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W niniejszym artykule omówiono wyniki badań jakościowych, których celem była analiza ujawnianych w reakcji na śmierć bliskiej osoby doświadczeń narratorek i mechanizmów ich radzenia sobie z utratą. Badania dokonano w oparciu o 28 listów, których autorkami były kobiety w przedziale wiekowym 21–89 lat, natomiast adresatami bliskie tym kobietom osoby zmarłe. Ponad połowę stanowiły kobiety w wieku dokładnie 23 lat. W większości przypadków listy były adresowane do nieżyjących już babć autorek. Zebrania danych dokonano z użyciem platformy internetowej – formularza google, a ich analizę jakościową wspomagano programem Atlas.ti.8. W wyniku dokonanej interpretacji treści listów wyróżniono trzy wymiary nawiązujące do strategii radzenia sobie ze śmiercią bliskiej osoby: zachowanie obrazu zmarłego takim, jakim był za życia, percypowanie obecności zmarłego w wymiarze ziemskim oraz wyobrażenia jego życia wiecznego. W relacjach narratorek dostrzec można zarówno perspektywę uznawania śmierci na poziomie emocjonalnym, jak i intelektualnym. Wyrażają one również potrzebę przywoływania wspomnień o zmarłym i pragnienie jego dalszej obecności w ich życiu. Jednym z celów każdego z tych mechanizmów jest niezbędne w procesie żałoby oswojenie się z utratą najbliższych.

Objective: Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is frequently associated with ovarian teratomas. The diverse clinical presentations and several stages of disease development pose a significant diagnostic challenge for clinicians. The main objective of this research was to show the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms of ovarian-teratoma-associated anti-NMDAR encephalitis and to highlight the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease progression. Methods: Literature searches were carried out using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. The following data were retrieved: authors' names, year of publication, type of study, number and age of patients included, diagnostic methods of disease evaluation, prevalence of anti-NMDAR antibodies, psychiatric manifestations, other symptoms, initial diagnosis, treatment strategies, and histopathology results. Data analyses were performed and considered statistically significant when p

Abstract Propolis extracts have been used in traditional medicines since ages due to its advantageous complex chemical composition. However, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of poplar propolis extracts prepared in Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) are seldom studied. This study investigates suitable alternate for ethanol as a solvent for extraction for Polish poplar propolis. It also attempts to identify suitable extraction condition for the efficient transfer of compounds from propolis to the solvents. The extraction efficiency of NADES extracts was assessed in terms of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. The chemical composition of the extracts was analysed using UHPLC-DAD-QqTOF-MS. Four extracts, prepared in Propylene Glycol, Choline Chloride:Propylene Glycol (1:3), Choline Chloride:Propylene Glycol (1:4) and Choline Chloride:Glycerol (1:2), demonstrated activity and properties similar to ethanolic extract and extraction at 50 °C was found the most suitable for propolis. HPLC analysis confirmed that the chemical cocktail extracted by these solvents from propolis were identical with minor variations in their concentration as compared to its ethanolic extract. Thus, extracts of propolis at 50 °C in Propylene Glycol, Choline Chloride:Propylene Glycol (1:3) and Choline Chloride:Propylene Glycol (1:4) can be alternates for ethanolic extracts.

Na przełomie XV i XVI w. krzyżaccy administratorzy z południowych Prus (prokurator nidzicki) usiłowali wykorzystać Omulew jako drogę spławu pruskiego drewna do Narwi i dalej Wisłą do Gdańska. Zamiary te spotkały się z oporem ze strony książąt mazowieckich (Konrada III, wdowy po nim, Anny, oraz synów Janusza III i Stanisława), ponieważ nad rzeką swoje siedliska miała zwierzyna, na którą polowali. Źródła związane z tą sprawą ukazują konsekwentne dążenia mazowieckich Piastów do ochrony wielkich kompleksów leśnych na północy ich władztwa, czyli Puszczy Szkwańskiej/Zagajnicy, przed gospodarczą eksploatacją, ponieważ polowania na tym obszarze zapewniały im „specjalną rozrywkę i niemałe dochody”.

The article discusses laboratory methods and the corresponding computational methods verifying compliance with the normative requirements regarding the lateral correction force of the powered roof support. The currently used flat model only allows for checking the normative requirement in relation to the sum of active forces of the correction cylinders installed in the roof support. Determining the required value of the active force of each cylinder is possible due to the simplified FEM model of a powered roof support, described in the research work, treated as a uniform weightless elastic body loaded with a concentrated force recreating the weight of the roof support located on an inclined longwall panel. The third analysed computational method involves determining the reaction in the four correction cylinders of the roof support, creating a spatial, statically indeterminate system of forces. It enables determining the range of variability of the response in the correction cylinders as a function of the distribution of floor pressure on the roof support base. The discussed computational methods were used to determine, for example, the lateral correction force of one of the types of powered supports used in a longwall panel inclined at an angle of 35°. The usefulness of the discussed calculation methods at various stages of the designing process of the powered support and its certification has been confirmed.

