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To determine the impact of selected conditions of abrasive treatment on the value and distribution of microhardness and residual stresses in layers carburised by a continuous single-piece flow method. Reference pieces were low pressure carburised at 920°C and then heat-treated in a 4D Quench heat treatment chamber at a pressure of 7 bar and tempered at 190ºC for 3 hours. In the next stage, samples were ground at various vw piece speeds, introducing grinding fluid into the cutting zone using the WET spraying method or using the MQL method at a minimum flow rate. The distribution of microhardness and residual stresses generated in the technological outer layer of the pieces following heat and chemical treatment and the grinding process was measured. Results of the tests indicated that the vw piece speed and method used to supply cooling and lubricating fluid to the grinding zone had an impact on selected parameters of the technological outer layer of flat samples made of 20MnCr5 steel. The process of grinding using an electrocorundum grinding wheel results in a deterioration of residual stresses in the material. For each of the three analysed vw piece speeds, reduced changes in material microhardness prior to cutting occur in the outer layer of samples ground using GF supplied at a minimum flow rate using the MQL method. Environmental considerations and having to conform to increasingly stringent regulations related to environmental protection and employee safety motivate researchers and businesses to entirely eliminate or reduce the use of grinding fluids in the grinding process and, therefore, to optimise grinding technology. Modern manufacturing industry requires the grinding process, which follows heat and chemical treatment, to be performed with the highest possible efficiency. However, retaining high parameters of the technological outer layer in comparison to the sample material following vacuum carburisation (before grinding) is extremely difficult. An optimised configuration of parameters of the grinding process and method of supplying grinding fluids enables meeting the current and future high expectations of the industry in this regard. The tests have enabled us to determine the impact of the applied vw workpiece speed and method of supplying grinding fluid on microhardness and residual stresses. Generally speaking, grinding with an electrocorundum grinding wheel results in a deterioration of residual stresses. For both methods of supplying GF (WET and MQL), the distribution of microhardness in the material of the samples ground with the highest workpiece speed (18.0 m/min) indicated no significant differences with regard to the distribution of microhardness in the material of the samples following heat and chemical treatment.

The research was divided into two stages. The first stage of work was to perform empirical research using the Perkins engine. The test stand was equipped with an exhaust gas composition analyzer, a pressure sensor enabling measurement of pressure in the engine cylinder and a crankshaft position sensor. This stage of research was realized for diesel and UCOME fuel. The second stage was a simulation test. The Zeldowicz model of thermal NO formation in compression ignition engines was used for calculations. Theoretical methods were compared with the results obtained in empirical tests. It was found that the most similar results of tests when powering the engine with UCOME fuel were obtained thanks to the GRI-MECH 3.0 (GM3) method. On the basis of this method, coefficients of the reaction rate of NO formation in an internal combustion engine, which is powered by the higher generation alternative fuel (Sikora et al. (S) method) were developed. For the calculation tests the values of the experimentally determined pressures were used. The proposed method can be used in simulation tests of a diesel engine running on FAME fuels with similar physical and chemical properties as the UCOME fuel. This will significantly reduce the costs of such tests, as some empirical tests can be eliminated by the conclusions of the simulation tests.

Background Activin A protein and its receptor ACVR2B have been considered viable biomarkers for the diagnosis of hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This study aimed to assess umbilical cord blood (UCB) levels of Activin A and Acvr2b messenger RNA (mRNA) as early biomarkers of mild and moderate HIE and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Methods One-hundred and twenty-six infants were included in the analyses from the BiHiVE2 cohort, a multi-center study, recruited in Ireland and Sweden (2013 to 2015). UCB serum Activin A and whole blood Acvr2b mRNA were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results Activin A analysis included 101 infants (controls, n = 50, perinatal asphyxia, n = 28, HIE, n = 23). No differences were detected across groups (p = 0.69). No differences were detected across HIE grades (p = 0.12). Acvr2b mRNA analysis included 67 infants (controls, n = 22, perinatal asphyxia, n = 23, and HIE, n = 22), and no differences were observed across groups (p = 0.75). No differences were detected across HIE grades (p = 0.58). No differences were detected in neurodevelopmental outcome in infants followed up to 18 to 36 months in serum Activin A or in whole blood Acvr2b mRNA (p = 0.55 and p = 0.90, respectively). Conclusion UCB Activin A and Acvr2b mRNA are not valid biomarkers of infants with mild or moderate HIE; they are unable to distinguish infants with HIE or infants with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.

