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BACKGROUND In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), secondary hyperparathyroidism is assessed by measuring serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Well-established, recommended, second-generation intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) tests are typical; rarely are more recent third-generation PTH 1-84 assays used. The agreement between results of the 2 tests in patients with CKD has not been sufficiently defined. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study aimed to compare Roche second- and third-generation PTH assays by establishing a quantitative relationship between the results of assays in patients with CKD and assessing degree of their correlation with kidney function and calcium-phosphate and bone metabolism parameters. In 205 patients with stages 3 to 5D CKD and 30 healthy controls, we measured levels of iPTH and PTH (1-84), creatinine, urea, cystatin C, calcium, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and s-CrossLaps. RESULTS The third-generation PTH assay results were more than 40% lower than those obtained with the second-generation test in patients undergoing dialysis and approximately 30% lower in patients in the pre-dialysis period. PTH concentrations determined with both assays were almost to the same extent correlated with calcium-phosphate and bone metabolism parameters, and renal function indices. Formulas have been developed enabling 2-way conversion of PTH results determined with both the second- and third-generation PTH assays: For dialyzed patients, PTH (1-84)=0.5181iPTH+18.0595. Serum osteocalcin, s-CrossLaps, and total calcium were independent predictors of PTH levels. CONCLUSIONS Correcting for the established quantitative differences, the second-and third-generation PTH tests can be used interchangeably, given the almost identical pathophysiological correlations of their results with calcium-phosphate and bone metabolism parameters.

The gas transport properties of the mixed matrix membranes (MMM) prepared from the synthesized, structurally different poly(hydroxyimide)s (HPI) and mesoporous MCM-41 silica particles were investigated. The both series of filled and unfilled precursors were used to obtain and examine thermally rearranged (TR) polybenzoxazoles (PBO). The effect of a number and position of hydroxyl groups in HPI chains as well as that of filler presence on TR conversion was studied using FTIR, DSC, TGA, WAXD, SEM, mechanical testing, and density measurements. With 7 wt% of MCM-41 silica, gas permeability of the filled HPI precursors and that of the respective filled PBOs increased 1.5–2.2 and 4.4–15.1 times, respectively, comparing to the neat HPIs. The permeability increase along with relatively low loss of gas selectivity for filled membranes shift them towards the upper bound demonstrating that incorporation of porous fillers into polybenzoxazoles precursors can be a new approach to improve membrane performance.

In this paper, we show a series of the new noncovalent azosystems based on poly(amide imide) matrices. Azobenzene derivatives were attached to the polymer matrix via hydrogen bonds or formed doped systems. Additionally, glass transition temperatures of azosystems were established by the calculation procedure based on Fox equation. We proved that presence H-bonds between polymer matrix and chromophore does not effect on increase Tg and T5, in comparison to the doped polymers. It was observed that poly(amide imide) matrices are able to the thermally induced intermolecular cross-linking via hydrogen bonds. Functional density theory (DFT) was used to observed both changes in geometry the polymer matrix before and after incorporation of the azo-dyes and H-bonds formation possibility. The presence of H-bonds both intermolecular and between polymer and chromophore was confirmed experimentally by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The supramolecular system based on the matrix with pyridine rings in the side chains and 4-[(4-methyl phenyl)diazenyl]phenol was found to show a relatively efficient photo-orientation process. We showed the hydrogen bonds between chromophore and polymer matrix did not provide higher and more stable the photoinduced birefringence in comparison with doped one. It seems that the critical parameter which impacts on values and stability of Δn is azo-dye content.

Mixed matrix membranes (MMM) containing 13X zeolite particles were prepared to study the impact of hydrophilic inorganic component on membrane gas and water vapor transport properties. Rubbery ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), and glassy polysulfone (PSF) varying in permeability were selected as membrane matrices. The incorporation of 13X decreased gas permeability of all MMMs and had only a marginal effect on ideal selectivity (e.g. 20 wt% loading reduced N2 permeability by 21%, 19%, and 4% for PSF, EVA, and HNBR, respectively). The observed trend was in agreement with the diminished free volume size obtained from the positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) measurements suggesting pore blockage. In contrary, water vapor permeability through all MMMs was significantly enhanced by zeolite filling (e.g. 30 wt% loading increased H2O permeability by 153%, 34%, and 22% for PSF, EVA, and HNBR, respectively). This was explained as due to the increased water solubility documented by the sorption results, that compensates for the effect of the reduced water diffusivity in MMMs. The variations in MMMs permeabilities were also found to depend on zeolite particle size and its porosity. Two opposite effects were noticed of increased water vapor permeability and decreased gas permeability for MMMs filled with smaller but more porous particles. The water permeation through PSF based membranes may cause debonding at the particle/matrix interface and deterioration of the MMMs properties as indicated by their enhanced gas permeability and reduced selectivity.