The article contains a description of the design solutions proposed by the authors for a hybrid wind turbine bearing, in which the sliding part takes over the load to the turbine shaft after reaching the shaft rotation speed, ensuring hydrodynamic lubrication of the plain bearing and relieving the rolling bearing. This allows for low starting resistance of the power plant and ensures quiet operation during use. Two conceptual solutions of a hybrid bearing were presented, differing in the shape of the plain bearing journal. A mechanism for automatic switching of the load between a rolling and a plain bearing was developed. A solid simulation model of this mechanism was built in the Autodesk Inventor—Dynamic Simulation software Inventor Professional 2023 environment, and its operation was simulated. The results confirmed the usefulness of using this design in shaft-bearing systems of wind turbines with a vertical axis of rotation. Based on the simulation, the speed at which the thrust roller bearing will be released was determined. Technical parameters of a plain bearing with a spherical journal shape were calculated. The height of the lubrication gap and the shaft rotational speed at which the bearing load capacity index reaches a critical value were determined.

Increasingly scarce water resources and growing global populations have exacerbated the problems of water quality in river systems and freshwaters in general. New monitoring methodologies and tools to democratize access to water quality information are needed if we are to reach ambitious societal objectives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal. Here we present a cloud-based system for producing publicly accessible real time water quality forecasts coupled to novel biosensor technology. Short term forecasts of water quality impairments, e.g., as cyanobacteria blooms, sediment plumes and toxic pollution incidents are increasingly relevant both to citizens and stakeholders. Here, we present a new cloud based system that utilizes satellite data to produce real time forecasts of flow and water quality using a chain of dynamic catchment-scale models at multiple locations in a river network. We demonstrate this new system using two case studies: the River Thames and the Essex Colne River (United Kingdom). These rivers are key water supply sources for London and South-East England, respectively and are of high interest to recreational water users. We show how the new system can predict and forecast water quality, estimate toxicity and connect to citizen science observations using an App (www.aquascope.com) for information synthesis and delivery.

Tail biting in pigs represents a very serious problem in modern pig farming, particularly with the intensification of the industry. It is considered a multifactorial syndrome and can be caused by various factors, leading to significant economic losses through reduced weight gain and partial or total condemnation of slaughtered carcasses due to secondary bacterial infections. The aim of this article is to summarise the current knowledge regarding tail biting in pigs, with a primary focus on the use of slaughterhouses for evaluating tail lesions and monitoring their prevalence. The introduction addresses the factors influencing the incidence of tail biting in pig farms and prevention strategies. Subsequent sections cover topics such as tail docking, the negative effects of pig tail biting, the advantages and drawbacks of examining tail lesions in slaughterhouses, and the methodical procedure for evaluating such lesions. Additionally, the article discusses the relationship between tail lesions and meat inspection findings, as well as the prevalence of tail lesions in various European countries.

Celem artykułu było wykazanie zależności pomiędzy założeniami strategii rozwoju Unii Europejskiej (UE) do 2050 r. Europejskim Zielonym Ładem (EZŁ) a koncepcją smart villages. Hipoteza badawcza zakładała, iż implementacja założeń Europejskiego Zielonego Ładu przyczyni się do budowy smart villages w UE. Wyszczególniono sześć komponentów smart villages:smart economy, smart society, smart environment, smart accessibility, smart governance oraz smart agriculture, które pokrótce scharakteryzowano. W artykule udzielono odpowiedzi na nastepujące pytania badawcze: Jakie są główne założenia EZŁ? Jak definiowane są smart villages? W jakich obszarach Europejski Zielony Ład realizuje założenia koncepcji smart villages? oraz Jakie obszary smart villages są najwyraźniej akcentowane w ramach strategii rozwoju UE do 2050 r.? Wykorzystano metodę badań jakościowych i w oparciu o samodzielnie przygotowany kwestionariusz dokonano analizy zapisów EZŁ pod kątem realizacji założeń smart villages. Wykazano, iż zależności są istotne, jednocześnie poszczególnym obszarom przypisano różny stopień znaczenia. Najwięcej interwencji zaplanowano w obszarze smart environment i smart economy. Najmniejszą uwagę skierowano na inteligentną dostępność. Opracowanie stanowi wstępną część badań nad poruszanym problemem badawczym, który wymaga rozszerzenia o analizę strategii szczegółowych oraz przyjętych aktów prawnych odnoszących się do zapisów Europejskiego Zielonego Ładu.

Abstract Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is a nosocomial pathogen causing difficult-to-treat infections. The presence of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance of 109 KP isolates from hospitalized patients were investigated. Among them, 68.8% were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and 59.6% produced extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBLs). Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) were produced by 22% of isolates (mainly from anus), including 16.5% of isolates producing New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1). The genes encoding adhesins (fimH—91.7%, mrkD—96.3%), enterobactin (entB—100%) and yersiniabactin (irp-1—88%) were frequently identified. The genes encoding salmochelin (iroD—9.2%, iroN—7.3%) and colibactin (clbA, clbB—0.9%) were identified rarely. Iron acquisition system-related kfu gene and wcaG gene involved in capsule production were identified in 6.4% and 11% of isolates, respectively. The rmpA gene associated with hypermucoviscosity was present in 6.4% of isolates. In 19.2% of isolates magA gene was detected, specific for K1 capsule serotype, while 22.9% of isolates showed K2 capsule serotype. The rmpA, iroD or iroN genes being diagnostic biomarkers for hypervirulent KP (hvKP) were detected in 16.5% of isolates. We found that 55.5% of hvKP were MDR and produced ESBLs, thus hospital KP isolates pose a serious threat to the healthcare system.

