanta’ strawberries from plantations managed organically showed discrete, moderate or intense erythema and swelling. Chronic oral administration of selected fruit extracts did not cause any skin reactions in groups receiving ‘Elsanta’ or ‘Honeoye’ from organic or integrated productions. The skin prick test did not show any immediate skin reactions compared to exposure to 1% histamine hydrochloride solution. Conclusion. Organic method of strawberry production cannot be concerned as more allergenic one as compared to integrated system. Any strict relationship between type of cultivar and selected macro-, micronutrients contents or fruit characteristics on the possible increase in allergenicity risk, was not found, either.

Introduction: Nasal and paranasal sinus polyps are one of the most common laryngological problems. Often, despite surgical treatment of nasal and paranasal sinus polyps, they grow back and require surgical retreatment. It is very difficult to predict which patients are particularly exposed to it. Markers are still being sought to predict which patients are particularly exposed to regrowth of polyps and thus require increased clinical surveillance. Galectins are a group of glycoproteins that have been intensively studied recently. The sugar part of these proteins can play a role in transmitting intercellular signals. Laryngologists are especially interested in galectins-1 and-3. The determination of their increased content in cancer tissue is considered as a marker of malignancy, which worsens prognosis in patients. Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the role of galectins in benign lesions, and such are the nasal and paranasal sinus polyps. Materials and methods: In our work, the contents of galectin-1 and-3 were determined in the tissue of the surgically removed primary (n = 35) and recurrent polyps (n = 15). Results: The content of galectin-1 and-3 showed no statistically significant differences between primary and recurrent polyps. Conclusions: The content of galectin-3 was lower in recurrent polyps, however the observed difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07). Since the obtained "p" value is close to the significance limit, it is advisable to broaden the submitted studies to a larger group of patients in order to be able to fully assess whether the determination of the content of galectin-3 may be helpful in assessing the risk of recurrence of nasal and paranasal sinus polyps.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a relatively new diagnostic imaging method. It was first used in 1982 at the Mayo Clinic Biodynamics Research Laboratory [1], and since 2001 is commercially used in dentistry. In differs from multidetector computed tomography in terms of implementation technique and some parameters. A low dose of radiation is its greatest advantage, thanks to which many specialists, including ENT doctors and reconstructive surgeons, are more willing to use it. In otorhinolaryngology, CBCT is applied in pre- and peri-operative diagnostics in both rhinology and otology. In reconstructive surgery, CBCT facilitates precise planning of the flap, and intraoperatively allows a perfect match of the reconstructed tissue elements. In the article, the authors present current information on CBCT in ENT obtained on the basis of a review of Polish and foreign literature and share their own experience in its application in reconstructive surgery within the craniofacial region.

Pollution emission tests from turbine engines used for the main propulsion of vessels require measurement of the concentration of harmful compounds in the exhaust and assessment of the exhaust gases mass generated by the engine. The concentration of harmful compounds can be determined in a direct way by measuring it in the stream of exhaust gases. However, due to the large output of exhaust gases, the mass of exhaust gases must be determined indirectly. To do this it is necessary to carry out a series of tests and analyzes that will enable parameterization of operating conditions. The obtained parameters and functional relations between them can be used to assess the mass of generated exhaust gases. The article presents analyzes related to the methodology for assessing the mass of exhaust gases generated by the main propulsion turbine engine of the vessel, and the manner of their use in the assessment of emission of harmful exhaust gases.

This study presents the effect of raspberry pomace and its grinding level on microbial activity in the gastrointestinal tract as well as on the parameters involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism in Wistar rats. The nutritional experiment was performed using 24 male Wistar rats, which were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals each. The animals were fed a standard diet (C) or a modified diet containing 7% raspberry pomace subjected to standard (SG) or fine (FG) grinding. Finer grinding increased the concentration of polyphenols and altered the composition of the dietary fibre, thereby affecting the intestinal microbial activity and related mechanisms that regulate systemic parameters. The FG diet considerably increased the level of total ellagitannin metabolites in the colon (23.56 μg/g for SG and 79.54 μg/g for FG) and plasma (0.029 μg/mL for SG and 0.041 μg/mL for FG) and reduced β-glucuronidase and α-glucosidase activity (19.2 and 19.7 for SG and 13.3 and 8.7 μmol/h/g for FG, respectively) and short-chain fatty acid production (55.84 μmol/g for SG and 48.60 μmol/g for FG) in the caecum. Compared to the SG, the FG diet improved the antioxidant capacity of water-soluble substances in plasma (4.34 μg/mL for SG and 4.92 μg/mL for FG). Both diets with raspberry pomaces increased the plasma HDL cholesterol (0.48 mmol/L for C, 0.56 mmol/L for SG, 0.57 mmol/L for FG) and decreased the atherogenic index (AI = (TC-HDL)/HDL: 2.57 for C, 1.98 for SG, 2.00 for FG). The FG diet resulted in the lowest plasma glucose level (10.8 mmol/L for C, 8.2 mmol/L for SG, 7.3 mmol/L for FG). In conclusion, both diets with raspberry pomaces modulated intestinal microbial activity and related systemic parameters; however, FG pomace exhibited greater inhibitory effects than SG pomace in the lower gut environment and glucose metabolism.

