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Climate is one of the key factors governing the biological invasions of alien species, thus its change may have significant consequences for the scale of this process. We analyzed the predicted influence of climate change on the invasiveness of alien species in Poland and identified species susceptible to climate change. A total of 60 species of alien plants and 58 animals were assessed through an expert elicitation process. For 79 species climate change was assessed as the factor enhancing the likelihood of introduction, establishment, spread and/or impact in the future. Currently, the majority of these species are not widespread in Poland, and this list includes species totally absent, or present only in cultivation and captivity. Climate change will increase the number of high-risk invasive alien species (IAS) from 38 to 63. Species originating in warmer parts of the world are most susceptible to climate change. The majority of the high-risk IAS are regulated under the EU and Polish legislature. However, no restrictions have been imposed on some of the high-risk IAS. Since climate change will further increase their invasiveness, implementation of legal provisions towards these species is recommended.

The enduring relationship between humanity and the cannabis plant has witnessed significant transformations, particularly with the widespread legalization of medical cannabis. This has led to the recognition of diverse pharmacological formulations of medical cannabis, containing 545 identified natural compounds, including 144 phytocannabinoids like Δ9-THC and CBD. Cannabinoids exert distinct regulatory effects on physiological processes, prompting their investigation in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research highlights their potential in modulating protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction, crucial factors in conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining homeodynamics in neurodegenerative disorders and explores innovative therapeutic approaches such as nanoparticles and RNA aptamers. Moreover, cannabinoids, particularly CBD, demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of microglial activity, offering multifaceted neuroprotection including mitigating aggregation. Additionally, the potential integration of cannabinoids with vitamin B12 presents a holistic framework for addressing neurodegeneration, considering their roles in homeodynamics and nervous system functioning including the hippocampal neurogenesis. The potential synergistic therapeutic benefits of combining CBD with vitamin B12 underscore a promising avenue for advancing treatment strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is imperative to fully elucidate their effects and potential applications, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this field and its potential to reshape neurodegenerative disease treatment paradigms.

Abstract Biological invasions represent one of the major threats to the world's biodiversity. National and international efforts are taken to address the complexity and dynamic of invasions in legislation. However, based on the Polish experience of implementing the European Union's regulation on invasive alien species (IAS), we suggest that an unclear and disorganized process of law implementation results in the regulations being counterproductive. We describe how a well‐planned policy can become a burden impeding effective research and, consequently, scientific feedback to improve the policy. The results of our study suggest that there is a large scale of scientists' noncompliance with new legal requirements. For many researchers, the implementation of the new IAS regulation was changing the rules in the middle of the game. Researchers strictly following the new regulations must wait for the relevant permits and may risk the successful completion of their projects. Conversely, researchers who prioritize project completion may be forced to continue their research violating the law. We argue that this example of implementing the new IAS regulation illustrates the need to include some intermediate solutions providing more flexibility and time for researchers to adjust to policy change, thus minimizing the negative impacts of the new legislature on scientific progress.

Due to the large amount of binder and low water-cement ratio, high-performance cement composites have high compressive strength and a dense hardened cement paste microstructure. External curing is insufficient, as it cannot reach the interior parts of the structure, which allows autogenous shrinkage to occur in the inside. Lack of prevention of autogenous shrinkage and high restraint causes structural microcracks around rigid components (aggregate, rebars). Consequently, this phenomenon leads to the propagation of internal microcracks to the surface and reduced concrete durability. One way to minimize autogenous shrinkage is internal curing. The use of soaked lightweight aggregate to minimize the risk of cracking is not always sufficient. Sorption and desorption kinetics of fine and coarse fly ash aggregate were tested and evaluated. The correlation between the development of linear autogenous shrinkage and the tensile stresses in the restrained ring test is assessed in this paper. A series of linear specimens, with cross-section and length custom designed to match the geometry of the concrete ring, were tested and analyzed. Determination of the maximum tensile stresses caused by the restrained autogenous shrinkage in the restrained ring test, together with the approximation of the tensile strength development of the cement composites were used to evaluate the cracking risk development versus time. The high-performance concretes and mortars produced with mineral aggregates and lightweight aggregates soaked with water were tested. The use of soaked granulated fly ash coarse lightweight aggregate in cementitious composites minimized both the autogenous shrinkage and cracking risk.

The hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is performed for various hematological diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs relatively often after HSCT. Anemia after HSCT may be due to CKD and/or other reasons. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anemia and its possible relationship to the presence of CKD in patients at least 3 months after HSCT. The study included 156 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT treatment in our center in the years 1998 to 2021 due to different hematologic pathologies (acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphoma, and others). Anemia was diagnosed in 13% of women and 35% of men. Anemia was most common in people after HSCT due to a history of acute myeloid leukemia (55% women, 30% men). In 56% of women and 17% of men, anemia was associated with chronic kidney disease. In patients with anemia, age was related to the eGFR (r = –0.39, p

The group of 18 new amide derivatives of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and selected heterocyclic amines was synthesised as potential immunosuppressive agents functioning as inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) uncompetitive inhibitors. The synthesis of 14 of them employed uronium-type activating system (TBTU/HOBt/DIPEA) while 4 of them concerned phosphonic acid anhydride method (T3P/Py) facilitating amides to be obtained in moderate to excellent yields without the need of phenolic group protection. Most of optimised protocols did not require complicated reaction work-ups, including chromatographic, solvent-consuming methods. The biological activity assay was performed on the T-Jurkat cell line and peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) which are both dedicated for antiproliferative activity determination. Each of designed derivatives was characterised by reduced cytotoxicity and benzoxazole analogue (A2) revealed the most promising activity. Subsequently, an observed structure-activity relationship was discussed.

The subjects of this research are the burial clothes of Polish King Sigismund III Vasa and his wife Constance, which were woven and embroidered with silk and metal threads. Fragments of the textiles underwent spectroscopic, spectrometric, and thermogravimetric analyses. The hydrofluoric acid extraction method was improved to isolate various classes of dyes from the textile samples that had direct contact with human remains. High-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detectors with electrospray ionization (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) facilitated the detection and identification of colorants present in the textiles. Cochineal, indigo-, madder-, orchil-, and tannin-producing plants were identified as the sources of dyes used. Scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray detector (SEM-EDS) was employed to identify and characterize the silk fibers and mordants and the metal threads. The presence of iron, aluminum, sodium, and calcium in the silk threads suggests their potential use as mordants. The analysis of the metal threads revealed that most of them were made from flattened gilded silver wire, with only a few being cut from a sheet of metal. Typical degradation mechanisms of metal threads were shown, resulting from both burial environment and earlier manufacturing process, and the use of the textiles in clothing, i.e., a significant loss of the gold layer was observed in most of silver gilt threads, caused by abrasion and delamination. The results of the thermal analysis confirmed the presence of silk and silver threads in the examined textiles.

The review article focuses on the potential development of Artificial Intelligence by extracting fixed patterns and regularities that enable the improvement and refinement of advanced analyses in the field of artificial neural network learning. Is conducted through the prism of the neurocognitive view of Alzheimer's disease as a potential set of neurocognitive patterns constituting a potential source of resources for the development of artificial intelligence. It is closely related to encephalography, both used to detect pathological dementia changes, and the analysis of brain activity itself, showing the existence of repeated regularities. These patterns, analogic in the astrophysical Lagrandrean mapping analysis of the galaxy, seem to have the potential to develop Artificial Intelligence. Especially, following the idea of ​​perceiving Alzheimer's disease as a global functional desynchronisation, global neurodegenerative changes may provide potential resources that, through mathematical and algebraic transformations, to serve as a foundation for the development of Artificial Intelligence.

The aim of the study is to analyse the images of the epidemic of tertian fevers in Topografía hipocrática o descripción de la epidemia de calenturas tercianas intermitentes malignas, continuo-remitentes, perniciosas complicadas (1795) by Félix Ibáñez (ca. 1738-1808), one of the most comprehensive studies dedicated to malaria in the 18th century Spain. They are examined from the perspective of the im-portance of visual representations of the illness in the 18th century, related to a radical transition from a logocentric to a visually dependent culture, which took place in the field of art and medicine in the Enlightenment.

The influence of rebar, protruding from concrete element during casting, on temperature and strength development was analyzed. Test models of size 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm were made with and without protruding rebar. The rebar protruding from the sample simulated the conditions of the hardening of elements such as bridge abutments or pylons, which require technological break. Samples were cast in insulated formworks, to create semi-adiabatic conditions for concrete curing, simulating real conditions of curing of mass structures. The research utilized selfconsolidating concrete with two different rapid hardening cements: CEM I 42.5R and CEM I 52.5R, and blastfurnace cement CEM III/A 42.5N. Continuous registration of temperatures in the samples was performed for the first 7 days. Based on the results acquired and compressive strength, the amount and kinetics of the heat given off in the concrete was determined and an evaluation of its strength in conditions simulating actual conditions was performed. The research showed that the difference in temperature between the reinforced and non-reinforced sample was approximately 14.0° C.