PurposeCombining early and untested accountability perspectives with stress research, the authors examined the degree to which employees perceive workplace accountabilities as either worthy challenges to be overcome or potential threats to be avoided.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilized structural equation modeling to evaluate our hypotheses and tested them across two data samples, using two different sampling techniques collected four years apart.FindingsEmployees' individual differences of attribution style, negative affectivity and core self-evaluations influenced how subjects approached accountability pressures in their workplace, which in turn, was associated with job satisfaction and turnover intentions.Originality/valueBy examining how employees evaluate accountability pressures, this investigation advances existing research by exploring the different ways in which employees perceive workplace accountabilities.

14 pags., 5 figs., The paradigmatic disordered protein tau plays an important role in neuronal function and neurodegenerative diseases. To disentangle the factors controlling the balance between functional and disease-associated conformational states, we build a structural ensemble of the tau K18 fragment containing the four pseudorepeat domains involved in both microtubule binding and amyloid fibril formation. We assemble 129-residue-long tau K18 chains with atomic detail from an extensive fragment library constructed with molecular dynamics simulations. We introduce a reweighted hierarchical chain growth (RHCG) algorithm that integrates experimental data reporting on the local structure into the assembly process in a systematic manner. By combining Bayesian ensemble refinement with importance sampling, we obtain well-defined ensembles and overcome the problem of exponentially varying weights in the integrative modeling of long-chain polymeric molecules. The resulting tau K18 ensembles capture nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift and J-coupling measurements. Without further fitting, we achieve very good agreement with measurements of NMR residual dipolar couplings. The good agreement with experimental measures of global structure such as single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiencies is improved further by ensemble refinement. By comparing wild-type and mutant ensembles, we show that pathogenic single-point P301L, P301S, and P301T mutations shift the population from the turn-like conformations of the functional microtubule-bound state to the extended conformations of disease-associated tau fibrils. RHCG thus provides us with an atomically detailed view of the population equilibrium between functional and aggregation-prone states of tau K18, and demonstrates that global structural characteristics of this intrinsically disordered protein emerge from its local structure., We acknowledge financial support from the German Research Foundation (CRC902: Molecular Principles of RNA Based Regulation), the Max Planck Society, and the Swiss National Science Foundation. M.Z. was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement No. 787679). L.S.S. thanks ReALity (Resilience, Adaptation and Longevity), M3ODEL (Mainz Institute of Multiscale Modeling) and Forschungsinitiative des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz for their support M.S. was supported by the FWF Schrödinger fellowship J4332-B28.

