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Abstract Alternative barley genotypes can be a source of genetic variability for breeding and raw material for functional food production. The reaction of these genotypes to diverse sowing densities is unknown. The study aimed to assess the response in physiological characteristics of alternative barley genotypes Hordeum vulgare var. rimpaui and H. v. var. nigricans to increasing sowing density. In a strict field experiment, two barley genotypes and five sowing densities were tested: 250, 300, 350, 400, and 450 grains m-2. Chlorophyll fluorescence indices, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), and leaf area index (LAI) were assessed. The interaction of the study year, genotype, and sowing density significantly shaped the physiological indices of the canopy. When rainfall was deficient, the plants reduced their leaf area but had higher SPAD and PIabs of the flag leaf. In the year with optimal rainfall, LAI increased with increasing sowing density. In the dry year, PIabs of the flag leaf in H. v. var. rimpaui was the highest at 250 grains m-2 and decreased with increasing density, and in H. v. var. nigricans, it only reduced at 450 grains m-2 A strong negative relationship was observed between LAI and SPAD, as well as between LAI and PIabs. Sowing density had a significant effect on grain yield per plant, which was related to the physiological response. However, the genotypes tested responded differently to this factor. The results may by prove for agricultural practice and scientific research, particularly in relation to the optimal sowing density of alternative barley genotypes and the identification of density-tolerant genotypes in response to varying environmental conditions.

Abstract The purpose was to evaluate the use of 3D CT-DCG-assisted and endoscopically guided coronary catheter balloon dacryoplasty (CC-BDCP) in adults with focal stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) and report their long-term outcomes. A prospective, non-randomized, single-center clinical study was performed, and the patients underwent endoscopy-guided CC-BDCP using percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) balloon catheters. 25 patients were enrolled in the study. The CC-BDCP procedure was performed in 21 of 25 (84%) patients, and the remaining 4 (16%) patients had significant procedural difficulties due to unfavorable anatomical conditions. Of the 21 patients, 10 (47.6%) were procedurally assessed as “easy” (eCC-BDCP) and in 11 (52.4%) as procedurally “difficult” (dCC-BDCP). Values on Munk's epiphora intensity scale changed overall from 4.0 preoperatively to 1.4 ± 1.6 (p = 0.00001) postoperatively overall. FDDT changed overall from 2.9 ± 0.3 to 1.1 ± 1.2 after treatment (p = 0.00008) (from 2.8 ± 0.4 to 0.3 ± 0.6 in the eCC-BDCP group and from 2.9 ± 0.3 to 1.4 ± 1.2 in the dCC-BDCP group (p = 0.01352). The anatomical and functional success rate was 77% overall, 90% in the eCC-BDCP group, and 64% in the dCC-BDCP group. The CC-BDCP led to a statistically significant decrease in epiphora in a particular group of adult patients with demonstrable focal stenosis of the NLD.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the reimbursement policy for orphan drugs (ODs) in selected European countries in relation to the availability and impact of clinical evidence, health technology assessment (HTA) procedures and reimbursement decision-making.Materials and MethodsA list of authorized ODs was extracted from a web-based registry of the European Medicines Agency, including information on active substance, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification code, and therapeutic area. A country-based questionnaire survey was conducted between September 2022 and September 2023 among selected experts from 12 European countries. A descriptive and statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations between country characteristic, HTA procedures, drug indication and positive recommendations or reimbursement decisions for ODs.ResultsSafety assessment for ODs was mandatory in 10 countries, while it was optional in one country (Italy) and not required in one country (Iceland). Efficacy assessment for ODs was mandatory in 11 countries and not required in one country (Iceland). The impact of safety and efficacy assessment on reimbursement decisions was rated as high in 10 countries and as low in one country (Germany). Dedicated OD legislation and policies were reported in seven countries. In two countries (Belgium, Iceland), the HTA was not mandatory, and in one country (Germany), it only had an informative function. A positive recommendation (from an HTA agency or advisory body) guaranteed reimbursement in four countries, while a negative recommendation excluded reimbursement only in one country (Iceland). The proportion of reimbursed ODs ranged from 23.5% in Iceland to 86% in Germany (p < 0.001). ODs with ATC code L represented the largest group of medicines (n = 49). They were also very frequently reimbursed ODs in the countries studied, with a mean of 61.8% (p < 0.001).ConclusionEuropean countries differ in terms of the impact of clinical issues and additional clinical aspects on the reimbursement policy for ODs. Reimbursement decisions were affected by OD-specific legislation, policies, and EMA authorization status. HTA dossiers and procedures significantly influenced reimbursement decisions, although some ODs were reimbursed regardless of the positive or negative recommendations. ATC codes were significantly correlated with reimbursement status and positive recommendation.

