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Spironucleus muris is an intestinal protozoal pathogen that can infect various species of rodents. The infection can have a wide range of clinical presentations, from no signs of disease to death. In addition, this pathogen can adversely affect research results, especially immunologic and gastrointestinal studies. For these reasons, institutions may exclude Spironucleus muris. However, despite rigorous efforts to keep this pathogen out, it can be common in rodent colonies. The current recommended approach to eradicating this pathogen is by testing and culling positive animals. A similar organism, Giardia muris, has been effectively eliminated by using chemotherapeutics. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether S. muris is also susceptible to chemotherapeutics. Naturally infected mice were randomized to treatment groups after confirmation of positive infection via PCR. Mice received either metronidazole, fenbendazole, a combination of metronidazole-fenbendazole, or acidified water (control) treatments for a period of 4 wk. Each week fecal testing of S. muris was performed via PCR to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments. At the end of the 4 wk period, mice were euthanized via CO2 inhalation and segments of the proximal gastrointestinal tract were submitted for histopathologic analysis. Treatment with metronidazole or fenbendazole alone or in combination, failed to clear S. muris infected mice. After 4 wk of treatment, none of the mice given fenbendazole via sucralose medicated gel were positive by either PCR or histopathology; however, this finding is most likely due to intermittent shedding rather than chemotherapeutic success. Therefore, the recommendation remains to test-and-cull or rederive mice as necessary to eliminate S. muris from laboratory animal facilities.

Long-acting antiretroviral implants could help protect high-risk individuals from HIV infection. We describe the design and testing of a long-acting reservoir subcutaneous implant capable of releasing cabotegravir for several months. We compressed cabotegravir and excipients into cylindrical pellets and heat-sealed them in tubing composed of hydrophilic poly(ether-urethane) -. The implants have a 47 mm lumen length, 3.6 mm outer diameter, and 200 μm wall thickness. Four cabotegravir pellets were sealed in the membrane, with a total drug loading of 274 ± 3 mg. In vivo, the implants released 348 ± 107 μg/day (median value per implant, N = 41) of cabotegravir in rhesus macaques. Five implants generated an average cabotegravir plasma concentration of 373 ng/ml in rhesus macaques. The non-human primates tolerated the implant without gross pathology or microscopic signs of histopathology compared to placebo implants. Cabotegravir plasma levels in macaques dropped below detectable levels within two weeks after the removal of the implants.

Pain management in rabbits can be difficult because they are adept at hiding pain and can be stressed by handling and restraint for injection. The use of opioid analgesics with prolonged durations of activity could alleviate pain, but associated adverse effects including gastrointestinal ileus, inappetence, and tissue reactions have been reported. In this study, we compared gross tissue reactions at the site of injection, food consumption, and fecal production after single injections of buprenorphine HCl (Bup; n = 7), sustained-release buprenorphine (BupSR; n = 8), and high-concentration buprenorphine (BupHC; n = 7) during the first 3 d after minor survival surgery. We also measured plasma concentrations of the parent drug, buprenorphine, and 3 metabolites (buprenorphine-3-glucuronide (B3G), norbuprenorphine-3β-glucuronide (N3G), and norbuprenorphine (NB)). Plasma levels of buprenorphine remained above the theoretical minimal analgesic concentration for 4 h for Bup and 42 h for BupHC. For BupSR, plasma levels of buprenorphine remained above the theoretical minimal analgesic concentration for approximately 77 h, starting 15 h after administration. For all 3 formulations, N3G was the most prominent metabolite in the blood. No injection site reactions were visible grossly in any rabbit. Relative to baseline measures and compared with controls (n = 8), food consumption was suppressed on days 1 through 3 in rabbits that received BupSR and on days 2 through 3 in those given BupHC. Feces production on day 3 was reduced to a greater extent in BupSR rabbits than control animals. Two rabbits in the BupHC group exhibited neurologic signs after drug administration. These adverse effects should be considered when choosing a long-lasting buprenorphine formulation to manage pain in rabbits. There is an erratum to this article in Volume 60 Issue 1: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/aalas/jaalas/2021/00000060/00000001/art00015

Biological therapy is the breakthrough in the management of spectrum of various diseases It also concerns asthma therapy The data regarding the role of biologics in the treatment strategy of severe asthma are presented The overview on how mediators of type 2 inflammation drives the pathology of the disease is given It justifies the biological treatment options approved The development of treatment strategy targeting non-type 2 inflammation is also highlighted The data regarding the risk and safety of biologics are discussed Document includes the featured rules of the classification of patients with severe asthma to this reliable and efficient therapy The outlook how to perceive the safety of biologics in the time of COVID-19 epidemic is also given