In this study, we explore the use of two kinds of inorganic sieves, microporous MFI zeolite and mesoporous MCM-41 silica, as fillers to enhance the gas transport characteristics of thermally rearranged (TR) poly(hydroxyimides) (HPI). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of these fillers to modify properties of TR HPIs, except for our previous research on MCM-41 filled HPIs based on BPADA dianhydride. In this work, 6FDA-HAB and BPADA-HAB varying in gas permeability and properties were selected as matrices for preparation of mixed matrix membranes (MMM) with the aim of studying the effect of both the kind of filler and a matrix on thermal rearrangement and properties of the resultant TR-MMMs. In addition to pure gas permeability measurements, HPIs and MMMs were examined by WAXD, SEM, TGA, DMA, and tensile tests before and after thermal rearrangement. For all MMM precursors, the permeability increased in proportion to the filler loading (e.g. by 1.2–4.4 times for O2) while selectivity remained virtually the same. The same effect of improved permeability and maintained selectivity was observed for the series of TR-MMMs; for example, TR-MMM based on 6FDA and filled with 7 wt% of MCM-41 exhibited 6.7 fold higher O2 permeability over its filled precursor. The permeation properties of the filled membranes showed a strong dependence on both the kind of matrix and filler. The addition of MCM-41 particles to BPADA-HAB increased permeability more than the incorporation of the similar amount of MFI ones, while the contrary was true for 6FDA-HAB. The best result, comprising the position on the upper bound for He/N2, has been achieved for 6FDA-HAB filled with 25 wt% of MFI, whereas its TR analogue showed the highest 20.4 fold permeability improvement.

The paper describes the synthesis and characterization of new aromatic polyimides with one or two different moieties of the azo-dyes covalently attached to the polymer backbone and their supramolecular analogues. Azo-functionalized polyimides were prepared using post-polymerization method including the introduction of Disperse Red 13 and/or 4-[4-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)phenylazo]pyridine to homo and co-polyimides containing hydroxyl groups via Mitsunobu reaction. The degree of functionalization of polymers with chromophores was estimated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Polyimides containing hydroxyl groups were applied as matrixes to create supramolecular systems based on hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen-bond interactions in azosystems were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. The polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, X-ray, UV–Vis, DSC and TGA methods. The photoisomerization process was investigated in supramolecular systems. The light-induced anisotropy was studied in a holographic gratings recording experiment and by photoinduced birefringence measurements. The polymer films were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) after the diffraction grating recording to confirm formation of surface relief gratings (SRGs). To the best of our knowledge, that the first time photoinduced anisotropy has been studied by birefringence measurements in polyimides containing two different azo-dyes.

The paper describes the synthesis and characterization of aromatic polyimides with azopyridine derivatives covalently attached as a side-chain and their supramolecular analoges based on the hydrogen bonds. Moreover, azopolymers differ in the chemical structure of the polymer backbone and the content of the chromophore. Azo-functionalized polymers were obtained by a two-step synthetic approach. This includes the preparation of a precursor with pendant hydroxyl groups followed by the covalent attachment of the chromophore, that is, 4-[4-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)phenylazo]pyridine to the polyimide backbone. The degree of functionalization of the polymers was estimated by the UV–Vis spectroscopy. Supramolecular films were built on the basis of the hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of the polymer and azopyridine derivatives, that is, 4-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)pyridine and 4-[4-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)phenylazo]pyridine. The polymers were characterized and evaluated by FTIR, 1H NMR, X-ray, UV–Vis, DSC and TGA methods. The synthesized precursor polymers revealed the glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range of 254–366 °C, whereas azopolymers and supramolecular systems exhibited lower Tg within the ranges 129–153 °C and 53–171 °C, respectively. The polymers were easily soluble in common organic solvents enabling to obtain films of a good optical quality. The light-induced optical anisotropy was studied with the help of the holographic recording. The polymer films were investigated by an atomic force microscopy before and after the diffraction grating recording in order to confirm the formation of surface relief gratings. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time the photoinduced anisotropy in polyimides functionalized with azopyridine units has been compared with their supramolecular systems analoges.