The article explores the potential of Digital Twin (DT) technology in the design and dynamic assessment of the energy performance of multi-family buildings. Traditional approaches to building energy assessment provide static data that do not account for changing operational conditions and lack continuous energy consumption-monitoring capabilities. The use of Digital Twin enables monitoring and analyzing of the building’s energy parameters at every stage of its life cycle. The article presents the application of DT technology for assessing energy performance at the conceptual stage and in the early phases of design. These parameters must meet legal requirements. Validation conducted on four multi-family buildings demonstrated high accuracy, with the average difference between predicted and actual energy performance (EP) values below 3.5%. Thanks to the DT model, it is possible to determine energy parameters already at the conceptual stage, which helps avoid costly changes in later project phases. Early determination of these parameters also allows for accurate estimation of design and investment costs. Tests of the proposed solution were conducted on several multi-family buildings, comparing preliminary data with final results. The research results show that DT technology allows for precise planning of energy performance at the conceptual and preliminary design stages. This reduces operational costs, increases energy efficiency, and better adapts buildings to changing technological and legal conditions.

Nitrogen fertilization may affect the functioning of photosynthesis as well as the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of cereal grains. Little is known about the relationship between the efficiency of photosynthesis and the content of phenolic compounds in barley grain, especially in conditions of varying nitrogen availability. In this regard, a field experiment was conducted to examine the responses of two primary barley genotypes with elevated phenolic compound content (TPC) in grain and an intensive modern cultivar H. v. vulgare with high protein content to increasing nitrogen fertilization (rates of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha−1) during the study years, which differed in terms of hydrothermal conditions. The leaf greenness index (SPAD) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were evaluated on three occasions throughout the growing season. Following the harvest, the chemical composition of the grains, including phenolic acids, flavonoids and antioxidant potential, was evaluated. The antioxidant potential and chemical composition of the grain, including TPC and protein content, depended to the greatest extent on genetic and environmental factors, and only then on nitrogen fertilization. Nitrogen increased the TPC content and antioxidant capacity ABTS+ of the grains of all studied genotypes and the protein content in H. v. vulgare grain. Rates of 60 and 90 kg N ha−1 resulted in a significant increase in the SPAD, PIabs and Fv/Fm in BBCH 34 and 57. A positive correlation was confirmed between the SPAD and PIabs and the content of TPC and ABTS+ in the grain. The dependence of qualitative characteristics on the Fv/Fm was also demonstrated. The primary genotypes are characterized by a greater genetic potential for the synthesis of phenolic compounds than the modern cultivar H. v. vulgare. The synthesis of phenolic compounds, and thus their accumulation in the grain, is clearly stimulated by unfavorable environmental factors and moderate nitrogen rates and depends on the chlorophyll content in the leaves and the efficiency of photosynthesis. N fertilization has a beneficial effect on the content of phenolic compounds in grain resulting from the improvement in the SPAD and PIabs. The chemical composition of grain and the increase in antioxidant potential are determined by the Fv/Fm, which is low under hydrothermal stress conditions.

Sowing density and row spacing of barley affect the crop efficiency, resource use and final yield, with different genotypes likely to respond differently to this agrotechnical factor. The effect of sowing density on the barley yield, as shaped by structural yield elements such as the number of ears, number of grains per ears and thousand grain weight, depends on the interaction of this factor with the genotype and the growing conditions. Two spring barley genotypes with a black grain color (H. vulgare L. var. nigricans and H. vulgare L. var. rimpaui), differing in ear structure and affiliation to the original wild forms, were studied. Two independent, two-year field experiments were conducted in 2019–2020 and 2021–2022 at two locations with contrasting soil conditions. The effects of genotype and sowing density interactions on the yield, harvest index and structural elements of the yield were assessed. The arley yield was dependent on the interaction of genotype and sowing density but also varied by location. H. v. var. nigricans yielded better at higher densities, while H. v. var. rimpaui showed greater tillering potential at low densities. Environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature and soil composition affected the number of fertile ears, number of grains per ear and thousand grain weight.