Wraz z szybkim rozwojem technologii informatycznych wiele aspektów naszego życia przechodzi cyfrową transformację. Z roku na rok w sieci pojawia się coraz więcej użytkowników, a ciągle udoskonalana sztuczna inteligencja zyskuje na popularności, co prowadzi do wzrostu produkcji informacji. In formacje te przechowywane są głównie w centrach danych, które – przy nieustającym napływie nowych treści – są zmuszone powiększać swoją powierzchnię. Łączy się to z coraz większymi kosztami utrzymania i zapotrzebowaniem na energię. W 2021 r. zużycie energii elektrycznej przez centra danych wyniosło 220–320 TWh, co odpowiada około 0.9–1.3% globalnego zapotrzebowania. Bazy danych wymagające ciągłego dostarczania energii są czynnikiem generującym około 1% całkowitej emisji dwutlenku węgla. Ponadto raportowano już, że przy rosnącym wykładniczo zapotrzebowaniu, za 10 lat ilość dostępnego krzemu klasy mikroprocesorowej nie będzie wystarczająca do przechowywania wszystkich danych. Dlatego naukowcy poszukują alternatyw dla obecnych nośników danych i opracowują nowe technologie z wykorzystaniem cząsteczek chemicznych, a w ostatnim czasie plastiku. W artykule przedstawione zostały przykłady rozwijających się technologii przechowywania danych cyfrowych w polimerach. Omówiono polimery jako nośniki danych i porównano do obecnie stosowanych rozwiązań. Przedyskutowano także, czy plastik może stać się przyszłym materiałem do archiwizacji informacji.* Praca powstała w wyniku realizacji projektu badawczego o nr. 2021/42/E/ST4/00010 finansowanego ze środków Narodowego Centrum Nauki.

Tissue regenerative potential displays striking divergence across phylogeny and ontogeny, but the underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. Loss of mammalian cardiac regenerative potential correlates with cardiomyocyte cell-cycle arrest and polyploidization as well as the development of postnatal endothermy. We reveal that diploid cardiomyocyte abundance across 41 species conforms to Kleiber's law-the ¾-power law scaling of metabolism with bodyweight-and inversely correlates with standard metabolic rate, body temperature, and serum thyroxine level. Inactivation of thyroid hormone signaling reduces mouse cardiomyocyte polyploidization, delays cell-cycle exit, and retains cardiac regenerative potential in adults. Conversely, exogenous thyroid hormones inhibit zebrafish heart regeneration. Thus, our findings suggest that loss of heart regenerative capacity in adult mammals is triggered by increasing thyroid hormones and may be a trade-off for the acquisition of endothermy.

The consequences of the loss of the load-bearing capacity due to the corrosion of prestressing steel can be much more dangerous than in the case of reinforced concrete structures, since failure can occur quite rapidly and without warning. A very important issue, therefore, is to determine the factors affecting the durability of prestressed structures exposed to aggressive agents, especially chloride ions. The aim of this study was to verify the protective properties of concrete of prefabricated HC-type prestressed concrete slabs in order to evaluate the possibility of their application in the ceilings of multilevel garages. In this paper, the corrosion rate of rebar steel in HC-550 floor slabs at a width of 1200 mm was estimated with nondestructive electrochemical methods: linear polarization and impedance spectroscopy. The general and mechanical properties of concrete prepared according to a formula in a laboratory and analogous concrete cut directly from the analyzed floor slabs were also studied. The porosity of concrete from these slabs was determined using X-ray-computed tomography for pore-related characterization. The values of the diffusion coefficient of chloride ions determined in previous works and the previously proposed model for the overexposure of the durability of floor slabs in chloride-containing environments were used to determine the durability of these slabs. Based on the empirical correlations adopted from the literature presenting the relationship of durability/adhesion over time and the corrosion parameters studied, a safe service life was determined at the nominal class of concrete equal to Δtcor.red = 30.48 years. In addition, in the case of discontinuities in the concrete structure, there may be a dangerous reduction in the time of corrosion initiation and a subsequent reduction in service life due to the loss of the adhesion of strut strands for up to 10.68 years of service life.

Obesity affects a growing fraction of the population and is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Even in the absence of hypertension and coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes can result in a heart disease termed diabetic cardiomyopathy. Diminished glucose oxidation, increased reliance on fatty acid oxidation for energy production, and oxidative stress are believed to play causal roles. However, the progression of metabolic changes and mechanisms by which these changes impact the heart have not been established. Cardiac pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), the central regulatory site for glucose oxidation, is rapidly inhibited in mice fed high dietary fat, a model of obesity and diabetes. Increased reliance on fatty acid oxidation for energy production, in turn, enhances mitochondrial pro-oxidant production. Inhibition of PDH may therefore initiate metabolic inflexibility and oxidative stress and precipitate diabetic cardiomyopathy. We discuss evidence from the literature that supports a role for PDH inhibition in loss in energy homeostasis and diastolic function in obese and diabetic humans and in rodent models. Finally, seemingly contradictory findings highlight the complexity of the disease and the need to delineate progressive changes in cardiac metabolism, the impact on myocardial structure and function, and the ability to intercede.