The data on susceptibility to antifungals of new species within Candida glabrata complex are limited. Our study was to enrich a global knowledge of yeast epidemiology and drug resistance. The study was focused on the identification of species within clinical isolates of the C. glabrata complex and on the determination of their resistance to antifungals. Four hundred forty-five clinical C. glabrata sensu lato strains were isolated from different clinical samples at routine mycological exams at the Infant Jesus Teaching Hospital in Warsaw. The identification of the most of tested isolates to species complex level was performed using the ID 32 C system. The identification of C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis species within the C. glabrata complex was performed by DNA sequencing. The MICs of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin were determined by E-test. Twenty-four isolates did not have an ITS-1 region, characteristic of C. glabrata sensu stricto and their D1/D2 regions of the 26S rRNA were 99% homologous to C. nivariensis 26S rRNA. No strains of C. bracarensis were recovered. C. nivariensis strains were very susceptible to amphotericin B, anidulafungin, micafungin, and caspofungin. Ninety-two percent of C. nivariensis were resistant to itraconazole. The halves of the strains was resistant to posaconazole. Eighty-three percent of C. nivariensis were susceptible to voriconazole. None of the tested strains were susceptible to fluconazole. In the present study, none of the C. nivariensis strains were simultaneously resistant to azoles and echinocandins. C. nivariensis should be recognized as an emerging pathogen, resistant to azoles. The data on susceptibility to antifungals of new species within Candida glabrata complex are limited. Our study was to enrich a global knowledge of yeast epidemiology and drug resistance. The study was focused on the identification of species within clinical isolates of the C. glabrata complex and on the determination of their resistance to antifungals. Four hundred forty-five clinical C. glabrata sensu lato strains were isolated from different clinical samples at routine mycological exams at the Infant Jesus Teaching Hospital in Warsaw. The identification of the most of tested isolates to species complex level was performed using the ID 32 C system. The identification of C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis species within the C. glabrata complex was performed by DNA sequencing. The MICs of amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin were determined by E-test. Twenty-four isolates did not have an ITS-1 region, characteristic of C. glabrata sensu stricto and their D1/D2 regions of the 26S rRNA were 99% homologous to C. nivariensis 26S rRNA. No strains of C. bracarensis were recovered. C. nivariensis strains were very susceptible to amphotericin B, anidulafungin, micafungin, and caspofungin. Ninety-two percent of C. nivariensis were resistant to itraconazole. The halves of the strains was resistant to posaconazole. Eighty-three percent of C. nivariensis were susceptible to voriconazole. None of the tested strains were susceptible to fluconazole. In the present study, none of the C. nivariensis strains were simultaneously resistant to azoles and echinocandins. C. nivariensis should be recognized as an emerging pathogen, resistant to azoles.

The following article presents the results of empiric research of the delay time of self-ignition in the compression ignition engine Perkins 1104C-E44T, powered with biofuel – the mixture of fatty acid methyl esters. The research followed the calculations using known correlations that describe the delay of self-ignition in engines powered by petroleum fuels. The comparison of values calculated and achieved in the course of the research is shown in the graphs.

The article presents the results of empirical research and their analysis regarding the impact of diesel oil and diesel oil mixture with bioethanol on coking the test injector nozzles of the XUD9 engine from PSA. The research included three fuel deals: diesel fuel as the base fuel and diesel oil mix with ONE10 bioethanol (10% bioethanol plus diesel oil (V/V)), ONE20 (20% bioethanol plus diesel oil (V/V)). They were conducted on the basis of CEC PF-023 developed by CEC (Coordinating European Council). Each of the above-mentioned fuels was tested using a new set of injectors. The propensity of the fuel for coking the injector tips was expressed as a percentage reduction in the air flow through the nozzles of each injector for the given sheer increments. The test result was the average percentage of airflow reduction for all nozzles at 0.1 mm spike increments and was measured according to ISO 4010 "Diesel engines. Calibrating nozzle, delay pintle type”. The test results for individual atomizers of the above-mentioned test engine in the area of sediment formation from flowing fuel shown a lower tendency to coke the injectors using diesel fuel-bioethanol in comparison to the use of pure diesel oil. Based on the CEC PF-023 test, it can be noticed that the level of contamination of the tested injectors for ONE10 fuel is about 3% lower, and for ONE20 fuel is about 4% lower than the level of pollution for diesel fuel.

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are serious diagnostics-therapeutic problem in recipients of vascularised organs. The nature of the IFI is determined by the type of the transplanted organ. Invasive candidiasis mostly occurs in liver recipients and invasive aspergilosis – in lung recipients. The greatest risk of IFI is in recipients of simultaneous lung and heart and liver transplants. Morbidity for IFI in the first year after transplantation is estimated to be in recipients of heart and lungs 8.6%, liver 4.7%, pancreas and kidneys 4% and heart 3.4%. Incidents of IFI among kidney recipients is estimated by differed sources to lay between 0.01 – 1.5%. Although, IFI occur rarely in kidney recipients in comparison to recipients of other organs, invasive fungal infections carries a high risk of graft loss and high mortality in this population of patients. Among recipients which have developed an IFI the risk of graft loss was determined in approx. 50% of patients, and mortality in this group was approx. 15%. Yearly survival of patients after an episode of invasive aspergilosis is 59%, for mycosis caused by mould fungi from species other then Aspergillus sp. 61%, invasive candidosis 66%, cryptococcosis 73%. There is definitely a greater risk for recipients of kidneys collected from cadavers, compared to living donors related to the recipient, respectively 16.5% and 7.3%. Additionally in cases of a deceased donor there is a high transfer risk for yeast-like fungi colonising in the urinary tract of a terminal state patient, in result of the breakdown of the defensive mechanism and contamination of preservative fluids, to the uninfected recipient. Mortality is determined by the virulence of the microorganism, localisation of the infection, weakened inflammatory response of the macroorganism, frequent co-occurring of renal insufficiency and diabetes and other predisposing factors. Unspecific clinical symptoms, fast progression of the disease and, what appears to be particularly important, lack of a precisely set algorithms of diagnostic procedure, contribute to the fact that IFI in kidney recipients are a diagnostics challenge and has a questionable therapeutic result.