Refractory Metal Intermetallic Composites and Refractory Complex Concentrated Alloys have been identified as promising candidates for ultra-high-temperature applications that exceed the limits of superalloys. However, designing and developing new materials with the proper density for aerospace applications is a significant challenge. For this reason, new refractory metal-based materials are in continuous development. This study introduces a new class of materials known as Boron-Enhanced Complex Concentrated Silicides (BECCSs). By providing a balance between density and high-temperature performance, these materials with their density-optimized refractory metal silicide-borides have the potential to revolutionize high-temperature applications. Utilizing a quaternary MoNbTaW equiatomic alloy (ρ = 13.73 gcm−3) as a starting point and a computer-aided alloy modeling tool, seven alloy compositions were designed in a multi-step process aimed at lowering the material density. Through the introduction of Ti, Si, and/or B, the microstructure was transformed from a BCC solid solution to a multiphase structure comprised of silicides and borides. The proposed redesign of the alloy led to a significant reduction in density, even to 5.44 gcm−3. All seven alloys were produced by using a laboratory arc melter, and their microstructure and room-temperature mechanical properties were analyzed using SEM, EDS, EBSD, and micro-indentation. The results of structural characterization allowed us to identify specific phase constituents, and it was established that a transition from BCC solid solutions to silicides/borides-based alloys results in a substantial increase in hardness, even above 1600 H V (17 GPa).

This study presents the Boron Enhanced Complex Concentrated Silicides (BECCSs) as a novel category of high-temperature materials derived from the high entropy concept. Using a quaternary MoNbTaW equiatomic alloy as a starting point, four new alloy compositions were designed in a multi-step process oriented towards reducing the density of the material. By incorporating different combinations of Ti, Si, and B, the phase composition of the materials was altered from a BCC solid solution to a multi-phase structure consisting of BCC solid solution and various intermetallics (silicides, borides, and borosilicides). The suggested modification of the alloy composition led to a significant decrease in density, reaching down to 6.87 g/cm3. All four alloys were fabricated by the arc melting technique, while their microstructure and room temperature mechanical properties were evaluated by SEM/EDS/EBSD and micro-indentation methods. The results of structural characterization enabled the identification of specific phase constituents. Consequently, it was established that the transition from BCC solid solutions to silicides/borides based alloys results in a significant increase in hardness, achieving up to 1200 HV (13 GPa).

The following review focuses on the manufacturing and parameterizing of ocular drug delivery systems (DDS) using polymeric materials to create soft contact lenses. It discusses the types of drugs embedded into contact lenses, the various polymeric materials used in their production, methods for assessing the mechanical properties of polymers, and techniques for studying drug release kinetics. The article also explores strategies for investigating the stability of active substances released from contact lenses. It specifically emphasizes the production of soft contact lenses modified with Cyclosporine A (CyA) for the topical treatment of specific ocular conditions. The review pays attention to methods for monitoring the stability of Cyclosporine A within the discussed DDS, as well as investigating the influence of polymer matrix type on the stability and release of CyA.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several vaccines were developed to limit the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, due to SARS-CoV-2 mutations and uneven vaccination coverage among populations, a series of COVID-19 waves have been caused by different variants of concern (VOCs). Despite the updated vaccine formulations for the new VOC, the benefits of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses have raised many doubts, even among high-risk groups such as healthcare workers (HCWs). We examined the factors underlying hesitancy to receive COVID-19 booster vaccine doses and analysed the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response after booster vaccination among HCWs. Our study found that 42% of the HCWs were hesitant about the second booster dose, while 7% reported no intent to get vaccinated with any additional doses. As reasons for not vaccinating, participants most frequently highlighted lack of time, negative experiences with previous vaccinations, and immunity conferred by past infections. In addition, we found the lowest post-vaccination antibody titres among HCWs who did not receive any vaccine booster dose and the highest among HCWs vaccinated with two booster doses.