The aim of this article is to give an anthropological description of verbal magic. The magical utterances are present in the following areas of traditional culture: folk medicine, family and annual rituals. They focus on a formula which, in the opinion of people expressing them, have some magical powers which cause positive effects in the real world. The empirical material, which constitutes the basis for the description, derives from the questionnaire interviews with inhabitants of the rural communities of Lublin voivodeship. The author focuses on the elements that must be satisfied that the words gained causative power. These elements are situational context (which includes time and place of activity, sender, recipient, symbolic attributes), repeating, fidelity playback, optional confidentiality.

In this study two cases of women with panhypopituitarism and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism were discussed. Menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy and healthy deliveries were managed to obtain in very short time in women who had never had spontaneous menstruations before.

The presence of myomas in the uterus is a relevant factor in infertility cases. Myomas may reduce contractility of the uterus, hinder migration of sperm and vascular changes within myomas themselves interfere with embryo implantation. The paper presents the case of a patient with over 10-year-history of infertility treatment diagnosed with numerous myomas of the uterus. The medical records revealed that the patient had undergone laparoscopy and laparotomy due to the left ovarian cyst and had been subjected to hysteroscopic removal of the uterine partition twice. The patient took part in the IVF programme twice--without success. At our Department the patient underwent laparoscopic myomectomy during which 5 myomas were removed: 4 subserous ones, 1.5-2 cm in diameter and an intramural one, 6 cm in diameter. The sites of the biggest myoma were laparoscopically sewn putting in 3 single sutures. In her next cycle the patient spontaneously conceited. The pregnancy was without serious complications and at 38 weeks was terminated by Caesarian section. The infant was delivered in good general condition (10 Apgar points) and weighted 3,360 g. On Caesarian section no uterine dehiscence following laparoscopic myomectomy was observed.

Melatonin may be a key factor in regulation of seasonal variation in gonadal activity. The circadian disturbances related to reproduction are probably subsequent to the seasonal change. Moreover, melatonin might also be considered essential to both spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis. Exposure to bright light, suppressing the concentration of melatonin in circulation, is hypothesized to be useful in treatment of both male and female infertility in couples with abnormal melatonin metabolism. In women, seasonal variation observed in the concentrations of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids is associated with melatonin synthesis. This hormone may exert an inhibitory effect on the GnRH pulse generator to decrease gonadotropin secretion. Consequently, it has been implicated in the control of the pubertal onset and timing of ovulation. The number of irregular menstrual cycles with anovulation in creases in winter compared to summer. In addition, there is circadian variation in the time of ovulation, occurring usually in the morning during summer and in the evening during winter. Hormonal interactions and phases of the cycle are important variables contributing to the fluctuations in melatonin levels during the menstrual cycle.

This report assesses GHG savings and social and economic impacts of innovative strategies developed and piloted within the Urban Waste project. The strategies or pilot measures were implemented in eleven cities over a time period of 4‐6 months starting in May‐June and ending in October November 2018. All cities implemented between 3 to 5 pilot measures. The assessment of GHG savings followed the Life Cycle Assessment approach (ISO 14044). The goal of the assessment is to provide qualitative data that show how waste prevention and improved waste management practices employed in the selected pilot cities have performed in comparison to the (status quo) activities. All pilot measures achieved a saving in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the situation before the implementation of the measure. The time frame for which changes were measured and reported differed between the pilot measures. For comparability reasons reported data was normalised to one year. The social impact assessments in this deliverable were based on working hours, employment, job satisfaction, training and work meaningfulness within the stakeholder categories workers and managers. The economic impact was assessed on the basis of costs related to the implementation of the individual measures in terms of material and equipment costs as well as cost savings opportunities.