The study presents assessment of the production of electricity obtained from renewable sources in selected European Union countries in 2010 and 2016. Among selected countries, the largest amount of electricity from renewable sources in 2010 was produced in Germany – 9,546.56 ktoe and in 2016 – 16,409.73 ktoe. In the analyzed countries of the European Union there was an increase in the production of energy obtained from renewable sources in comparison to 2010 and the dynamics of this growth in selected countries ranged from 106.1% to 217.0%. On the basis of the cluster analysis, it was found that Poland was in a similar group as Hungary in obtaining energy from renewable sources. On the other hand, Austria stood out the most from the surveyed countries, which proves that there is a big difference resulting from the energy management there in the area of obtaining electricity from renewable sources. Based on the principal component analysis, it was found that among selected EU countries, Austria is the most focused on the production of electricity from renewable sources from solid biofuels and water. Germany obtains the largest amounts from the sun, other renewable sources and wind.

Background Hyperglycemia has been reported in some patients after curative insulinoma resection but no systematic investigation of glucose metabolism has been shown in a larger cohort of these patients. Therefore, it is still unknown, whether long lasting hyperinsulinism in insulinoma patients induces insulin resistance, which may jeopardize the postoperative health status of these patients. Methods Early postoperative fasting serum glucose levels were measured in all insulinoma patients after curative tumor resection during the first 48 h, being operated between 2011 and 2018, retrospectively. Results Of 77 (100%) patients with benign, spontaneous occuring insulinoma 51 (66.2%) patients were operated on by tumor enucleation. In 15 (19.5%) patients a left pancreatic resection was performed and in 11 (14.3%) patients the pancreatic head or the middle console of pancreatic corpus were excised. In 32 (41.6%) cases the highest fasting postoperative glucose levels were measured between 140–200 mg/dl. In 16 (20.8%) patients the glucose serum levels reached values above 200 mg/dl and in 4 (5.2%) patients short term substitution with insulin was indicated. Only one (1.3%) of these patients developed diabetes mellitus with the need of ongoing insulin treatment. Major postoperative complications were registered in 31 of all 77 patients (40.3%) and in 9 of 16 patients (56.3%) with postoperative glucose levels above 200 mg/dl. This difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Early postoperative (first 48 h) fasting serum glucose levels in insulinoma patients showed significant hyperglycemia above 200 mg/dl in only few patients (20.8%) and chronic postoperative Diabetes mellitus developed in only one of 77 patients (

Total organic carbon (TOC) contents in agricultural soil are presently receiving increased attention, not only because of their relationship to soil fertility, but also due to the sequestration of organic carbon in soil to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In this research, the spatial patterns of TOC and its relationship with pH at the European scale were studied using hot spot analysis based on the agricultural soil results of the Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural Soil (GEMAS) project. The hot and cold spot maps revealed the overall spatial patterns showing a negative correlation between TOC contents and pH values in European agricultural soil. High TOC contents accompanying low pH values in the north-eastern part of Europe (e.g., Fennoscandia), and low TOC with high pH values in the southern part (e.g., Spain. Italy, Balkan countries). A special feature of co-existence of comparatively low TOC contents and low pH values in north-central Europe was also identified on hot and cold spot analysis maps. It has been found that these patterns are strongly related to the high concentration of SiO2 (quartz) in the coarse-textured glacial sediments in north-central Europe. The hot spot analysis was effective, therefore, in highlighting the spatial patterns of TOC in European agricultural soil and helpful to identify hidden patterns. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The optical aberrations of the thermal lens formed in a liquid are reported for the first time as expressed in terms of the Zernike polynomials coefficients. Convection of the liquid in which the thermal lens is formed is shown to strongly modify the lens imaging properties, even for the case of vertical heating laser illumination, as studied herein. The time evolution of the optical properties of the thermal lens is investigated. The direction from which the heating laser beam illuminates the thermo-optical liquid, in which the thermal lens is formed, has been found to be crucial for the lens optical power, type, and level of aberrations observed and the way these lens properties change in time.

Background: Poland does not currently have a national asthma management policy. Although the global GINA guidelines are regularly translated, they may be adopted differently by physicians. Objective: To investigate, if the real-life assessment of asthma control in Poland meets global management standards. Methods: In total, 70 alergists, 80 pulmonologists and 103 GPs participated in the study. All physicians responded to a qualitative questionnaire and delivered diaries (assessment and decisions) of the 10 consecutive asthma patients. The level of asthma control assessed subjectively by the physicians was matched with the patient-reported symptoms according to the GINA guidelines. We also asked physicians about the frequency of short-acting s2-agonists (SABA) use as a sign of poor asthma control. Results: Data obtained from 253 physicians and 2,482 patients showed, that only 59.1% allergists, 44.1% pulmonologists and 44.1% GPs correctly assessed the level of asthma control according to the GINA guidelines (p=0.05, chi²-test). In terms of the GINA guidelines for SABA consumption, only 27% of allergists, 15% pulmonologists and 12% GPs correctly stated the use 1-2 times per week was indicative of controlled asthma. Meanwhile, 41% allergists, 62% pulmonologists and 59% GPs incorrectly assumed the use of 3 or more SABA canisters per year was a sign of controlled asthma. Conclusions: We found low adoption of the GINA guidelines in terms of the assessment of asthma control in Poland, especially regarding SABA overuse. Incorrect assessment of asthma control may lead to sub-optimal treatment decisions.