There has been a gradual increase in the field of parts recovery from cars that are withdrawn from use. However, the disposal of automotive shredder residue (ASR) still remains a significant problem. ASR is refuse derived fuel (RDF), which contains mainly plastics, fiber sponges, and rubbers in different proportions, and therefore a thermal treatment of selected waste samples is applied. The presented research includes thermogravimetry (TG) analysis and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis, as well as a proximate and an ultimate analysis of the ASR samples. The obtained results were processed and used as an input for modelling. The numerical calculations focused on the identification of the ASR’s average composition, the raw pyrolysis process product, its dry pyrolytic gas composition, and the combustible properties of the pyrolytic gases. The TGA analysis with three heating rate levels covered the temperature range from ambient to 800 °C. The thermal decomposition of the studied samples was in three stages confirmed with three peaks observed at the temperatures 280, 470, and 670 °C. The amount of solid residue grew with the heating rates and was in the range of 27–32 wt%. The numerical calculation of the pyrolysis process showed that only 0.46 kg of dry gas were formed from 1 kg of ASR. The gas yield increased with the rising temperature, and, at the same time, its calorific value decreased from 19.22 down to 14.16 MJ/m3. This is due to the decomposition of C6+ hydrocarbons and the promotion of CO formation. The thermodynamic parameters of the combustion process for a pyrolytic gas air mixture, such as the adiabatic flame temperature and laminar flame speed, were higher than for methane and were, respectively, 2073 °C and 1.02 m/s.

This study was conducted to test possibilities of application of 3D printed dental models (DMs) in terms of their accuracy and physical properties. In this work, stone models of mandibles were cast from alginate impressions of 10 patients and scanned in order to obtain 3D printed acrylic replicas. The diagnostic value was tested as matching of model scans on three levels: peak of cusps, occlusal surface, and all teeth surfaces. The mechanical properties of acrylic and stone samples, specifically the impact strength, shore D hardness, and flexural and compressive strength were investigated according to ISO standards. The matching of models&rsquo, surfaces was the highest on the level of peaks of cusps (average lack of deviations, 0.21 mm) and the lowest on the level of all teeth surfaces (average lack of deviations, 0.64 mm). Acrylic samples subjected to mechanical testing, as expected, showed higher mechanical properties as compared to the specimens made of dental stone. In the present study we demonstrated that 3D printed acrylic models could be ideal representatives in the case of use as a diagnostic tool and as a part of medical records. The acrylic samples exhibited not only higher mechanical properties, but also showed better accuracy comparing to dental stone.

Recommendations of the Main Board of the Polish Society of Otorhinolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons for providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic constitute the guidance to outpatient and hospital practices in all cases where contact with a patient whose status of COVID-19 is unknown. They have been created based on world publications and recommendations due to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Justification for suspension of planned provision of services in the first phase of a pandemic was presented. The indication of the best medical practices for the time of stabilization, but with the persistence of the risk of COVID-19 infection in the population are discussed. The possibility of providing services in the following months of the pandemic is important. We provide the rationale for launching medical activities and indicate optimal practices until the consolidation of SARS COV-2 prevention and treatment methods.

Pollution emission tests from turbine engines used for the main propulsion of vessels require measurement of the concentration of harmful compounds in the exhaust and assessment of the exhaust gases mass generated by the engine. The concentration of harmful compounds can be determined in a direct way by measuring it in the stream of exhaust gases. However, due to the large output of exhaust gases, the mass of exhaust gases must be determined indirectly. To do this it is necessary to carry out a series of tests and analyzes that will enable parameterization of operating conditions. The article presents the relationships between the concentration of harmful compounds in the exhaust and the load on the marine gas turbine engine. These relationships were obtained on the basis of the tests carried out on the LM 2500 engines used on the FFG-7 missile frigate ship.