The enduring relationship between humanity and the cannabis plant has witnessed significant transformations, particularly with the widespread legalization of medical cannabis. This has led to the recognition of diverse pharmacological formulations of medical cannabis, containing 545 identified natural compounds, including 144 phytocannabinoids like Δ9-THC and CBD. Cannabinoids exert distinct regulatory effects on physiological processes, prompting their investigation in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research highlights their potential in modulating protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction, crucial factors in conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining homeodynamics in neurodegenerative disorders and explores innovative therapeutic approaches such as nanoparticles and RNA aptamers. Moreover, cannabinoids, particularly CBD, demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of microglial activity, offering multifaceted neuroprotection including mitigating aggregation. Additionally, the potential integration of cannabinoids with vitamin B12 presents a holistic framework for addressing neurodegeneration, considering their roles in homeodynamics and nervous system functioning including the hippocampal neurogenesis. The potential synergistic therapeutic benefits of combining CBD with vitamin B12 underscore a promising avenue for advancing treatment strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is imperative to fully elucidate their effects and potential applications, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this field and its potential to reshape neurodegenerative disease treatment paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of retro-Diels–Alder fragmentation of luteolin are studied theoretically using the Density Functional Theory method (B3LYP hybrid functional) together with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set and supported by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) results. The reaction paths leading to the formation of 1,3A− and 1,3B− fragment ions observed as the main spectral features in the ESI-MS spectrum are described and discussed, including the structures of the transition states and intermediate products. The heights of the activation energy barriers which have to be overcome along the reaction paths corresponding to 1,3-retrocyclization cleavage of the ionized luteolin are predicted to span the 69–94 kcal/mol range (depending on the initial isomeric structure) for the concerted retrocyclization mechanism and the 60–89 kcal/mol (first barrier) and 24–52 kcal/mol (second barrier) barriers for the stepwise mechanism (also depending on the initial isomeric structure). It is also demonstrated that the final fragmentation products (1,3A− and 1,3B−) are in fact represented by various isomeric systems which are not experimentally distinguishable. In addition, the absence of the spectral feature corresponding to the [M-B]− fragment ion formed by the rupture of the C-C bond connecting luteolin’s B and C rings (which does not occur during the ESI-MS experiment) is explained by much larger energy barriers predicted for such a process.

This paper presents the energy characteristics of wood and wood-based materials in the form of commercially available pellets, furniture board (MDF) and OSB. Toxicometric indices were determined for gaseous destructs arising from thermal decomposition and combustion of the materials studied. The paper proves that combustion conditions are crucial in terms of toxic destructive emissions. It has been shown that the combustion of wood-based materials under controlled conditions can lead to equally low emissions of toxic wastes as the combustion of traditional wood materials. The paper also presents the index of greenhouse gas emission, the so-called CO2 equivalent, for the examined wood and wood-based materials.

