SC2EGSet: StarCraft II Esport Replay and Game-state Dataset.

As a relatively new form of sport, esports offers unparalleled data availability. Our work aims to open esports to a broader scientific community by supplying raw and pre-processed files from StarCraft II esports tournaments. These files can be used in statistical and machine learning modeling tasks and compared to laboratory-based measurements. Additionally, we open-sourced and published all the custom tools that were developed in the process of creating our dataset. These tools include PyTorch and PyTorch Lightning API abstractions to load and model the data. Our dataset contains replays from major and premiere StarCraft II tournaments since 2016. We processed 55 "replaypacks" that contained 17930 files with game-state information. Our dataset is one of the few large publicly available sources of StarCraft II data upon its publication. Analysis of the extracted data holds promise for further Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), psychological, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and sports-related studies in a variety of supervised and self-supervised tasks.

Pegylated Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated with siRNA: Complexes Formation and Cytotoxicity.

Drug delivery systems such as dendrimers, liposomes, polymers or gold/silver nanoparticles could be used to advance modern medicine. One significant pharmacological problem is crossing biological barriers by commonly used drugs, e.g., in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, which have a problem of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricting drug delivery. Numerous studies have been conducted to find appropriate drug carriers that are safe, biocompatible and efficient. In this work, we evaluate pegylated gold nanoparticles AuNP14a and AuNP14b after their conjugation with therapeutic siRNA directed against APOE4. This genetic risk factor remains the strongest predictor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study aimed to assess the biophysical properties of AuNPs/siAPOE complexes and to check their biological safety on healthy cells using human brain endothelial cells (HBEC-5i). Techniques such as fluorescence polarization, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential measurements and gel retardation assay showed that AuNPs form stable complexes with siRNA. Subsequently, cytotoxicity assays proved the biological safety of formed conjugates. Obtained results enabled us to find effective concentrations of AuNPs when complexes are formed and non-toxic for healthy cells. One of the studied nanoparticles, AuNP14b complexed with siRNA, displayed lower cytotoxicity (MTT assay, cells viability -74.8 ± 3.1%) than free nanoparticles (44.7 ± 3.6%). This may be promising for further investigations in nucleic acid delivery and could have practical use in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Dual Nature of Relationship between Mycobacteria and Cancer.

Although the therapeutic effect of mycobacteria as antitumor agents has been known for decades, recent epidemiological and experimental studies have revealed that mycobacterium-related chronic inflammation may be a possible mechanism of cancer pathogenesis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous Mycobacterium avium complex infections have been implicated as potentially contributing to the etiology of lung cancer, whereas Mycobacterium ulcerans has been correlated with skin carcinogenesis. The risk of tumor development with chronic mycobacterial infections is thought to be a result of many host effector mechanisms acting at different stages of oncogenesis. In this paper, we focus on the nature of the relationship between mycobacteria and cancer, describing the clinical significance of mycobacteria-based cancer therapy as well as epidemiological evidence on the contribution of chronic mycobacterial infections to the increased lung cancer risk.

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of human liver tumor specimens - towards a tissue differentiating optical biopsy needle using light emitting diodes.

Significant numbers of liver biopsies fail to yield representative tissue samples. This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of LED-based diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to discriminate tumors from liver parenchyma. Ex vivo spectra were acquired from malignant lesions and liver parenchyma of 32 patients who underwent liver resection using a white light source and several LEDs. Integrated spectra of two combined LEDs with emission peaks at 470 nm and 515 nm were classified with 98.4% sensitivity and 99.2% specificity. The promising results could yield to a simple handheld and cost-efficient tool for real-time tissue differentiation implemented in a biopsy needle.

[Markers of hepatitis B, C and HIV among orthopedic patients and staff at a Polish university hospital]. / Markery zakazenia HBV, HCV i HIV u personelu i pacjentów klinicznego oddzialu ortopedii i traumatologii.