A new, to the best of our knowledge, way of tuning the focal length of a thermal lens is presented. The thermal lens is formed in a photochromic thermo-optical material, through illumination of the material by a heating laser beam of constant power. The tunability of the lens is achieved by changing the absorption coefficient of the thermo-optical material at the heating laser beam wavelength. This change is obtained by modifying the intensity of the additional, flat in profile, light of a wavelength different than that of the heating laser beam. The change in intensity of this light may follow from the effects of external factors, as, e.g., decrease in daylight intensity. Therefore, the lens may be considered as a passive auto-tuning lens, with focal length auto-adjusting to the external illumination.

It has been reported that female sex hormones influence on allergic inflammation and ventilation parameters in asthma but conclusions drawn by different researchers are divergent. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of progesterone (Pg) and estradiol (E) on the dynamics of allergic inflammation and spirometry test results in regularly menstruating women with stable allergic asthma. 13 women (28 days menstrual cycle), aged 18-45, taking no hormonal contraceptives, with mild and moderate asthma, without reported exacerbations at the near-ovulation and/or menstruation time, were monitored during two consecutive menstrual cycles. They had 4 visits per cycle (the first day of menstruation was assumed to be day 1 of the cycle; visits were carried out on days: 3-4, 10-11, 13-14 and 23-24). At each visit asthma symptoms, asthma control test (ACT) results, asthma treatment, fractioned nitric oxide (FENO) levels, spirometry test results, Pg and E, levels were analyzed. As a result of the study, no essential variability in FENO values and ventilation parameters' values in the course of menstruation cycle were observed. Negative correlation between FENO values and Pg concentrations was demonstrated (r = 0.27), but no correlation between FENO values and E levels was shown. No relationship between the ACT values and ventilation parameters and the levels of the sex hormones under investigation was detected. We conclude that changing levels of estradiol and progesterone (regardless of the negative correlation of progesterone and FENO values) affect neither the dynamics of allergic inflammation nor pulmonary function in women with stable allergic mild/moderate asthma.

Over 4000 soil samples were collected for the “Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural and Grazing Land Soil of Europe” (GEMAS) project carried out by the EuroGeoSurveys Geochemistry Expert Group. Cadmium concentrations are reported for the

Electrical power generation facilities account for a large share of global CO2 emissions. Because they are stationary single-point emitters, power plants are an obvious target for reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions by CO2 capture. Capture from Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC) power generation has been much less investigated than from coal power generation, despite having approximately half of the CO2 emissions per electrical unity of energy produced as compared to coal-fired power plants. Furthermore, the majority of carbon capture R&D has been devoted to the development of amine scrubbers, a process which incurs a significant energy debit because of its steam consumption in the sorbent regeneration step. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs) can be used for CO2 capture from NGCC facilities without a significant energy debit. They are modular, thus flexible in fitting the required capture capacity. When using MCFCs for carbon capture, additional power is created by the fuel cells keeping the total efficiency of the power generation system at or near the efficiency of the NGCC plant without CO2 abatement. This paper summarizes the current status of MCFC carbon capture technology for low-CO2 emission abatement. We developed modeling tools and performed process simulations to optimize MCFC performance and to develop and assess integrated solutions for power generation with carbon capture. We also obtained proof-of-principle data at the bench scale, using small button cells and lab-scale single cells. Additionally, we carried out process demonstration tests using pilot-scale fuel cell stacks. Our results indicate that the technology is feasible and effective.

Background: The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2019 report proposed novel approaches to asthma management, including using combined inhaled corticosteroid-formoterol (ICS/FOR) on an as-needed basis. This regimen provides the patient with ICS whenever reliever medication is used. Objective: This study aimed to analyze patterns of ICS/FOR prescriptions in a large group of adolescent and adult patients with asthma in Poland. Methods: We analyzed prescription database records from 5,600 pharmacies in Poland, providing information on asthma medications collected by 146,845 patients (with at least one prescription within six months) in 2018. Results: Combined ICS/ long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) were collected by 69,497 (48%) patients, of which 28,956 (20% of ICS/LABA users) also received short-acting beta2-agonists (SABA). ICS/FOR together with SABA were collected by 10,304 (15% of all ICS/LABA) and without SABA by 18,417 (26.5% of all ICS/LABA) patients, respectively. Among patients prescribed low-dose ICS/FOR for maintenance and reliever therapy, some 6,725 (9.6% of all ICS/LABA) received SABA. Almost 1/3 of low-dose ICS/FOR patients collected fewer than four canisters of these drugs per year. Conclusions: In a large population of Polish patients with asthma, inappropriate use of SABA is common among those using low-dose ICS/FOR as maintenance and reliever therapy. ICS/FOR refill rates are low for some patients, suggesting as-needed use rather than regular maintenance as prescribed.