Circulating, non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed to be powerful pathophysiological indicators of pregnancy in animals and humans. Since their discovery, it is known that miRNAs can take part in numerous biological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation during early embryonic development and establishment of pregnancy. Our recent studies have indicated that maternal blood can carry miRNAs reported previously at the embryo-maternal interface in pigs. To expand the scope of our research, we tested the hypothesis that miRNAs previously identified in conceptuses, trophoblasts, endometrium and uterine lumen-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) collected before Day 20 of pregnancy can show reproductive status-dependent profiles in the serum of cyclic and pregnant crossbred pigs. Custom-designed TaqMan arrays, multiplex real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and real-time RT-PCR allowed us to identify a number of reproductive status-dependent miRNAs in serum samples collected from pigs during the estrous cycle or pregnancy (Days 16 and 20). We found that serum samples were enriched with miRNAs involved in processes important during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, e.g. cell sensitivity and viability, angiogenesis, embryonic cell proliferation and differentiation. Further validation revealed different abundance of ssc-miR-143-3p and ssc-miR-125b in pregnant and non-pregnant animals and correlation of ssc-miR-125b levels with litter size. In addition, analyzed serum samples contained both EVs and Argonaute2 proteins, which are known to be involved in miRNA transportation and intercellular communication. In summary, we identified several circulating miRNAs that differ in abundance between cyclic and pregnant animals and could serve as potential indicators of reproductive status in pigs during breeding management.

Background: Cold urticaria (ColdU), that is, the occurrence of wheals or angioedema in response to cold exposure, is classified into typical and atypical forms. The diagnosis of typical ColdU relies on whealing in response to local cold stimulation testing (CST). It can also manifest with cold-induced anaphylaxis (ColdA). We aimed to determine risk factors for ColdA in typical ColdU. Methods: An international, cross-sectional study COLD-CE was carried out at 32 urticaria centers of reference and excellence (UCAREs). Detailed history was taken and CST with an ice cube and/or TempTest® performed. ColdA was defined as an acute cold-induced involvement of the skin and/or visible mucosal tissue and at least one of: cardiovascular manifestations, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Results: Of 551 ColdU patients, 75% (n = 412) had a positive CST and ColdA occurred in 37% (n = 151) of the latter. Cold-induced generalized wheals, angioedema, acral swelling, oropharyngeal/laryngeal symptoms, and itch of earlobes were identified as signs/symptoms of severe disease. ColdA was most commonly provoked by complete cold water immersion and ColdA caused by cold air was more common in countries with a warmer climate. Ten percent (n = 40) of typical ColdU patients had a concomitant chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). They had a lower frequency of ColdA than those without CSU (4% vs. 39%, p =.003). We identified the following risk factors for cardiovascular manifestations: previous systemic reaction to a Hymenoptera sting, angioedema, oropharyngeal/laryngeal symptoms, and itchy earlobes. Conclusion: ColdA is common in typical ColdU. High-risk patients require education about their condition and how to use an adrenaline autoinjector. © 2021 The Authors. Allergy published by European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Introduction: Candida parapsilosis and Candida glabrata are another yeasts that form complexes of crypospecies. Although these species have been described more than a decade ago, knowledge about them is still limited. The reason for this is the large phenotypic similarity that unables them from being differentiated by classical diagnostic methods. The aim of the study was to identify species of clinical strains within C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis complexes. Material and methods: Standard PCR-RFLP of the secondary alcohol dehydrogenase gene (SADH) with BanI restriction enzyme served to determine species affiliation within the C. parapsilosis complex. The internal transcribed spacer was used to confirm the identification of C. glabrata sensu stricto. The D1/D2 domain of the 26S rDNA gene was sequenced in order to identify C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis strains. Results: As a result of the molecular analysis, 24 Candida nivariensis isolates and 4 C. metapsilosis strains and 9 C. orthopsilosis strains were detected. Conclusions: Prevalence of new cryptic species was relatively low.