Eight N-[2-(2′,3′,4′-tri-O-acetyl-α/β-d-xylopyranosyloxy)ethyl]ammonium bromides, a new class of d-xylopyranosides containing a quaternary ammonium aglycone, were obtained. Their complete structure was confirmed using NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, COSY and HSQC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). An antimicrobial activity against fungi (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata) and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli) and a mutagenic Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 strain were performed for the obtained compounds. The greatest activity against the tested microorganisms was shown by glycosides with the longest (octyl) hydrocarbon chain in ammonium salt. None of the tested compounds exhibited mutagenic activity in the Ames test.

Artykuł ma na celu ukazanie różnych aspektów realizacji koncepcji dyskryminacji pozytywnej osób z niepełnosprawnościami na rynku pracy. Poddano w nim weryfikacji następującą hipotezę badawczą: dyskryminacja pozytywna osób z niepełnosprawnościami na rynku pracy przynosi nie tylko korzyści dla nich samych, jak i całego społeczeństwa. W artykule zdefiniowano pojęcia: dyskryminacji pozytywnej oraz akcji afirmatywnej. Następnie wyjaśniono znaczenie pojęcia niepełnosprawności od strony prawnej. Zaprezentowano przykłady rozwiązań wpisujących się w koncepcję dyskryminacji pozytywnej osób z niepełnosprawnościami na rynku pracy, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem rozwiązań przyjętych w Polsce. Następnie wykazano korzyści, jakie przynosi realizacja tej koncepcji. W ostatniej części artykułu wskazano na zagrożenia, jakie niesie nieprawidłowo wdrażana koncepcja dyskryminacji pozytywnej.

Syntrophus aciditrophicus is a model syntrophic bacterium that degrades key intermediates in anaerobic decomposition, such as benzoate, cyclohexane-1-carboxylate, and certain fatty acids, to acetate when grown with hydrogen-/formate-consuming microorganisms. ATP formation coupled to acetate production is the main source for energy conservation by S. aciditrophicus However, the absence of homologs for phosphate acetyltransferase and acetate kinase in the genome of S. aciditrophicus leaves it unclear as to how ATP is formed, as most fermentative bacteria rely on these two enzymes to synthesize ATP from acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) and phosphate. Here, we combine transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolite, and enzymatic approaches to show that S. aciditrophicus uses AMP-forming, acetyl-CoA synthetase (Acs1) for ATP synthesis from acetyl-CoA. acs1 mRNA and Acs1 were abundant in transcriptomes and proteomes, respectively, of S. aciditrophicus grown in pure culture and coculture. Cell extracts of S. aciditrophicus had low or undetectable acetate kinase and phosphate acetyltransferase activities but had high acetyl-CoA synthetase activity under all growth conditions tested. Both Acs1 purified from S. aciditrophicus and recombinantly produced Acs1 catalyzed ATP and acetate formation from acetyl-CoA, AMP, and pyrophosphate. High pyrophosphate levels and a high AMP-to-ATP ratio (5.9 ± 1.4) in S. aciditrophicus cells support the operation of Acs1 in the acetate-forming direction. Thus, S. aciditrophicus has a unique approach to conserve energy involving pyrophosphate, AMP, acetyl-CoA, and an AMP-forming, acetyl-CoA synthetase. Bacteria use two enzymes, phosphate acetyltransferase and acetate kinase, to make ATP from acetyl-CoA, while acetate-forming archaea use a single enzyme, an ADP-forming, acetyl-CoA synthetase, to synthesize ATP and acetate from acetyl-CoA. Syntrophus aciditrophicus apparently relies on a different approach to conserve energy during acetyl-CoA metabolism, as its genome does not have homologs to the genes for phosphate acetyltransferase and acetate kinase. Here, we show that S. aciditrophicus uses an alternative approach, an AMP-forming, acetyl-CoA synthetase, to make ATP from acetyl-CoA. AMP-forming, acetyl-CoA synthetases were previously thought to function only in the activation of acetate to acetyl-CoA.

There is preliminary evidence that music therapy plays a beneficial role for preterm infants and their primary caregivers during the neonatal period; however, available research considers mostly cohorts from North and South Americas, Australia, Israel and certain western European countries, excluding Poland. Remembering that music, and therefore music therapy, is highly culturally dependent, there is no “perfect program package” that can be directly applied across all communities to achieve desired effects everywhere. The commencement of the multi-center international randomized controlled trial, Longitudinal Study of music Therapy’s Effective-ness for Premature (LongSTEP) infants and their caregivers, has provided the impetus for Polish music thera-pists to begin offering music therapy services in neonatal intensive care units as a part of clinical research. Since research on music therapy dedicated to premature babies and their families is only beginning to emerge in Poland, there is a call to develop a culturally and context-based approach that can be implemented in Polish neonatal settings. The objective of this perspective article is to present recommendations for clinical practice with premature babies and their families based on available international research and practical guidelines, as well as national experiences from the LongSTEP trial that make it culturally appropriate. This paper might be of great interest to readers interested in implementing music therapy interventions with local conditions and opportunities to improve outcomes for a “real-world” impact.