Beneficial dietary and pro-health values, have resulted in the increasing consumption importance of barley. Therefore, genotypes and cultivation methods are sought that guarantee high functional value of grain. The aim of the study was to assess the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, chlorophylls, anthocyanidins, phytomelanin and antioxidant activity of grain of three barley genotypes depending on agricultural technology. Two of them are primary genotypes with dark grain pigmentation Hordeum vulgare L. var nigricans and H. vulgare L. var. rimpaui, the third is a modern cultivar 'Soldo' H. vulgare with yellow grain, which is the control sample. Evaluated the effect of foliar application of a amino-acids biostimulant on the functional properties of grain under the conditions of organically and conventionally cultivations. The results indicated a higher antioxidant activity and the concentration of phenolic acids, flavonoids and phytomelanin in the black-grain genotypes. Organic cultivation and application of amino acids had increased the content of phenolic compounds in grain. The antioxidant activity was correlated with the content of syringic acid, naringenin, quercetin, luteolin and phytomelanin. Organically cultivation and the foliar application of an amino acid biostimulant improved the functional properties of barley grain, in particular the original, black-grained genotypes.

Black-seeded barley can be a valuable raw material for functional food. However, its restoration to cropping should be preceded by the identification of the characteristics determining productivity. The field study was conducted to identify specific parameters of the black-seeded barley genotypes (Hordeum vulgare var. nigricans and H. v. var. rimpaui) and compare them with common barley (H. vulgare) under the different hydrothermal conditions of the two growing seasons of 2021 and 2022. Our research has shown that each genotype has a set of specific characteristics that best describe it at a given developmental stage. H. v. rimpaui was well characterized by chlorophyll fluorescence parameters such as FV/FM, FV/F0, and PIABS at the seedling stage and H. v. nigricans by FV/FM and FV/F0 at the flag leaf stage. Moreover, H. v. var. rimpaui was distinguished by a high biomass of shoot (726 g m−2) and straw yield (5.04 t ha−1) but H. v. var. nigricans by a high number of sterile generative tillers (103 m−2 in the dry year 2022). Further research should focus on the response of black-seeded barley genotypes to abiotic stresses, while in agronomic practice, efforts should be made to increase the number of grains per ear and 1000-grain weight.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain stands out among other cereals due to its high nutritional value. It results mainly from the high content of fiber and antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds. Barley grains can also be an important source of unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids that are beneficial to health. This study assessed the effect of the foliar application of an amino-acid biostimulant on the content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and the composition of fatty acids in the grain of alternative, black-grain barley genotypes, and the commonly used ‘Soldo’ cultivar, grown in conventional and organic farming systems. The dark-pigmented grains contained significantly more phenolic acids and flavonoids than the yellow seed of the traditional cultivar and were characterized by a significantly higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. The application of the biostimulant significantly increased the concentration of phenolic compounds in grains, especially of alternative genotypes.

The COVID-19 pandemic provoked a global health crisis and highlighted the need for new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we explore the potential of the molecular consortia of cannabidiol (CBD) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as novel antiviral dual-target agents against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. CBD is a natural compound with a wide range of therapeutic activities, including antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, while NSAIDs are commonly used to mitigate the symptoms of viral infections. Chemical modifications of CBD with NSAIDs were performed to obtain dual-target agents with enhanced activity against SARS-CoV-2. The synthesised compounds were characterised using spectroscopic techniques. The biological activity of three molecular consortia (CBD–ibuprofen, CBD–ketoprofen, and CBD–naproxen) was evaluated in cell lines transduced with vesicular stomatitis virus-based pseudotypes bearing the SARS-CoV-1 or SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins or infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34. The results showed that some CBD–NSAID molecular consortia have superior antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, but not against the influenza A virus. This may suggest a potential therapeutic role for these compounds in the treatment of emerging coronavirus infections. Further studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of these compounds in vivo, and their potential use in clinical settings. Our findings provide a promising new approach to combatting current and future viral emergencies.