Introduction. For patients using removable dentures the level of comfort and thus the life quality has substantially increased with the development of prosthetic dentistry. However, denture stomatitis, especially accompanied by fungal infections, remains a problem and affects many patients using prosthetic restorations. It is mainly caused by an increasing resistance of fungi to antifungal medications. Aim of the study. To assess clinically the effectiveness of a herbal grapefruit seed extract product called Citrosept Dental in treating Candida-associated denture stomatitis, in patients using acrylic removable dentures. Materials and methods. The studied group included 32 patients (18 women and 14 men) of the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Medical University of Warsaw, aged 41 to 83 years (average age 62 years), with symptoms of denture stomatitis accompanied by fungal infections, which were confirmed by a mycological test (group 1). Patients with a positive mycological test result used 1% Citrosept Dental gel on mucosal lesions three times a day after meals, for three weeks. Results. The lesions disappeared completely in 24 patients (75%) after three weeks of Citrosept Dental application. The mucosa of 13 patients with type 1 stomatitis (81.25%) was pink and healthy; that was also the case of 78.57% patients with diffuse erythema. In the three remaining patients with type 2 stomatitis lesions healed after using Citrosept Dental and only had single pinpoints of hyperaemia. There was no change in the oral mucosa of the patient with type 3 stomatitis. Conclusions. Citrosept Dental in in vivo studies reduced denture-associated mucosal inflammations in patients with denture stomatitis accompanied by fungal infections, and also produced resolution of subjective symptoms in a significant majority of patients.

The role of inflammation is an important factor in the progression of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). We have previously shown that interleukin-16 (IL-16) is increased in infants with moderate and severe HIE and relates to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. We aimed to validate IL-16 as a cord blood-based biomarker for HIE and to examine its relationship to long-term outcomes. The study sample consisted of 105 full-term infants who experienced perinatal asphyxia (PA) (with and without an encephalopathy) along with healthy, gestational age-matched newborn controls. Umbilical cord blood serum was processed and biobanked at delivery. Infants were assigned a modified Sarnat score at 24 h. Analysis of IL-16 cytokine cord blood levels was performed using the sandwich-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Cord blood-based IL-16 was increased in infants with PA and HIE relative to controls (p = 0.025). IL-16 was also increased in the HIE group relative to controls (p = 0.042). There was no significant difference in IL-16 across grades of HIE or in those with abnormal outcomes at 2 years of age. This study validates findings that cord blood-based IL-16 levels are increased in infants with PA, including those who go on to develop HIE.

We assess the influence of workforce churning on the relationship between organisational human capital and labour productivity. Building on collective turnover research and human capital theory, we examine how the components of workforce churning (i.e., voluntary turnover, involuntary turnover, and new hires) influence the relationship between existing human capital and labour productivity. Further, we examine how this influence varies according to a firm's technological intensity. Our data come from 1,911 Italian manufacturing firms and reveals that collective voluntary turnover negatively affects the relationship between organisational human capital and labour productivity regardless of an organisation's level of technological intensity. In contrast, collective involuntary turnover enhances the relationship between human capital and labour productivity, and its effect is even stronger for organisations with more technologically intensive operations. Finally, our results suggest that the integration of new hires disrupts the relationship between human capital and productivity, particularly for firms with technologically intensive operations.

Fuel injection system damages is a major problem for internal combustion engines. Approximately 70% of the injection system malfunction is due to injector damages. Authors of the article tested an uniqe method of diagnosis injectors by using an acoustic emission. The acoustic emission signal (EA) is a phenomenon used in various field of technology and it is a wave generated in solid materials. The EA signal was measured during operation of damaged and undamaged injectors body in a few series, analized and verified in term of result obtain in response signals. The relationship between the acoustic emission signal and the injectors operating phases has been determined. On base of coefficient variation of the duration in the third phase the value of which increases substantially when the injectors are damaged were found in ranges of 45%. For corect working injectors value of coefficient variation were found in range from 21% to 37%.