Background: Frequent SABA use is associated with a higher risk of exacerbations and asthma-related death. Therefore, restriction of SABA use is proposed in the GINA 2019 report. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate patterns of SABA use in asthma management in Poland. Methods: We analyzed prescription records from 5,600 pharmacies, focusing on adult patients receiving asthma medications in 2018. Results: Of the 91,673 patients aged 18–64 years included, 5,202 (5.7%) represented SABA-only, 5,961 (6.5%) inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), 7,197 (7.9%) long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), and 73,313 (80%) ICS/LABA treatment. Concomitant SABA prescriptions were apparent for 100% of ICS patients (5,961) and 40% of ICS/LABA users (29,289). Three or more SABA canisters per year were collected by 29% (1,730) of patients in the ICS group, and 37% (10,749) in the ICS/LABA group. Some 5.6% (2,359) of SABA users received 12 or more SABA canisters per year. SABA prescriptions were issued mostly by general practitioners (75% in the SABA-only group, 60% in the ICS group, and 59% in the ICS/LABA group), followed by pulmonologists (5%, 13%, and 19%, respectively) and allergists (35%, 9%, and 10%, respectively). Conclusions: SABA usage is probably not recognized as a sign of poor asthma control in Poland. SABA overuse (≥3 canisters per year) was observed in about one-third of ICS or ICS/LABA-treated individuals, thus representing potentially higher risk of exacerbations.

We describe the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a subcutaneous reservoir implant delivering tenofovir alafenamide hemifumarate (TAF) for the prevention of HIV infection. These long-acting reservoir implants were able to deliver antiretroviral drug for over 90 days in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the implants for implantation site histopathology and pharmacokinetics in plasma and tissues for up to 12 weeks in New Zealand White rabbit and rhesus macaque models., We describe the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a subcutaneous reservoir implant delivering tenofovir alafenamide hemifumarate (TAF) for the prevention of HIV infection. These long-acting reservoir implants were able to deliver antiretroviral drug for over 90 days in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the implants for implantation site histopathology and pharmacokinetics in plasma and tissues for up to 12 weeks in New Zealand White rabbit and rhesus macaque models. A dose-ranging study in rabbits demonstrated dose-dependent pharmacokinetics and local inflammation up to severe necrosis around the active implants. The matched placebos showed normal wound healing and fibrous tissue encapsulation of the implant. We designed a second implant with a lower release rate and flux of TAF and achieved a median cellular level of tenofovir diphosphate of 42 fmol per 106 rhesus macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells at a TAF dose of 10 μg/kg/day. This dose and flux of TAF also resulted in adverse local inflammation and necrosis near the implant in rhesus macaques. The level of inflammation in the primates was markedly lower in the placebo group than in the active-implant group. The histological inflammatory response to the TAF implant at 4 and 12 weeks in primates was graded as a severe reaction. Thus, while we were able to achieve a sustained target dose, we observed an unacceptable inflammatory response locally at the implant tissue interface.

BACKGROUND Cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) are caused by germline pathogenic variants that put an individual at increased risk of developing cancer throughout their lifetime. It is estimated that approximately 10-15% of children with cancer have an underlying CPS. Although research has investigated the clinical utility of genetic testing for children diagnosed with cancer, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of parental attitudes toward genetic testing in this population. PROCEDURE Attitudes toward genetic counseling and testing among parents of children diagnosed with cancer were solicited through questionnaires distributed to a pediatric cancer clinic and online support groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for association. RESULTS The majority of participants had prior knowledge of genetic counseling (64.3%), yet most were not offered genetic counseling (59.5%). Fifty percent of parents reported interest in pursuing genetic counseling/testing and 31.0% reported uncertainty. Statistically significant associations were identified between interest in genetic counseling/testing and the child's age at diagnosis, child's sex, and participant annual income (P