Abstract Objective A Paenibacillus strain isolated in previous research exhibited antimicrobial activity against relevant human pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. In this study, the genome of the aforementioned strain, designated as MP1, was shotgun sequenced. The draft genome of strain MP1 was subject to multiple genomic analyses to taxonomically characterize it and identify the genes potentially responsible for its antimicrobial activity. Results Here we report the draft genome sequence of an antimicrobial producing Paenibacillus strain, MP1. Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis established strain MP1 as a new strain of the previously characterized Paenibacillus alvei. The genomic analysis identified several putative secondary metabolite clusters including seven Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase clusters (NRPS) (> 10,000 nt), one bacteriocin or other unspecified Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-Translationally modified Peptide Product (RiPP), one lanthipeptide, and six hybrid clusters (NRPS-Type I Polyketide synthase (T1PKS) and NRPS-trans Amino Transferase Polyketide Synthase (AT-PKS)).

In canine and feline populations, the number of neoplasm cases continues to increase around the world. Attempts are being made in centres of research to identify new biomarkers that speed up and improve the quality of oncological diagnostics and therapy in human and animal tumour patients. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a promising biomarker with increasing relevance to human oncology, but as yet with less application in veterinary oncology. The expression of COX-2 increases significantly during pathological processes involving inflammation, pain or fever. It is also overexpressed in humans presenting various types of tumours and in selected types of tumours in animals, particularly in dogs. This article discusses the expression of COX-2 in canine and feline tumours, the importance of COX-2 as a biomarker with diagnostic, therapeutic, prognostic and predictive relevance in oncology, and the clinical significance of inhibiting COX-2 overexpression in tumours.

Wildlife can harbour Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). In the present study, STEC in faecal samples from red deer (n = 106) and roe deer (n = 95) were characterised. All isolates were non-O157 strains. In red deer, STEC were detected in 17.9% (n = 19) of the isolates, and the eae/stx2b virulence profile was detected in two isolates (10.5%). One STEC strain harboured stx1a (5.3%) and eighteen STEC strains harboured stx2 (94.7%). The most prevalent stx2 subtypes were stx2b (n = 12; 66.7%), stx2a (n = 3; 16.7%), and stx2g (n = 2; 11.1%). One isolate could not be subtyped (NS) with the applied primers (5.6%). The most widely identified serotypes were O146:H28 (n = 4; 21%), O146:HNM (n = 2; 10.5%), O103:H7 (n = 1; 5.3%), O103:H21 (n = 1; 5.3%), and O45:HNM (n = 1; 5.3%). In roe deer, STEC were detected in 16.8% (n = 16) of the isolates, and the eae/stx2b virulence profile was detected in one isolate (6.3%). Two STEC strains harboured stx1a (12.5%), one strain harboured stx1NS/stx2b (6.3%), and thirteen strains harboured stx2 (81.3%). The most common subtypes were stx2b (n = 8; 61.5%), stx2g (n = 2; 15.4%), non-typeable subtypes (NS) (n = 2; 15.4%), and stx2a (n = 1; 7.7%). Serotype O146:H28 (n = 5; 31.3%) was identified. The study demonstrated that the zoonotic potential of STEC strains isolated from wildlife faeces should be monitored in the context of the ‘One Health’ approach which links human health with animal and environmental health.

Neoplastic diseases are currently one of the most common causes of mortality in both animals and humans. Therefore, much of the recent research focuses on the search for biomarkers to enable qualitative and temporal improvement in the detectability as well as prognostic and predictive assessments in patients suffering from neoplastic diseases. One such biomarker seems to be cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), also known as prostaglandin G/H synthase (PTGS). The wide dissemination of COX isoforms and prostanoids synthesized with their involvement in the tissues indicates the significant role they serve in the regulation of the functioning of several organs and systems, particularly the gastrointestinal, nervous, circulatory, reproductive, urinary and respiratory systems. Until recently, COX-2 has only been associated with the response to stress and inflammation initiators. It is currently known that its expression increases significantly in the course of numerous pathological processes that involve inflammation, pain or fever. Results obtained during previous studies demonstrated a significant increase in COX-2 expression in several types and subtypes of neoplasms in humans and animals, particularly in dogs and cats, the two animal species that have been studied the most frequently. COX-2 has not been adopted yet as one of the biomarkers for routine oncological diagnostics, which indicates the possibility for wider use of the assessment of its expression in the diagnostics and therapy of neoplasms in humans and animals. It may therefore be possible to use an assessment of COX-2 overexpression to improve cancer diagnostics and therapy and for prognostic and/or predictive purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-induced alteration of macromolecular information plays a central role in biology and is known to influence health and aging. Here the authors show that light can trigger sequence variations in abiotic information-containing polymers that possess photo-sensitive monomers

The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme catalyses the first stage of biosynthesis of prostanoids, proteins that are implicated in various physiological and pathological processes in humans and animals. The expression of COX-2 increases significantly during pathological processes accompanied by inflammation, pain and fever. Overexpression of COX-2 was determined in tumour tissues, which suggests that this enzyme participates in oncogenesis. In this paper the topics discussed are mechanisms regulating COX-2 expression, COX isoforms, their role in the body and the oncogenic mechanisms triggered by the overexpression of COX-2, including inhibition of apoptosis, intensification of neoangiogenesis, increased metastatic capacity, and weakening of the immune system. The significance of and the mechanisms by which COX-2 participates in oncogenesis have been studied intensively in recent years. The results are highly promising, and they expand our understanding of the complex processes and changes at the molecular, cellular and tissue level that promote oncogenesis and cancer progression. Notwithstanding the knowledge already gleaned, many processes and mechanisms have not yet been elucidated in human medicine and, in particular, in veterinary medicine. Further research is required to develop effective tumour diagnostic methods and treatment procedures for humans and animals.