Artykul powstal w ramach zadania DDS-112 "Analiza uwarunkowan rozwoju sektora paliw, biopaliw i biogospodarki" finansowanego ze środkow dotacji statutowej Ministerstwa Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyzszego.

BACKGROUND This study investigates how frequent general practitioners (GP) explain the immunological vaccine response to patients and which stylistic means they use. METHOD Data from a cross-sectional, web-based survey were analyzed. The study population included a representative random sample of 10 % of GPs from North Rhine-Westphalia and all teaching physicians from two universities. The data was evaluated using a multi-method approach with a statistical analysis and a content analysis according to Mayring. RESULTS The analysis included 187 GPs (69 % males, 56 % ≤50 years). 18.3 % of GPs routinely informed about the vaccine response. In a clinical vignette, 48.7 % used a layperson-oriented language, supported by figures of speech in 11.8 %. The key content categories were: protection against disease (63.6 %), antibody formation (64.2 %), vaccine concept (47.6 %), and potential adverse reactions (4.3 %). CONCLUSION To improve patients' health literacy, physicians are asked to routinely explain the immunological effects of vaccines.

We argue in this paper that overqualified employees represent an underutilized human resource that has the potential to be leveraged in impactful ways to enhance both personal and organizational effectiveness. Our proposed framework suggests that if organizations provide opportunities for employees to engage in career development experiences (i.e., job crafting, informal leadership, mentoring relationships), politically skilled overqualified employees will capitalize on these opportunities and utilize their additional knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience to make unique contributions, providing valued human resources to the organizations. Furthermore, the politically skilled overqualified employees' capitalization on opportunities to undertake career development opportunities will results in positive outcomes for both the employees (i.e., increased job satisfaction and reputation) and the organization (i.e., increased organizational commitment). Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Background It has been reported that the general population is not skillful at identifying stinging insects with the exception of the honeybee. No information is available to evaluate allergy physicians' accuracy with stinging insect identification. Objective To measure the accuracy of allergists' ability to identify stinging insects and assess their common practices for evaluating individuals with suspected insect hypersensitivity. Methods A picture-based survey and a dried specimen insect box were constructed to determine allergists' and nonallergists' accuracy in identifying insects. Allergists attending the 2013 American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology meeting were invited to participate in the study. Common practice approaches for evaluating individuals with stinging insect hypersensitivity were also investigated using a brief questionnaire. Results Allergy physicians are collectively better at insect identification than nonallergists. Overall, the mean (SD) number of correct responses for nonallergists was 5.4 (2.0) of a total of 10. This score was significantly lower than the score for allergists (6.1 [2.0]; P = .01) who participated in the study. Most allergists (78.5%) test for all stinging insects and use skin testing (69.5%) as the initial test of choice for evaluating individuals with insect hypersensitivity. Conclusion Overall, allergists are more skilled at Hymenoptera identification. Most allergy specialists reported testing for all stinging insects when evaluating insect hypersensitivity, and skin testing was the preferred testing method in nearly 70% of allergists. These data support the practice parameter's recommendation to consider testing for all flying Hymenoptera insects during venom evaluation, which most of the participating allergists surveyed incorporate into their clinical practice.

The aim of the article is to present a solution to the research problem that addresses the selection of the opening cut location in the surface mining method. Selecting the opening cut location is a strategic mine planning matter and has a key impact on the overall processes occurring during mining operations. This choice is a complex, and at the same time, mathematically ill-defined issue. The selection procedure should take into account many, often opposing, perspectives of the interveners, who represent the criteria laid down by the technical and organisational, economic, as well as social and environmental groups. In order to be able to compare criteria of a different nature, the authors implemented a multi-criteria method as a solution, derived from operational research. The mathematical tool best suited to the characteristics of the issue of selecting the opening cut location is a method from the ELECTRE family, which was used to create the final solution ranking. The main achievement of the method presented is the specification of a complementary group of assessment criteria and the application of a method allowing a solution to be created, which results in the selection of the most favourable decision variant. The developed method supports decision-makers responsible for making investment decisions in the implementation of mining projects.