Polifenole jako metabolity wtórne roślin stanowią podstawową barierę dla mikroflory uznanej za chorobotwórczą i patogenną (wirusy, grzyby, bakterie). Spożywane wraz z pokarmem zdolne są do wywołania wielu pozytywnych efektów w organizmach ssaków (zwierząt i człowieka) oraz ptaków. Przypisuje im się nie tylko właściwości przeciwutleniające, ale także obniżające ciśnienie, przeciwzapalne oraz przeciwdrobnoustrojowe. Tym samym niestrawione polifenole docierając do jelit w znacznym stopniu odpowiadają za modulację mikroflory jelitowej (w tym bakterii z rodzaju Lactobacillus). Jedną z roślin, która zawiera dużo związków polifenolowych jest Rosa rugosa Thunb. – jeden z najpopularniejszych gatunków dzikiej róży występujący na terenie Polski. Celem pracy była ocena potencjału prebiotycznego ekstraktów polifenolowych surowych i oczyszczonych otrzymanych z wytłoków z pseudoowoców Rosa rugosa Thunb. w stosunku do bakterii z rodzaju Lactobacillus (w tym szczepów o potwierdzonych właściwościach probiotycznych). Dominującymi grupami polifenoli obecnymi w ekstraktach były elagotaniny i procyjanidyny. W ekstraktach stwierdzono również obecność wolnego kwasu elagowego, flawonoli i wolnych katechin. Ponadto ekstrakty oczyszczone charakteryzowały się znacznie większą zawartością polifenoli w porównaniu z ekstraktami surowymi. Przeprowadzono również badania potencjału prebiotycznego zliofilizowanych ekstraktów w stosunku do bakterii z rodzaju Lactobacillus (w tym szczepu Lactobacillus brevis ŁOCK 0944 o potwierdzonych właściwościach probiotycznych). W badaniach zastosowano metodę turbidymetryczną. Potencjał prebiotyczny w stosunku do bakterii z rodzaju Lactobacillus wykazywały jedynie polifenole w stężeniu 0,156 mg/ml. Powyżej tego stężenia polifenole zawarte w wytłokach z pseudoowoców Rosa rugosa Thunb. działały jako czynnik ograniczający przyrost biomasy bakterii z rodzaju Lactobacillus.

Safety of air operations remains critically important in all branches of aviation. Both the maintenance and operating procedures standards are based on the identification of threats and proven strategies aimed at their elimination. Deviations from standard procedures lead to aviation accidents; therefore flight data monitoring (FDM) is a process required by aviation regulations worldwide from air carriers. Data collected during flights are analyzed to detect potentially dangerous crew actions. FDM is considered to be one of the critical success factors in the significant reduction of accidents in airline operations in recent years. However, according to the 27th Joseph T. Nail Report, accidents rates in general aviation (GA) remain significant and as high as 4,87 per 100 000 flight hours in 2015, despite the reduction of even higher values observed in the first decade of 21st century. For this reason, the general aviation industry and government bodies push new safety initiatives, among which the introduction of FDM to private and non-scheduled commercial operations seems to be promising but challenging. On a favorable side standardization in GA is poor what creates vast space for improvement. On a negative side, GA aircraft data recording capabilities are limited regarding the number of parameters and the frequency of records. Research work is required to understand better how standard operating procedures and flight data monitoring based on a limited set of data may lead to safety improvements for a specific aircraft type. Such an initial work was carried out for the Cirrus SR22T aircraft. During the test flight, several intentional deviations from factory SOP were executed while data derived from the Cirrus Perspective by Garmin avionics suite were recorded. The recorded time series of selected operating parameters were combined and analyzed to define potential FDM events for the Cirrus SR22T. The presentation covers a few theoretical concepts, as a basis for FDM that can be applied to GA technically advanced aircraft.

The specific combinations of materials and dopants presented in this work have not been previously described. The main goal of the presented work was to prepare and compare the different properties of newly developed composite materials manufactured by sintering. The synthetic- (SHAP) or natural- (NHAP) hydroxyapatite serves as a matrix and was doped with: (i) organic: multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), fullerenes C60, (ii) inorganic: Cu nanowires. Research undertaken was aimed at seeking novel candidates for bone replacement biomaterials based on hydroxyapatite—the main inorganic component of bone, because bone reconstructive surgery is currently mostly carried out with the use of autografts; titanium or other non-hydroxyapatite -based materials. The physicomechanical properties of the developed biomaterials were tested by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dielectric Spectroscopy (BSD), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), as well as microhardness using Vickers method. The results showed that despite obtaining porous sinters. The highest microhardness was achieved for composite materials based on NHAP. Based on NMR spectroscopy, residue organic substances could be observed in NHAP composites, probably due to the organic structures that make up the tooth. Microbiology investigations showed that the selected samples exhibit bacteriostatic properties against Gram-positive reference bacterial strain S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228); however, the property was much less pronounced against Gram-negative reference strain E. coli (ATCC 25922). Both NHAP and SHAP, as well as their doped derivates, displayed in good general compatibility, with the exception of Cu-nanowire doped derivates.