A reliable overview of measured concentrations of TC, TN and TS, TOC/TN ratios, and their regional distribution patterns in agricultural soil at the continental scale and based on measured data has been missing - despite much previous work on local and the European scales. Detection and mapping of natural (ambient) background element concentrations and variability in Europe was the focus of this work. While total C and S data had been presented in the GEMAS atlas already, this work delivers more precise (lower limit of determination) and fully quantitative data, and for the first time high-quality TN data. Samples were collected from the uppermost 20 cm of ploughed soil (Ap horizon) at 2108 sites with an even sampling density of one site per 2500 km2 for one individual land-use class (agricultural) across Europe (33 countries). Laboratory-independent quality control from sampling to analysis guaranteed very good data reliability and accuracy. Total carbon concentrations ranged from 0.37 to 46.3 wt% (median: 2.20 wt%) and TOC from 0.40 to 46.0 wt% (median: 1.80 wt%). Total nitrogen ranged from 0.018 to 2.64 wt% (median: 0.169 wt%) and TS from 0.008 to 9.74 wt% (median: 0.034 wt%), all with large variations in most countries. The TOC/TN ratios ranged from 1.8 to 252 (median: 10.1), with the largest variation in Spain and the smallest in some eastern European countries. Distinct and repetitive patterns emerge at the European scale, reflecting mostly geogenic and longer-term climatic influence responsible for the spatial distribution of TC, TN and TS. Different processes become visible at the continental scale when examining TC, TN and TS concentrations in agricultural soil Europe-wide. This facilitates large-scale land-use management and allows specific areas (subregional to local) to be identified that may require more detailed research.

The GEMAS (geochemical mapping of agricultural soil) project collected 2108 Ap horizon soil samples from regularly ploughed fields in 33 European countries, covering 5.6 million km(2). The

This paper presents the analysis of medical rescue team interventions related to cases of hypothermia over the period 2008–2012 in a selected area of the Lublin Region, in southeast Poland. We compared the interventions to weather conditions, based on the bioclimatic Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). This paper focuses on cases of hypothermia on days with at least slight cold stress, when the UTCI value is < 9°C. The results show that the most frequent interventions in cases of hypothermia are during relatively low heat load involving cold stress, corresponding with air temperatures (at low wind velocities) oscillating around zero (approximately ±5degC). Although we can prevent hypothermia and cold-related diseases, even in the twenty-first century there are people suffering due to cold. This paper contains advice for policymakers assisting the prevention of hypothermia in the most vulnerable groups of society.

One of the methods of obtaining highly accurate and current spatial data about the terrain, as well as objects situated on it, is laser scanning. LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is among the most modern, dynamically developing technologies and reveals in surveying new capabilities that have been unachievable in a traditional way so far. The aim of the publication is to show the possibilities of using data from airborne laser scanning to perform the survey and visualization of the energy network, and also identification of hazards which the present network constitutes for the immediate environment using the TerraSolid software package. The survey was conducted for two independent sections of the power line, on the basis of two different clouds of points obtained from the airborne laser scanning. The first one had a density of 16 points/m2, while the other 22 pts/m2. The project was created in an environment of MicroStation V8i software using special overlays – TerraScan and TerraModeler of Finnish TerraSolid Company. The use of the test clouds of different densities was intended to indicate an optimal density of the cloud of points, which allows carrying out a survey and visualization of the energy network based on data derived from airborne laser scanning. The publication presents on particular examples the procedure of vectorization and visualization of the power line and detection of objects within a dangerous distance from it. The possibility of using applied LIDAR data, meeting the industry requirements, to the survey of power lines has been also confirmed.

Background Improvement of the delivery method of inhaled corticosteroids and subsequent dose reduction can minimize the risk of unfavorable outcomes while providing optimal asthma control. Objective This randomized, multi-center, non-inferiority, phase IV clinical study compared the efficacy and safety of a new formulation of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (250 μg/50 μg, twice daily) administered in a metered-dose inhaler hydrofluoroalkane (MDI HFA) with a dry-powder inhaler (DPI) containing fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (500 μg/50 μg, twice daily). Methods Adults with asthma (n = 231) were randomly assigned to either the study group (treated for 12 weeks with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol MDI HFA) or a control group (treated for 12 weeks with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol DPI). Asthma symptoms, exacerbations, short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) use, physical activity, lung function, and general health status were assessed during four study visits. Results Compared with the reference drug, the study drug decreased the incidence of daytime and night-time asthma symptoms, asthma exacerbations, self-administration of SABA, and the limitation of physical activity. Comparable improvement in peak expiratory flow ([MDI HFA] from 6.2 ± 0.2 to 6.6 ± 0.2 l/s vs. [DPI] from 6.0 ± 0.2 to 6.9 ± 0.2 l/s; p > 0.05), forced expiratory volume in one second, and forced vital capacity were obtained in both groups. Significantly lower incidence of hoarseness was observed in the study group ([MDI HFA] 0.0% vs. [DPI] 2.8%; p = 0.0267); no major differences were found for other adverse events. Conclusions Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (250 μg/50 μg, twice daily) MDI HFA provides optimal asthma control and is non-inferior to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (500 μg/50 μg, twice daily) DPI.