The subjects of this research are the burial clothes of Polish King Sigismund III Vasa and his wife Constance, which were woven and embroidered with silk and metal threads. Fragments of the textiles underwent spectroscopic, spectrometric, and thermogravimetric analyses. The hydrofluoric acid extraction method was improved to isolate various classes of dyes from the textile samples that had direct contact with human remains. High-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detectors with electrospray ionization (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) facilitated the detection and identification of colorants present in the textiles. Cochineal, indigo-, madder-, orchil-, and tannin-producing plants were identified as the sources of dyes used. Scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray detector (SEM-EDS) was employed to identify and characterize the silk fibers and mordants and the metal threads. The presence of iron, aluminum, sodium, and calcium in the silk threads suggests their potential use as mordants. The analysis of the metal threads revealed that most of them were made from flattened gilded silver wire, with only a few being cut from a sheet of metal. Typical degradation mechanisms of metal threads were shown, resulting from both burial environment and earlier manufacturing process, and the use of the textiles in clothing, i.e., a significant loss of the gold layer was observed in most of silver gilt threads, caused by abrasion and delamination. The results of the thermal analysis confirmed the presence of silk and silver threads in the examined textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions represent one of the major threats to the world's biodiversity. National and international efforts are taken to address the complexity and dynamic of invasions in legislation. However, based on the Polish experience of implementing the European Union's regulation on invasive alien species (IAS), we suggest that an unclear and disorganized process of law implementation results in the regulations being counterproductive. We describe how a well‐planned policy can become a burden impeding effective research and, consequently, scientific feedback to improve the policy. The results of our study suggest that there is a large scale of scientists' noncompliance with new legal requirements. For many researchers, the implementation of the new IAS regulation was changing the rules in the middle of the game. Researchers strictly following the new regulations must wait for the relevant permits and may risk the successful completion of their projects. Conversely, researchers who prioritize project completion may be forced to continue their research violating the law. We argue that this example of implementing the new IAS regulation illustrates the need to include some intermediate solutions providing more flexibility and time for researchers to adjust to policy change, thus minimizing the negative impacts of the new legislature on scientific progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rapid development of 3D printing technology for cement composites, there are still a number of unsolved issues related to extrusion printing. One of them is proper mix design that allows for meeting criteria related to the printing of cementitious materials, such as pumpability, buildability, consistency on the materials, flowability and workability, simultaneously incorporating sustainable development ideas. In the case of mixes for 3D printing, the modification of the composition which increases the overall performance does not always go hand in hand with the reduction of negative environmental impact. The article presents the results of tests of eight mixtures modified with reactive and inert mineral additives designed for 3D printing. The mixes were evaluated in terms of their rheological and mechanical properties as well as environmental impact. Initial test results were verified by printing hollow columns up until collapse. Later, the differences between the compressive strength of standard samples and printed columns were determined. In order to summarize the results, a multi-faceted analysis of the properties of the mixes was carried out, introducing assessment indicators for its individual parameters. The article proves that appropriate material modification of mixes for 3D printing can significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment without hindering required 3D printing properties.

W niniejszym artykule przedstawione zostały wyniki badań przeprowadzonych na małej (13 osób) grupie opiekunek osób starszych delegowanych do pracy za granicę. Celem badania było poznanie motywów do pracy w badanej grupie w odniesieniu do zatrudniającej firmy i do podopiecznego. Metodą badawczą był wywiad ustrukturalizowany oraz dodatkowe pytania badacza. Ankieta badawcza dotyczyła dwóch aspektów pracy: formalnego, związanego z warunkami pracy (kontrakt transakcyjny) oraz psychologicznego, związanego z niezapisanymi aspektami spraw (kontrakt relacyjny). Wyniki badania jakościowego zostały omówione w podziale na kolejno zadawane pytania i uzyskiwane odpowiedzi. Wyniki badanych zostały również porównane w podgrupach wyróżnionych ze względu na posiadany staż pracy oraz w podziale na część wywiadu dotyczącą relacji z firmą i relacji z podopiecznym. Rezultaty badania wskazują na tendencję do zmiany motywów do pracy opiekunów z formalnych, transakcyjnych (wysokość płacy, forma zatrudnienia, długość trwania kontraktu) na motywy relacyjne: przywiązanie do firmy i podopiecznego poprzez budowanie pozytywnych relacji. Zmiana ta w analizowanych wynikach badań odbywa się wraz z nabywaniem przez badane doświadczeń zawodowych w pracy opiekuna i przechodzi od wyraźnego zorientowania na finanse do przyzwyczajenia, przywiązania i zbudowania relacji z podopiecznym. Takie tendencje w przeprowadzonym badaniu zdają się potwierdzać obserwacje wynikające z doświadczeń zawodowych badacza i będą wymagały większego zaangażowania się w tę problematykę oraz przeprowadzenia badań podłużnych na znacznie większej grupie badanych.

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Triazoles are the only compounds used as antibiotics in both medicine and agriculture. The presence of triazoles in the environment can contribute to the acquisition of azole resistance among isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of A. fumigatus exposure to triazoles on susceptibility to these compounds. Seventeen triazole-resistant and 21 triazole-sensitive A. fumigatus isolates were examined. The isolates were transferred 20 times on the Sabouraud medium supplemented with posaconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole, followed by five times on the medium not supplemented. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of antimycotics were examined according to the EUCAST broth microdilution method after the 20th transfer and also the 25th transfer. In addition, the expression levels of genes mdr1, mdr2, mdr3, atrF, cyp51A and cyp51B were determined. Cultivation of A. fumigatus on media supplemented with posaconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole resulted in the acquisition of resistance to the tested triazoles of all examined isolates. After recultivation on Sabouraud without azoles, most of the isolates lost their acquired resistance. The long-term use of triazole compounds in agriculture may result in the occurrence of triazole resistant A. fumigatus isolates in the environment, not only by induction or selection of mutations in the cyp51A gene, but also by contribution to changes in the gene expression.