Introduction Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a common consequence or complication in the operations of skull base tumors. The Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap (HBF) is the most common local flap used in the reconstruction of the meninges. It is a nasoseptal flap (NSF) vascularized by the sphenopalatine artery (SPA). Improvement of the already existing techniques is necessary. Aim To present our experience in HBF and to evaluate the criteria used for qualification (relative and absolute indications) for the NSF reconstructive technique. Material and methods The retrospective study included 25 patients who underwent expanded endonasal approach (EEA) operations with the NSF. The correctness of qualification based on our own criteria was assessed. The most important modifications of the original HBF as well as the reasons for failures are discussed. Results There were 12 relative and 13 absolute indications for NSF harvesting. In 2 cases no anticipated CSF leakage was observed. No complications were reported. Conclusions Skull base reconstruction with HBF and its various modifications is a highly effective technique. Absolute indications for NSF harvesting prior to resection are: reoperations in the case of a previous open approach, preoperative CSF leakage, intradural localization of a tumor related to its etiopathogenesis, suspicion of intradural diffusion of a neoplasm in magnetic resonance imaging if the etiopathogenesis cannot clarify the tumor's relation to the meninges. Relative indications concern mostly pituitary macroadenomas of at least 2.5 cm in diameter.

Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) represents a significant burden worldwide. Chemoprevention of HNSCC is a means of cancer control with a use of drugs or natural agents in order to hinder or delay the cancer development. The purpose of this article is to review mechanism of action of different chemopreventive agents’ groups and results of most important researches concerning them. The safety issues of HNSCC chemoprevention are also discussed. In case of HNSCC there is currently no agent, which would give positive result in the third phase of clinical trials. Promising results of preclinical trials are not always confirmed by further tests. Main problems are low effectiveness, high toxicity, and lack of highly specificity biomarkers for monitoring the research. New trials concerning many agents, as well as novel technologies for provision of pharmaceutical forms of them, including drug nanocarriers, are currently underway, which gives hope for finding the perfect chemopreventive agent formula.

The mechanism behind the cholesterol lowering effects of apple pomace, a polyphenol- and fibre rich by-product in apple juice production, was investigated. Groups of male F344 rats were fed a control feed or the same feed with 2.1% or 6.5% dry apple pomace with or without seeds for 4 weeks. Effects on plasma cholesterol concentrations, excretion of bile acids, expression of genes involved in cholesterol- and bile acid synthesis, and other markers related to gut health were investigated. We found that pomace feeding decreased total-, LDL- and IDL-cholesterol concentrations compared to control. Higher production of SCFA, indicating elevated caecal fermentation, and increased excretion of total- and primary bile acids could explain the observed hypocholesterolemic effects of apple pomace, however, expression of selected genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid biosynthesis (Hmgcr and Cyp7a1) were not affected. We found no hepatotoxic or other effects of apple seeds. Altogether, our results indicate that apple pomace has beneficial effects on gut health, and that the cholesterol-lowering effect is linked to increased production of SCFA and excretion of bile acids. These effects are most likely linked to the fibre and other fruit constituents present in the pomace. Presence of apple seeds seems to impart no toxicity even at 6.5% pomace in the feed and seeds also had no influence on the biological effect of the pomace. In the future, apple pomace could potentially be used as a bioactive and possibly health promoting food ingredient.

The assessment of emissions of harmful compounds contained in exhaust gases generated by aircraft engines refers to turbine engines with high thrust and high power. This evaluation is carried out according to the stationary test procedure in accordance with the LTO (Landing / Take-off cycle) test. Such procedures do not apply to small aircraft with piston engines. Therefore, a series of works and tests of the emission of harmful compounds contained in the exhaust gas of aircraft engines were carried out. Based on these measures, a model was developed to determine the emission of harmful compounds generated in the exhaust of piston engines during the flight of the aircraft. This model was carried out in two stages. The first stage consisted in defining the relationship between selected operational and ecological parameters of the aircraft in order to build the model. The proposed model has been verified in the studies, the results of which are presented in the article Markowski J., Pielecha J., Jasinski R.: Model to assess the exhaust emissions from the engine of a small aircraft during flight. The conclusion of the work was to undertake research related to the assessment of the differences between the modeling results and the results of measurements of exhaust emissions during the flight of the aircraft. The analysis of causes and effects was carried out and the model correction was made on its basis. The final stage was the verification of the model during the aircraft’s re-flight. The work carried out allowed the development of a model that could be a proposal to develop a procedure for the assessment of pollutant emissions from small aircraft powered by piston engines. The results of the work and its method were carried out in the article.