The issue of bonding formation in liquid metal/open-celled carbon foam (Cof) systems was examined, taking into account the practical aspects of the synthesis of a new type of Mg-C metal material composite. The problem is complex due to the strong oxidation and intense evaporation of liquid magnesium, as well as the 3D geometry of the carbon component, where metal transport occurred through the foam cells’ windows. Laboratory experiments performed at 700°C in ceramic crucibles showed that spontaneous carbon foam infiltration by liquid metal is impossible under the applied conditions, either in an air atmosphere coupled with flux protection or under argon protection.Comparative tests performed in a UHV chamber filled with static pure Ar by a sessile drop method, coupled with non-contact heating and capillary purification at a test temperature of 700°C directly in the UHV chamber, showed non-wetting behavior of the Mg/Cof couple with a correspondingly high contact angle of about 135°. The graphite capillary was then moved down, the liquid drop being slightly pressed into the foam, but these changes did not induce effective foam penetration.Despite the short contact time for the sessile drop test under an argon atmosphere, SEM+WDS analysis of the solidified Mg/Cof couple revealed the formation of an MgO interlayer at the interface, with a thickness of approx. 1 µm. The experimentally demonstrated presence of oxygen in the carbon foam sample, both before and after its contact with magnesium, points to oxide-type bonding being established between Mg and Cof. This observation is in a good agreement with previous reports on the interface characterization of magnesium matrix composites reinforced with glassy carbon materials and carbon fibers by stir casting and pressure infiltration. Based on the findings of this study, a general structural scheme of the bonding process between carbon foam and liquid magnesium, as an important stage in the syntheses of Mg-C composites, was proposed.

Children are among the best vectors to spread respiratory viruses, including emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 due to the asymptomatic or relatively mild course of infection and simultaneously high titres of pathogens in the respiratory tract. Therefore, individuals who have constant contact with children, e.g., teachers should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as essential workers within the first phases of a vaccination campaign. In Poland, primary and secondary school teachers were vaccinated with ChAdOx1 from February 2021 with a three month interval between the two doses, while lecturers at medical universities, who are simultaneously healthcare workers, received the BNT126b2 vaccine from December 2020 with three weeks between the first and second doses. The aim of this study was to compare the antibody responses at two weeks and three months after vaccination and to estimate the vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 among infection-naïve teachers vaccinated with mRNA and a vector vaccine. We found that the anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies were significantly higher among the lecturers but antibody waning was slower among the schoolteachers. However, those vaccinated with ChAdOx1 complained significantly more often of vaccine side effects. In addition, during the three months after the second vaccine dose no study participants were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The BNT126b2 vaccine gave higher antibody titres in comparison with ChAdOx1 but protection against COVID-19 in both cases was similar. Moreover, we did not find any anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein antibodies at two weeks as well as at three months after vaccination among the study participants, which shows a very high vaccine effectiveness in the occupational group with a high SARS-CoV-2-infection risk.

One of the groups most vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is healthcare workers (HCWs) who have direct contact with suspected and confirmed coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) conduct a longitudinal analysis of the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs working in two healthcare units (HCUs) in Poland and (ii) identify anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody (Ab) response factors following infection and anti-COVID-19 vaccination. The overall seroprevalence increased from 0% at baseline in September 2020 to 37.8% in December 2020. It reached 100% in February 2021 after BNT126b2 (Pfizer New York, NY, USA/BioNTech Mainz, Germany) full vaccination and declined to 94.3% in September 2021. We observed significant differences in seroprevalence between the tested high- and low-risk infection HCUs, with the highest seropositivity among the midwives and nurses at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Ward, who usually have contact with non-infectious patients and may not have the proper training, practice and personal protective equipment to deal with pandemic infections, such as SARS-CoV-2. We also found that anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab levels after coronavirus infection were correlated with disease outcomes. The lowest Ab levels were found among HCWs with asymptomatic coronavirus infections, and the highest were found among HCWs with severe COVID-19. Similarly, antibody response after vaccination depended on previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and its course: the highest anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab levels were found in vaccinated HCWs after severe COVID-19. Finally, we observed an approximately 90–95% decrease in anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ab levels within seven months after vaccination. Our findings show that HCWs have the highest risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and due to antibody depletion, extra protective measures should be undertaken. In addition, in the context of the emergence of new pathogens with pandemic potential, our results highlight the necessity for better infectious disease training and regular updates for the low infection risk HCUs, where the HCWs have only occasional contact with infectious patients.