Introduction: The thyroid and parathyroid glands play a major role in maintaining physiological homeostasis in all vertebrates. Reptiles have plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones far lower than mammals. Low levels of these hormones in reptiles impede thyroid hormone detection with assays designed for the higher levels of mammals. The aim of this study was to explore teaming this with ultrasound imaging of the thyroid to appraise glandular function. Material and Methods: Thyroid function of four pond sliders was evaluated based on the results of T4 analyses and ultrasound. Results: The concentrations of T4 varied considerably between the examined animals from 167.3 nmol/L. Ultrasound examination revealed uniform echogenicity and a smooth outline of the thyroid gland in all animals. Conclusion: Monitoring of thyroid function based on T4 and electrolyte concentrations is helpful in assessing the health and living conditions of reptiles, which is important in veterinary practice but problematic. Ultrasound examinations are useful in diagnosing changes in gland structure, such as tumours and goitres, and a combination of both methods supports comprehensive assessments of the anatomy and function of the thyroid gland.

In 1427, the Carthusian monk Heinrich Beringer complained to the Grand Master Paul von Rusdorf that the Teutonic Knights allowed Prussians to continue worshipping the old gods. When asked about this matter, the commanders were to answer: "Let Prussian be Prussians." The existence of relics of old cults is also indicated by synodal and act sources, e.g. the Toruń Peace document from 1411. Recently, Michael Brauer questioned the survival of paganism in Prussia until the 15th century. According to him, the available information was only a creation constructed by the authors of said sources. This is also the opinion of Stephen Rowell and Darius Baronas in relation to Lithuania. They do not notice, however, that it is only early-age modern sources that expand pagan pantheons and associate folk customs with paganism. In Prussia, the language situation was conducive to maintaining relics of paganism – priests did not know Prussian.

A medieval war demanded an officially written declaration. Polish war declarations from the time of war with the Teutonic Order are an integral part of war and political culture of that time. In construction the declarations were written analogically to ones in neighbouring countries. They were written in Latin, sometimes in German. In 1454 a gauche Polish language made its presence. In the last war of the Order (1519–1521), the documents were uniformly in Polish and the royal chancellery attempted with some success to establish a uniform model for the drafting of war declarations.

Infections of Candida spp. etiology are frequently treated with azole drugs. Among azoles, the most widely used in the clinical scenario remains fluconazole (FLC). Promising results in treatment of dangerous, systemic Candida infections demonstrate the advantages of combined therapies carried out with combinations of at least two different antifungal agents. Here, we report five conjugates composed of covalently linked FLC and cell penetrating or antimicrobial peptide: TP10-7-NH2, TP10-NH2, LFcinB(2-11)-NH2, LFcinB[Nle1,11]-NH2, and HLopt2-NH2, with aspects of design, chemical synthesis and their biological activities. Two of these compounds, namely FLCpOH-TP10-NH2 and FLCpOH-TP10-7-NH2, exhibit high activity against reference strains and fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of C. albicans, including strains overproducing drug transporters. Moreover, both of them demonstrate higher fungicidal effects compared to fluconazole. Analysis performed with fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy as well as flow cytometry indicated the cell membrane as a molecular target of synthesized conjugates. An important advantage of FLCpOH-TP10-NH2 and FLCpOH-TP10-7-NH2 is their low cytotoxicity. The IC90 value for the human cells after 72 h treatment was comparable to the MIC50 value after 24 h treatment for most strains of C. albicans. In reported conjugates, FLC was linked to the peptide by its hydroxyl group. It is worth noting that conjugation of FLC by the nitrogen atom of the triazole ring led to practically inactive compounds. Two compounds produced by us and reported herein appear to be potential candidates for novel antifungal agents.

The method of assessment of the “skin effect” for chloride ingress into concrete has been proposed, based on the inverse problem for the identification of at-surface variability of chloride diffusivity under fully saturated conditions. For this purpose, experimental results of 180-day diffusion tests of five types of concrete were used, which allowed the calculation of their chloride apparent diffusivity (taking into account the chloride binding by the cement matrix) and effective diffusivity (relating to the transport of free chloride ions in the pore liquid). The tested concrete samples with a water to cement ratio of 0.5 differed only in the type of cement (high early strength Portland, low-alkali normal early strength Portland, ash Portland, blast furnace, and pozzolanic). In order to effectively describe the chloride binding isotherm, a first-degree non-uniform spline function was used. Finally, the “skin effect” depth at the untreated outer surface of the concrete samples was estimated up to about 5 mm when analyzing space variability of apparent chloride diffusivity for four types of concrete with low-alkali normal early strength Portland, ash Portland, blast furnace, and pozzolanic cement. In this respect, the “skin effect” on the concrete with high early strength Portland cement was not detected.