Prostate cancer can negatively impact quality of life of the patient and his spouse caregiver, but interventions rarely target the health of both partners simultaneously. We tested the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a partnered strength training program on the physical and mental health of prostate cancer survivors (PCS) and spouse caregivers. Sixty-four couples were randomly assigned to 6 months of partnered strength training (Exercising Together, N = 32) or usual care (UC, N = 32). Objective measures included body composition (lean, fat and trunk fat mass (kg), and % body fat) by DXA, upper and lower body muscle strength by 1-repetition maximum, and physical function by the physical performance battery (PPB). Self-reported measures included the physical and mental health summary scales and physical function and fatigue subscales of the SF-36 and physical activity with the CHAMPS questionnaire. Couple retention rates were 100 % for Exercising Together and 84 % for UC. Median attendance of couples to Exercising Together sessions was 75 %. Men in Exercising Together became stronger in the upper body (p

Degree of autonomy is one of the key dimensions of professionalization in journalism. However, the strive for autonomy looks different in different media systems, where pressure on autonomy can come from both political and commercial powers, outside and within the media. Media development also changes the conditions for professional autonomy for journalists, in both a positive and a negative sense. In the comparative research project “Journalism in change”, the journalistic cultures in Russia, Poland and Sweden are studied. In a survey involving 1500 journalists from the three countries, journalists report on their perceived autonomy in their daily work and in relation to different actors inside and outside the media. The survey covers how the work has been changed by media developments, and how these changes have affected journalists′perceived autonomy. The results show similarities in the strive for autonomy, but also clear differences in how autonomy is perceived by journalists in the three countries.

Over 4000 agricultural and grazing land soil samples were collected for the “Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural and Grazing Land Soil of Europe” (GEMAS) project carried out by the EuroGeoSurveys Geochemistry Expert Group. The samples were collected in 33 European countries, covering 5.6 million km 2 at a density of 1 sample site per 2500 km 2 . All samples were analysed by ICP-MS following an aqua regia extraction. The European median Cd concentration is 0.182 mg/kg in agricultural soil and 0.197 mg/kg in grazing land soil (including eastern Ukraine). The Cd map demonstrates the existence of two different geochemical background regimes in northern and southern Europe, separated by the southern limit of the Quaternary glaciation. Cadmium shows two times higher background concentrations in the older and more weathered southern European soil than in northern European soil. The spatial distribution patterns of Cd in the collected soil samples are mainly governed by geology (parent material and mineralisation), as well as weathering, soil formation and climate since the last glaciation period. Locally, in several areas, the natural anomaly pattern is overprinted by anthropogenic emissions from former mining, ore processing and related metal industries. Some Cd anomalies can be attributed to urbanisation and the use of fertilisers. A comparison of the raw data Cd concentration map with its clr-transformed counterpart and selected single element ratio maps demonstrates that substantial additional information about sources and processes governing the distribution of Cd in agricultural soil at the European scale can be obtained. Results of a PCA, carried out following the classical approach (standardised) versus a PCA based on the statistically acceptable approach, using clr-transformed data, are quite comparable.

Two thousand one hundred and eight agricultural soils (0–20 cm depth) collected at a density of one sample per 2500 km2 under the auspices of the Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural Soils (GEMAS) project over most of the European continent have been analysed using the Mobile Metal Ion (MMI®) partial extraction technique with ICP-MS finish. For a number of elements, notably Ce, Ni, and Ca, coherent geogenic patterns have been observed which relate to underlying lithology. For Fe and Al, coherent patterns are also observed but the effects of weathering are evident, and provide a mechanism to explain the acidity of soils in high rainfall areas. Individual anomalies, many related to anthropogenic activity (mining, metallurgy, agriculture) have been observed for Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn. Comparison of the results with aqua regia digestion and the equivalent National Geochemistry Survey of Australia (NGSA) provides insights into weathering processes and the concept of bioavailability. © 2015 AAG/The Geological Society of London.

To investigate whether functionally based resistance exercise could improve strength, physical function, and disability among prostate cancer survivors (PCS) on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); and to explore potential mediators of changes in outcomes from exercise.Randomized controlled trial.Academic medical center.PCS (N=51; mean age, 70.2y) on ADT.PCS were randomized to moderate to vigorous intensity resistance training or stretching (placebo control) for 1 year.Maximal leg press and bench press strength, objective and self-reported physical function, and self-reported disability. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test for significant group × time differences adjusting for covariates.Retention in the study was 84%, and median attendance to supervised classes was 84% in the resistance group. No study-related injuries occurred. Maximal leg strength (P=.032) and bench press strength (P=.027) were improved after 1 year of resistance training, whereas little change occurred from stretching. Self-reported physical function improved with resistance training, whereas decreases occurred from stretching (P=.016). Disability lessened more with resistance training than stretching (P=.018). One-year change in leg press strength mediated the relation between groups (resistance or stretching) and 1-year change in self-reported disability (P.05).One year of resistance training improved muscle strength in androgen-deprived PCS. Strengthening muscles using functional movement patterns may be an important feature of exercise programs designed to improve perceptions of physical function and disability. Findings from this study contribute to the mounting evidence that exercise should become a routine part of clinical care in older men with advanced prostate cancer.