The present study aimed to assess dental and skeletal effects after transpalatal distraction using 3D cephalometry methodology. The study group comprised 34 patients (mean age 27.7 years) who were diagnosed with transverse skeletal maxillary deficiency of at least 7 mm. Computed tomography scans were obtained before surgical procedure (T1), after completion of expansion (T2) and at 6-month follow-up (T3). Computed tomography scans were imported into Dolphin Imaging software version 11.7 (Chatsworth, CA, USA). Three-dimensional skull models were oriented according to the Frankfurt horizontal plane, midsagittal plane (passing through the skeletal nasion) and frontal plane (passing through the right and left porion). Cephalometric landmarks related to skeletal, and dental structures were traced and linear and angular measurements were calculated. Following transpalatal distraction N-ANS and S-PNS distances increased by 1.27 mm and 0.54 mm, respectively. Skeletal expansion at the canine region (ARCR-ARCL) was 8.43 mm at T2 and 6.39 mm at T3. Expansion at the distal part of the maxilla (ARMR-ARML) was 5.95 mm at T2 and 4.81 mm after retention. The highest increase in maxillary arch width at T2 was observed at canines (8.74 mm), lower at premolars (8.33 mm) and the lowest at molars (6.76 mm). There is no anteroposterior movement of maxilla following transpalatal distraction; however, the maxilla shifts downward which is particularly marked anteriorly. Skeletal and dental expansion in the transversal plane occurs in a V-shaped manner, with more expansion at the anterior part of the maxilla.

The need for foods with high nutritional value has led to the rediscovery of ancient wheat species Triticum sphaerococcum and T. persicum as raw materials with valuable consumption properties, but their reintroduction requires assessment of their productivity under different agricultural practices. The field experiments were carried out for three years (2018–2020) to test the hypothesis that the sowing density of T. sphaerococcum and T. persicum (400, 500 and 600 no m−2) will affect their agronomic traits, yield and occurrence of diseases, but the response will depend on the hydrothermal conditions of the growing seasons. In this study, a significant correlation of the grain yield with the amount of precipitation in tillering, and from booting to the beginning of fruit development was demonstrated. The sowing density of T. sphaerococcum had an impact on the grain yield only under moderate drought stress during the growing season (2019), when the highest yield was obtained at a sowing density of 600 m−2. In 2019, the most favorable sowing density was also the highest for T. persicum. In the year with the lowest amount of rainfall during the growing season (2018), the yield of T. persicum was the highest in the lowest sowing density. At the shooting stage, a greater intensity of powdery mildew was observed on T. persicum, especially with higher sowing densities. Increasing the sowing density also increased the occurrence of root rot symptoms in both wheat species in the year that favored the occurrence of this disease (2018). It can be concluded that in the integrated low-input cultivation of T. sphaerococcum and T. persicum, it is justified to use a sowing density of 600 pcs. m−2, in an agroclimatic zone with moderate droughts during the growing season.

This review describes the role of contact lenses as an innovative drug delivery system in treating eye diseases. Current ophthalmic drug delivery systems are inadequate, particularly eye drops, which allow about 95% of the active substance to be lost through tear drainage. According to the literature, many interdisciplinary studies have been carried out on the ability of contact lenses to increase the penetration of topical therapeutic agents. Contact lenses limit drug loss by releasing the medicine into two layers of tears on either side of the contact lens, eventually extending the time of contact with the ocular surface. Thanks to weighted soft contact lenses, a continuous release of the drug over an extended period is possible. This article reviewed the various techniques to deliver medications through contact lenses, examining their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the potential of drug delivery systems based on contact lenses has been extensively studied.