A series of quaternary diammonium salts derivatives of 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-l-iditol were synthesized, using isommanide (1,4:3,6-dianhydro-d-mannitol) as a starting material. Both aromatic (pyridine, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), (3-carboxamide)pyridine; N-methylimidazole) and aliphatic (trimethylamine, N,N-dimethylhexylamine, N,N-dimethyloctylamine, N,N-dimethyldecylamine) amines were used, giving eight gemini quaternary ammonium salts (QAS). All salts were tested for their antimicrobial activity against yeasts, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, as well as bacterial Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reference strains. Moreover, antibacterial activity against 20 isolates of S. aureus collected from patients with skin and soft tissue infections (n = 8) and strains derived from subclinical bovine mastitis milk samples (n = 12) were evaluated. Two QAS with octyl and decyl residues exhibited antimicrobial activity, whereas those with two decyl residues proved to be the most active against the tested pathogens, with MIC of 16–32, 32, and 8 µg/mL for yeast, E. coli, and S. aureus reference and clinical strains, respectively. Only QAS with decyl residues proved to be cytotoxic in MTT assay against human keratinocytes (HaCaT), IC50 12.8 ± 1.2 μg/mL. Ames test was used to assess the mutagenic potential of QAS, and none of them showed mutagenic activity in the concentration range 4–2000 µg/plate.

Abstract Background Idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR) is a common inflammatory disorder of the nasal cavity in dogs due to unknown etiology. It is characterised by non-specific clinical signs, including nasal discharge, epistaxis and breathing problems. Diagnosis is usually based on the histopathologic identification of infiltrating plasmocytes and lymphocytes in the nasal mucosa and the exclusion of other underlying diseases. Treatment strategies include glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and antifungal medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic protocols for managing canine lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis based on the results of clinical, endoscopic and histological examinations, and to determine the relapse rate for LPR in dogs. Twenty dogs of different breeds and both sexes, aged 1 to 14 years, were divided into four groups, each consisting of five dogs, including three experimental groups diagnosed with LPR and a control group. The dogs from the first experimental group were administered prednisone orally at 1 mg/kg/day in the first 4 weeks and 0,5 mg/kg/day in the following 2 weeks. The second group of dogs was administered meloxicam orally at 0,1 mg/kg/day in the first 3 weeks, followed by prednisone at 1 mg/kg/day in the following 2 weeks and 0,5 mg/kg/day in the last week of the treatment. The dogs from the third experimental group were administered meloxicam orally at 0,1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. The control group of dogs was administered empty gelatin capsules (placebo) orally for 6 weeks. Clinical signs, endoscopic and histopathologic lesions were scored before and after treatment. Groups were compared using Chi- squared statistics in a 2 × 2 table for pre- versus post-treatment scores. Results Clinical signs persisted in the group treated with meloxicam and were mostly resolved in prednisone-treated dogs. However, endoscopic and histological changes were still observed in these two groups after treatment. The severity of all diagnostic features was reduced in the group treated with meloxicam for 3 weeks followed by prednisone for 3 weeks. The significant differences (p

Omówiono poszczególne etapy procesu wyprowadzania sekcji ścianowej obudowy zmechanizowanej z likwidowanego wyrobiska ścianowego. Uwzględniono rozwiązania techniczno-organizacyjne stosowane w różnych kopalniach. Przedstawiono przykłady technicznych urządzeń wspomagających wybudowę i wytransportowanie sekcji ze ściany. Przeanalizowano omawiane procesy w aspekcie poprawy bezpieczeństwa.

Summary: Micropeptide regulator of β-oxidation (MOXI) is a conserved muscle-enriched protein encoded by an RNA transcript misannotated as non-coding. MOXI localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane where it associates with the mitochondrial trifunctional protein, an enzyme complex that plays a critical role in fatty acid β-oxidation. Isolated heart and skeletal muscle mitochondria from MOXI knockout mice exhibit a diminished ability to metabolize fatty acids, while transgenic MOXI overexpression leads to enhanced β-oxidation. Additionally, hearts from MOXI knockout mice preferentially oxidize carbohydrates over fatty acids in an isolated perfused heart system compared to wild-type (WT) animals. MOXI knockout mice also exhibit a profound reduction in exercise capacity, highlighting the role of MOXI in metabolic control. The functional characterization of MOXI provides insight into the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and energy homeostasis and underscores the regulatory potential of additional micropeptides that have yet to be identified. : Micropeptide regulator of β-oxidation (MOXI) is encoded by a muscle-enriched RNA transcript misannotated as non-coding. MOXI localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane where it interacts with the trifunctional protein to modulate fatty acid β-oxidation and exercise capacity. Keywords: micropeptide, fatty acid oxidation, metabolism, mitochondria, trifunctional protein, noncoding RNA

Antibiotic therapy of staphylococcal mastitis is characterized by significantly lower cure rates compared to infections caused by other microorganisms. Thus, it is necessary to search for new, alternative, non-antibiotic agents that are effective in the eradication of these bacteria. The aim of our research was to investigate the antimicrobial, especially anti-staphylococcal potential of a large collection (n=36) of essential oils (EOs). Investigation of the antimicrobial activity of tested oils was determined by using a serial, twofold dilution method in 96-wells microtiter plates under conditions recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The preliminary analysis revealed that six oils, namely: Manuka, Thyme, Geranium, Cedar, Cinnamon (from bark) and Patchouli exhibited the highest activity against reference strains of bacteria. Significant anti-staphylococcal potential of these oils has been also confirmed for a group of 18 Staphylococcus aureus, 8 Staphylococcus epidermidis and 5 Staphylococcus xylosus strains isolated from cases of bovine mastitis. Especially high activity was observed for Cedar, Patchouli, Thyme and Manuka oils. The MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) values for Patchouli oil were in the concentrations range of 0.01 to 0.313% (v/v). The three other oils inhibited the growth of staphylococci isolated from mastitis in the concentrations range of 0.01 to 0.625% (v/v). Oils isolated from Cinnamomum cassia and Pelargonium graveolens revealed a bit lower, but still satisfactory activity (MIC values in the concentrations range of 0.02 to 1.25% (v/v) and from 0.078 to 1.25% (v/v), respectively). In many cases a slightly higher concentration of oils was required to obtain the bactericidal effect in comparison to growth inhibition. The time – kill kinetic assay revealed that the bactericidal effect was achieved after two hours incubation of the reference strain S. aureus PCM 2051 cells with Thyme oil at concentration equal to 2xMIC (1.25% (v/v)) or MIC (0.625% (v/v)). A slightly lower activity was observed in the case of Cinnamon oil, the bactericidal effect was achieved after 8 hours of incubation. The results of our research clearly indicate that some essential oils exhibit a promising antimicrobial activity and can be considered as alternative antistaphylococcal agents.