This study was designed and performed in order to determine the accuracy and usefulness of different modern Garmin and Suunto GNSS devices – mainly smartwatches - during a flight of TS-11 "Iskra" aircraft. The plane trajectory was determined using six different class navigation devices placed in a cockpit of an aircraft. To calculate reference position - Thales Mobile Mapper with post-processing option and data from Polish ASG-EUPOS network was used. The obtained results show that the tested devices gave reasonable positioning accuracy and can be used on board of an aircraft traveling at high speeds. However, it must be emphasized that smartwatches can be only used as a supplementary navigation aid during any air operation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/enviro.2017.181

The oldest known method for relieving pain is music, and yet, to date, the underlying neural mechanisms have not been studied. Here, we investigate these neural mechanisms by applying a well-defined painful stimulus while participants listened to their favorite music or to no music. Neural responses in the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord were mapped with functional magnetic resonance imaging spanning the cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. Subjective pain ratings were observed to be significantly lower when pain was administered with music than without music. The pain stimulus without music elicited neural activity in brain regions that are consistent with previous studies. Brain regions associated with pleasurable music listening included limbic, frontal, and auditory regions, when comparing music to non-music pain conditions. In addition, regions demonstrated activity indicative of descending pain modulation when contrasting the 2 conditions. These regions include the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, periaqueductal gray matter, rostral ventromedial medulla, and dorsal gray matter of the spinal cord. This is the first imaging study to characterize the neural response of pain and how pain is mitigated by music, and it provides new insights into the neural mechanism of music-induced analgesia within the central nervous system. Perspective This article presents the first investigation of neural processes underlying music analgesia in human participants. Music modulates pain responses in the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord, and neural activity changes are consistent with engagement of the descending analgesia system.

Ce, La and Y from agricultural (Ap) and grazing land (Gr) soils of Europe have been investigated using new geochemical data produced by the GEMAS (Geochemical mapping of agricultural and grazing land soils) project. Interpolated maps showing Ce, La, and Y distributions in Ap and Gr were generated using ArcView and classified with the concentration — area (CA) fractal method. The median values of the investigated elements show similar concentrations in Ap and Gr soils, while the median values obtained by XRF-total analyses are generally higher than those obtained by aqua regia extraction, ICP-MS (aqua regia). In general, high pH alkaline soils have higher REE concentrations while specific anomalies can often be correlated with known phosphate and REE mineralizations. The GEMAS and the topsoils media from the FOREGS (Forum of European Geological Surveys) Project databases are compared. FOREGS geochemical data shows larger extended anomalies, such as the European wide north–south division, which are difficult to attribute to local processes, while the GEMAS anomalies are spatially more restricted, and can be related to a number of more local factors (e.g., climate, geology, pH, clay content and presence of till).

We have previously reported that 1 year of supervised resistance + impact training stopped bone loss and built muscle strength in older breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these benefits persisted 1 year after completion of the intervention. Sixty-seven women from the original trial completed baseline and post-intervention body composition and muscle strength tests, and 44 women were available 1 year later for follow-up assessments. Bone mineral density (grams per square centimeter) of the hip and spine, muscle mass (kilograms), and fat mass (kilograms) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and maximal upper and lower body strength were measured by one-repetition maximum tests (kilograms). We compared between group changes across baseline (pre-intervention), 1 (post-intervention), and 2 years (1 year follow up) on study outcomes using repeated-measures analysis of covariance, adjusting for age. Significant group by time interactions were found for spine bone mineral density (BMD) (p

Aim of this study was an analysis and assessment of the economy and energy effectiveness of winter wheat and winter rape cultivation for liquid biofuel production. The cost of production and economical effect index is more profitable in case of winter rape. Also the final balance of energy effectiveness has shown better values if the biodiesel had been produced from winter rape as compared with bioethanol from winter wheat. Calculation of the obtained products and their comparison with an energy unit has shown that the netto energy from biodiesel was positive while that from bioethanol was negative, which means that in the latter case expenditure is greater than that gained in the produced biofuel.

Posters as a form of political communication have a long and beautiful tradition in Poland. They played an important role during the communist period as a distribution channel of democratic values. Artists were obliged to use a special code to hide the real message at a time of political censorship. They created not only artistic works but tried to feed and spread the idea of independence and democracy. At the beginning of political transformation in the 1900s/1990s, some artists were still active and they supported Solidarity. In parallel, with the subsequent consolidation of democracy, political posters underwent an evolution. They were no longer an object in the hands of artists, but they started to be an instrument of political actors and commercial agencies, which worked for them. This kind of “cooperation” between political and market participants is responsible for the quality of posters, their standardization, and commercialization. But they are still an important kind of political advertisement in Poland.