Increased awareness of the importance of health promoting compounds in processed fruit products has led to the creation of novel products, such as smoothies, containing the majority of phenolics and fibre from fruits. It is important to evaluate the impact of traditional and modern thermal preservation methods on the quality of these novel products. Thermal treatment technologies (microwave flow, flow and batch pasteurization) were tested on apple-based smoothies of different composition: apple smoothies containing rosehip juice or wild blueberry juice. Smoothies with rosehip juice exhibited a higher total phenolics content than those with the addition of blueberry juice, but the differences were insignificant. Anthocyanins content measured in the smoothies with blueberry juice strongly depended on the preservation method used; the highest anthocyanins content was found in microwave preserved smoothies. Ascorbic acid content in the juices was the highest in flow-pasteurized juices (29 mg/100 g), while microwave treatment caused a significant decrease (20 mg/100 g). The effect of thermal processing on viscosity was also observed; microwave flow-pasteurized smoothies were characterized by higher viscosity and total pectins than those preserved by the other methods. This suggests that the preservation process interacts with microstructure and can affect smoothie quality during its shelf-life.

Chronic sinusitis of the sphenoid sinus is a disease that can cause a number of complications, mainly intracranial and ophthalmic ones. The proximity of critical anatomical structures such as the internal carotid artery, cranial nerves, cavernous sinus, dura mater and cerebral lobes puts any or all of these at risk and challenge due to the disease process itself and in surgical management as well. Infiltration of bone structures or its damage in the mechanism of compression is recorded in cases of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS), Wegener's granulomatosis or actinitis with manifestation in the area of the sinuses. The authors present five patients with chronic sinusitis with bone destruction of the sphenoid sinus. Suspicion of fungal etiology in all cases was based on computed tomography (CT) images. The authors pay particular attention to the role of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in chronic sinusitis with bone destruction, especially of a fungal etiology.

The issue of measuring and determining the calorific value of fuels is related to thermodynamic analysis of the effects of the combustion process aimed at determining the amount of heat transferred to the environment. Currently, there are several methods for determining the calorific value of fuels and their methodology is related to the type of fuel being analyzed. These methods are quite complicated and require the use of specialized measuring equipment. The energy demand of modern civilization along with the need to protect the natural environment prompts the search for new ways to generate energy directed at sources other than conventional fossil fuels. Technologies related to the use of biogas, synthesis gas obtained in biomass or waste gasification processes are being introduced. The use of these fuels in industrial processes of generating heat and electricity requires caloric stability of the fuel. The caloric stability of the fuel is necessary to ensure the stability of thermal energy conversion processes that translate directly into the set values of generated electricity using electric machines. One way to assess the energy quality of a fuel is to measure its calorific value. There are several methods for determining the calorific value of a fuel, but they all require special measurement conditions. The article presents the author’s concept of a calorimeter dedicated to the analysis of the calorific value of gaseous fuels.

Vegetables and fruits should form the basis of everyday diet. In some countries one of five recommended daily portions of vegetables and fruit can be a glass (200 ml) of juice. The aim of the study was to analyse the composition of orange juice from concentrate and compare it with the content of selected nutrients in oranges.The study material were orange juices from concentrate, commercially available in Poland. The study was carried out in 2010–2018 at the Agriculture and Food Industry Biotechnology Institute and the Horticulture Institute in Skierniewice, Poland. The content of the following nutrients was investigated: vitamin C, folates, b-carotene, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, glucose, fructose, sucrose, dietary fiber as well as energy content.The content of vitamin C in orange juice from concentrate was 35 mg/100 ml. Folate content was 23 mg/100 ml of juice. The studied juice contained the following amounts of minerals: sodium (3 mg/100 ml), potassium (185 mg/100 ml), calcium (13 mg/100 ml) and magnesium (11 mg/100 ml). The total amount of sugars contained in the analysed juice was 8.8 g/100 ml. Compared to fresh oranges, the content of sodium, potassium, magnesium, b-carotene and sugars was similar. The content of vitamin C, folates and calcium was slightly higher in fruits. Dietary fiber amount was much higher in orange fruit than in juice. The energy value of both products was similar: 42 kcal/100 ml in juice and 47 kcal/100 g in oranges.The study showed that orange juice from concentrate is a source of important nutrients: vitamin C, folate and potassium. Their content in orange juice from concentrate is similar to that in fresh oranges. Dietary fiber amount was much higher in orange fruit than in juice.