Objective: A decline in mitochondrial function and biogenesis as well as increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important determinants of aging. With advancing age, there is a concomitant reduction in circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) that is closely associated with neuronal aging and neurodegeneration. In this study, we investigated the effect of the decline in IGF-1 signaling with age on astrocyte mitochondrial metabolism and astrocyte function and its association with learning and memory. Methods: Learning and memory was assessed using the radial arm water maze in young and old mice as well as tamoxifen-inducible astrocyte-specific knockout of IGFR (GFAP-CreTAM/igfrf/f). The impact of IGF-1 signaling on mitochondrial function was evaluated using primary astrocyte cultures from igfrf/f mice using AAV-Cre mediated knockdown using Oroboros respirometry and Seahorse assays. Results: Our results indicate that a reduction in IGF-1 receptor (IGFR) expression with age is associated with decline in hippocampal-dependent learning and increased gliosis. Astrocyte-specific knockout of IGFR also induced impairments in working memory. Using primary astrocyte cultures, we show that reducing IGF-1 signaling via a 30–50% reduction IGFR expression, comparable to the physiological changes in IGF-1 that occur with age, significantly impaired ATP synthesis. IGFR deficient astrocytes also displayed altered mitochondrial structure and function and increased mitochondrial ROS production associated with the induction of an antioxidant response. However, IGFR deficient astrocytes were more sensitive to H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, IGFR deficient astrocytes also showed significantly impaired glucose and Aβ uptake, both critical functions of astrocytes in the brain. Conclusions: Regulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function and redox status by IGF-1 is essential to maintain astrocytic function and coordinate hippocampal-dependent spatial learning. Age-related astrocytic dysfunction caused by diminished IGF-1 signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other age-associated cognitive pathologies. Keywords: Primary astrocytes, IGF-1, Amyloid, Mitochondria, ROS, Alzheimer's disease

Aleutian disease (AD) poses a serious threat to both free-ranging and farmed mink around the world. The disease is caused by the Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV), which also poses a health risk for other members of the family Mustelidae, including wild mink, weasels, badgers and other animal species. This article analyses the seroprevalence of AMDV infections in mink and other species around the world, and reviews recent knowledge relating to the molecular epidemiology of the AMDV. Depending on the applied diagnostic technique and the country, the prevalence of anti-AMDV antibodies or AMDV DNA was established at 21.60–100.00% in farmed American mink, 0.00–93.30% in free-ranging American mink and 0.00–25.00% in European mink. Anti-AMDV antibodies or AMDV DNA were also detected in other free-living fur-bearing animals in Europe and Canada, where their prevalence was determined at 0.00–32.00% and 0.00–70.50%, respectively. This may indicate a potential threat to various animal species. AMDV strains are not clustered into genotypes based on the geographic origin, year of isolation or pathogenicity. The isolates that were identified on mink farms around the world originated from North America because American mink were introduced to Europe and Asia for breeding purposes and to restock natural populations.

Background: The IPNV is one of the most common viral pathogens of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), while Y. ruckeri infections are widespread among bacterial agents. The current study aimed to determine the influence of IPNV and Y. ruckeri co-infection on a non-specific immune response. Methods: Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment determined the changes in non-specific immunity parameters upon the simultaneous occurrence of IPNV and Y. ruckeri infection. In the second experiment, infection with the IPNV was performed two weeks before Y. ruckeri infection. The level of total protein, gamma globulins, the activity of lysozyme and ceruloplasmin, as well as the metabolic activity and potential killing activity of phagocytes were measured: 0, 24 h, 72 h, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days after co-infection. Results: A differentiated effect on the parameters of the non-specific immune response was shown between single infections with the IPNV and Y. ruckeri as well as co-infection with these pathogens. Conclusions: The immune response in the course of a co-infection depended on the time between infections. IPNV infection causes lysozyme activity suppression, which may lead to secondary bacterial infections.

According to the international societies’ recommendations, the 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) technique should not be used as the method of choice in brain tumour diagnosis. Therefore, the brain region can be omitted during standard [18F]FDG PET/CT scanning. We performed comprehensive literature research and analysed results from 14,222 brain and torso [18F]FDG PET/CT studies collected in 2010–2020. We found 131 clinically silent primary and metastatic brain tumours and 24 benign lesions. We concluded that the brain and torso [18F]FDG PET/CT study provides valuable data that may support therapeutic management by detecting clinically silent primary and metastatic brain tumours.