We report on experimental and numerical investigation of two-photon coincidence properties of the parametric spontaneous down-converted field excited by a high brightness blue LED in bulk lithium iodate crystal. Ratio of up to 11.5% of coincidence, which cannot be attributed to classical coincidences, to single photon counts was recorded at the outputs of multimode fibers, demonstrating well-preserved biphoton property. This result, combined with practically useful power of the source, suggests its possible application for a class of quantum experiments.

Introduction: In an era of ubiquitous computing, a considerable part of the population, regardless of age group, spend more time in a sitting position. Long­‍‑term, static loading of the spine increases muscle tension, leading to the occurrence of pain. Physiotherapy is recommended as primary and secondary prevention of spinal pain symptoms. The Kinesiology Taping Method is one of the many special methods of physiotherapy which is used during the episodes of back pain in the lumbosacral region. This method consists in sticking on a special tape, which is made of stretch cotton similar to human skin, using a variety of techniques for patch application. The present study evaluated the effect of the application of the Kinesiology Taping technique for muscle mobility in the lumbar spine and the subjective perception of pain intensity.Material and methods: The study group consisted of 100 patients (89 women and 11 men) who experienced pain in the lumbar spine. To assess the mobility of the lumbar spine the Schober test was used. The subjective sensation of pain was assessed using the VAS (visual analogue scale). Measurements were taken four times: before gluing applications, immediately after taping, 7 days after application of the patch, and immediately after its removal.Results: In response to the use of therapy, an increase of mobility of the lumbar spine in flexion front and back, and reduced pain was shown.Conclusions: Application of the muscle kinesiology taping technique is an effective method in reducing pain and increasing mobility of the lumbar spine.

An experimental and numerical investigation of the applicability of the temperature-controlled focal length of a thermally induced lens is reported. The thermal lens is formed as a result of absorption of a heating laser beam. Numerical simulations and experimental results show that changing the bulk temperature of the material of the lensing element allows for the selection of its focal length. The range of focal length changes for an example lens is given.

Contents Suckling by newborns induces a surge of lactogenic hormones, that is prolactin and growth hormone (GH), in mother’s body, with endogenous opioid peptide (EOP) participating in generation of this surge. The aim of the current study was to investigate which types of opioid receptors are involved in generation of the GH surge in ewes during suckling. A series of intracerebroventricular infusions of opioid receptors antagonists: naloxone (for all types of receptors), naloxonazine (specific for μ receptor) and 5′-guanidinonaltrindole (GNTI – specific for κ receptor) and the vehicle (control) were performed in nursing sheep during the fifth week of lactation. All infusions were carried out in a serial manner: five 30-min infusions (60 μg/60 μl) from 10:00 to 15:00, at 30-min intervals. The period of the experiment consisted of the non-suckling (10:00–12:30) and suckling (12:30–15:00) periods. Simultaneously, blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals to determine plasma GH concentration by radioimmunoassay. Suckling evoked a rapid increase in GH concentration in control ewes. Naloxone and naloxonazine significantly decreased both the basal GH release in the non-suckling period and the suckling-induced GH surge. Specifically, the suppressive effect concerned either the duration or the amplitude of the GH surge. In contrast, GNTI did not significantly affect the GH release. In conclusion, the EOPs may affect the regulatory process of GH secretion in lactating sheep, especially through μ opioid receptor.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent airway disorder. However, the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of COPD have not been completely elucidated to date. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a pleiotropic, multifunctional cytokine participating in cell differentiation, apoptosis, survival and proliferation. TGF-β is involved in many diseases, including carcinogenesis and fibrosis. Although the most important risk factor for COPD is cigarette smoking, only 10–15% of all smokers develop the disease. This finding raises suspicion that some host or genetic factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Thus, special attention has recently been focused on the role in COPD of TGF-β, which is active in inflammation of the airways and particularly in lung remodeling. TGF-β induces chemotaxis of mast cells and macrophages, regulates cell apoptosis and influences the protease/antiprotease balance inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9. TGF-β is heavily involved in repair proc...

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which a novel training program based on activities of daily living (ADL) would affect performance of ADLs, as well as the fitness of older adults. Fourteen individuals (mean age 82 years) took part in a 10-week control period followed by a 10-week ADL-based training program. Pre- and posttests included the Physical Performance Test (PPT), the Physical Functional Performance–10 (PFP-10), and the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). After the training period, improvements ranging from 7% to 33% (p < .05) were seen on the PPT and PFP-10 and on three items of the SFT. After conversion to standard scores, the magnitude of change in the PPT and the PFP-10 was significantly greater (p < .05) than the magnitude of change in the SFT. These data support the idea that this novel ADL-based training program was able to facilitate improved performance of ADLs, as well as select measures of fitness among older adults.