Background Asthma exacerbation risk increases with worsening asthma control. Prevailing numerical control tools evaluate only current symptom impairment despite the importance of also assessing risk based on exacerbation history. An easy-to-use questionnaire addressing impairment and risk domains of control is needed. Objective To validate a composite asthma control tool that includes impairment and risk assessments (Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire [AIRQ]). Methods Four-hundred forty-two patients aged ≥12 years with physician-diagnosed asthma who were followed in specialty practices completed 15 impairment and risk questions with dichotomized yes/no responses. Patients spanned all Global Initiative for Asthma severities and were classified as well-controlled, not well-controlled, or very poorly controlled according to a standard of Asthma Control Test (ACT) score plus prior-year exacerbations. Logistic regression analyses identified questions with the greatest predictive validity to discriminate among patients and determine cut points for these 3 classifications. Results The final AIRQ comprises 10 equally weighted yes/no impairment and risk questions. The final 10-item models yielded receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.94 to identify well-controlled versus not well-/very poorly controlled and 0.93 to identify well-/not well-controlled versus very poorly controlled asthma, as reflected by the ACT plus prior-year exacerbations standard. Cut points of 0-1, 2-4, and 5-10 best represented well-, not well-, and very poorly controlled asthma. Conclusions AIRQ is a rigorously validated composite measure designed to identify adults and adolescents with varying degrees of asthma control. Ongoing investigations will determine test-retest reliability, responsiveness to change, and predictive ability for future exacerbations.

Aims: Currently available data indicate that reduction of ticagrelor maintenance dose (MD) 1-3 years after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) not only provides sufficient platelet inhibition but also can improve ticagrelor's safety profile. The aim of this study was to compare the antiplatelet effect of reduced and standard ticagrelor MD in stable patients beginning 1 month after AMI. Methods and results: In a single-centre, randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial, on Day 30 following AMI, 52 patients (26 in each study arm) were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either reduced (60 mg b.i.d) or standard (90 mg b.i.d) ticagrelor MD for the following 2 weeks. On Day 45 after AMI the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor was evaluated with the VASP assay and Multiplate, and there were no significant differences in platelet inhibition between patients on reduced vs. standard MD [VASP: 10.4 (5.6-22.2) vs. 14.1 (9.4-22.1) platelet reactivity index; P = 0.30; Multiplate: 30.0 (24.0-39.0) vs. 26.5 (22.0-35.0) U; P = 0.26]. Likewise, no differences were found regarding the prevalence of on-ticagrelor high platelet reactivity between patients on ticagrelor 60 mg b.i.d vs. 90 mg b.i.d (VASP: 4% vs. 8%; P = 0.67; Multiplate: 15% vs. 8%; P = 0.54). Administration of reduced MD resulted in proportionally lower plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite on Day 45 after AMI. Conclusion: These results suggest that lowering ticagrelor MD 1 month after AMI confers an adequate antiplatelet effect that is comparable to the standard dose. The tested strategy warrants further research to assess its clinical efficacy and safety. © 2019 Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved.

A new concept of using thin-layer chromatography to sample preparation for the quantitative determination of solute/s followed by instrumental techniques is presented Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is used to completely separate acetaminophen and its internal standard from other components (matrix) and to form a single spot/zone containing them at the solvent front position (after the final stage of the thin-layer chromatogram development). The location of the analytes and internal standard in the solvent front zone allows their easy extraction followed by quantitation by HPLC. The exctraction procedure of the solute/s and internal standard can proceed from whole solute frontal zone or its part without lowering in accuracy of quantitative analysis.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe infection with a 70% mortality rate. Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for over 90% of those infections. The diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is based on clinical sample culture and detection of fungal hyphae in histopathological examination. Additional tests may include the detection of the galactomannan antigen and of fungal genetic material in serum and bronchoalveolar washings. The present study was to assess the use of these two rapid tests in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: serological one – to detect the galactomannan antigen (ELISA assay), and real-time PCR, and to establish a possible correlation between these two methods.