The analysis aims at assessing the current trends in orthognathic surgery. The retrospective study covered a group of 124 patients with skeletal malocclusion treated by one team of maxillofacial surgeons at the University Hospital in Zielona Góra, Poland. Various variables were analysed, including demographic characteristics of the group, type of deformity, type of osteotomy used, order in which osteotomy was performed and duration of types of surgery. The mean age of the patients was 28 (ranging from 17 to 48, SD = 7). The group included a slightly bigger number of females (59.7%), with the dominant skeletal Class III (64.5%), and asymmetries were found in 21.8% of cases. Types of osteotomy performed during surgeries were divided as follows: LeFort I, segmental LeFort I, BSSO, BSSO with genioplasty, LeFort I with BSSO, LeFort I with BSSO and genioplasty, segmental LeFort I with BSSO, isolated genioplasty. Bimaxillary surgeries with and without genioplasty constituted the largest group of orthognathic surgeries (49.1%), and a slightly smaller percentage were one jaw surgeries (46.7%). A statistically significant correlation was found between the type of surgery and the skeletal class. In patients with skeletal Class III, bimaxillary surgeries were performed significantly more often than in patients with skeletal Class II (57.5% vs. 20.0%; p = 0.0002). The most common type of osteotomy in all surgeries was bilateral osteotomy of the mandible modo Obwegeser–Epker in combination with Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy (42.7%). The order of osteotomies in bimaxillary surgeries was mandible first in 61.3% of cases. The longest surgery was bimaxillary osteotomy with genioplasty (mean = 265 min), and the shortest surgery was isolated genioplasty (mean = 96 min). The results of the analysis show a significant differentiation between the needs of orthognathic surgery and the types of corrective osteotomy applied to the facial skeleton.

Crop management should be determined to reintroduce ancient wheat. This study aimed to determine: i. the response of the yield of ancient wheat on sowing density; ii. the impact of sowing density on plant health, weed infestation and pest occurrence. Field experiments were carried out in Poland, on three organic farms. The factors were: (1) wheat species: Persian wheat (Triticum persicum Vav.) and Indian dwarf wheat (T. sphaerococcum Perc.), (2) sowing density (400, 500, and 600 grains m−2). Increasing the sowing density of T. sphaerococcum from 400 to 600 grains m−2 increases the grain yield and reduces the pest pressure (Oulema spp. and Aphididae). Sowing densities did not affect the severity of powdery mildew at stem elongation as well as root rot and eyespot at the development of fruit. At the highest sowing density, the leaf area with tan spot symptoms was the highest. The eyespot symptoms occurred more frequently and the damaged plant surface caused by Oulema spp. was larger on T. sphaerococcum. Persian wheat turned out to be more susceptible to weed infestation. Indian dwarf wheat and Persian wheat are useful for organic farming, and the sowing density should be 500 or 600 grains m−2 and 400 grains m−2, respectively.

The analysis aimed at studying stresses reduced according to Huber’s hypothesis and displacement patterns at selected sites of the facial skeleton using a tooth-borne appliance in surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Five different variants of osteotomy of the midface and a variant without surgical intervention were compared to determine the best model for making an incision in the maxilla. The finite element analysis (FEA) was used for the study. Five osteotomy variants and a variant without osteotomy were modelled using a tooth-borne appliance on a facial skeleton model of a 23-year-old woman with skeletal malocclusion. The finite element mesh was constructed based on the geometry imported into the ANSYS 15.0 (Swanson Analysis System of USA) software, in which calculations were performed using the finite element analysis. Stress distributions and displacement patterns along the X, Y and Z axes are presented for each osteotomy variant with the expansion of the tooth-borne appliance at a level of 0.5 mm. As a result of the analysis it was found that osteotomy of the palatal suture in conjunction with Le Fort I osteotomy has the biggest impact on the course of maxillary expansion. If no osteotomy is performed, an increase in stresses reduced according to Huber occurs in the entire facial skeleton with a simultaneous absence of maxillary expansion.

This article presents the use of TLS (LiDAR) measurement for the evaluation of the technical conditions of a historic building. A FARO M70 laser scanner was used in the study. The measurements was taken as an RCP point cloud. The measurement allowed to partially determine the cause of the building damage. The performed measurement allows to propose a precise solution that could be pre-fabricated. The study shows the usefulness of TLS in building diagnostics. Improper measurement could lead to a wrong solution and a certain degree of uncertainty.