OBJECTIVE: to estimate prevalence of immunization for HBV and seroprevalence for HBV, HCV and HIV among orthopedic patients and staff; to verify the proportion of staff genetically resistant to HIV. METHODS: a voluntary anonymous serosurvey together with immunization history were completed at the orthopedic ward of Szczecin University Hospital (37 beds, 30 doctors and nurses and 1118 admissions annually) between November/December 2006. Blood from 100 consecutive patients and all staff agreeing to participate was tested for anti-HIV, anti-HCV and markers of HBV including anti-HBc total and HBs, as well as for alleles of the CCR5 gene mutated variant with 32-bp deletion. RESULTS: All off the first 100 patients (median age 51 years, 63% males) and 20 staff (response 67%, median age 35 years, 45% males) agreed to participate. Among patients 64% reported being immunized (95% CI: 54.2-72.7%), 24% (95% CI:16.7-33.2%), not being immunized, 12% (95% CI: 7-19,8%) did not remember. Prevalence of anti-HCV and anti-HIV was 0% (95% CI 0-3.7%); as for HBV, one was HBsAg positive (1%; 95% CI: 0.2-5.4%). Among tested staff none were positive for anti-HCV and anti-HIV. As for HBV, anti-HBc were detected in 8 (40%), 2 had had symptomatic hepatitis, of whom one (5%) was HBsAg positive. No tested staff reported non-occupational risk factors. Seven of eight anti-HBc positive staff had been unaware of previous hepatitis B and underwent full immunisation with three doses of vaccine. Among tested staff 1 (5%) was a homozygote delta32/delta32 allele of the CCR5 receptor, 4 (21%) were heterozygotes +/delta32. CONCLUSIONS: The main study limitation was the small sample size and the fact that one-third of staff refused testing; nevertheless, the carrier state of HBs detected in one percent of tested patients, and high proportion of tested staff with the markers of HBV infection indicates high occupational risk and emphasizes the need for immunization. Nearly all HBc positive staff unaware of their serological status had undergone immunization, showing the importance of pre-immunization testing. In the light of low single exposure risk, lack of serological markers of infection in the current population of orthopedic patients and staff, and 5% of careers of mutated allele of CCR5 detected among staff, we conclude that an employment at orthopedic ward does not significantly increase the risk of contracting HIV infection.

[The use of bisphosphonates for treating pathological states in orthopedics]. / Zastosowanie bisfosfonianów w leczeniu schorzen ortopedycznych.

The bisphosphonates (BP) are well established as the treatment of choice for disorders of excessive bone resorption. Their classical pharmacological effects appear to result from two key properties: affinity for bone mineral and inhibitory effects on osteoclasts. Presented paper contains overview of the most important information concerning application of bisphosphonates in orthopedics. This compilation has been extended and includes also cellular mechanisms of action, pharmacological classification as well as adverse effects of this drugs' group. The most significant differences between the various individual BP and basic pharmacokinetic properties have been shown. This manuscript presents clinical guidelines on safe bisphosphonates usage.

[Clinical efficacy of blood retransfusion after uncemented total hip replacement]. / Kliniczna ocena przydatnosci retransfuzji krwi po zabiegu bezcementowej alloplastyki stawu biodrowego.

THR is associated with high volume of perioperative blood loss. Concern about the risk of allogenic blood transfusion has led to attempts to avoid this standard procedure. Regarding different alternative method of allogenic blood transfusion postoperative collection of unwashed blood seems to be a good method of avoiding homologous blood transfusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the postoperative salvaged blood after uncemented THR was efficacious. The patients were prospective assigned to one of two groups. The first group (34 patients) was managed with postoperative reinfusion of salvage blood and the second (32 patients) was treated with close suction drainage. We found that intraoperative blood loss was 456 +/- 82 ml and postoperative 847 +/- 172 ml. The decrease of hemoglobin level after first 6 hour was 2.78 +/- 0.49 g/dl. The first group with postoperative reinfusion of unwashed salvaged blood was associated with above double decreased prevalence of homologous transfusion after uncemented THR compared to the group without reinfusion. The hemoglobin level of unwashed salvaged blood used to retransfusion was not different compared to patient hemoglobin level measured 6 hours after THR. We found that the use of postoperative blood reinfusion after uncemented THR is a useful and practical method of reducing allogenic transfusion.

Interleukin-10 gene polymorphism in Parkinson's disease patients.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) is not well established. Recent studies revealed that inflammatory processes might also play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. We hypothesized that genetically determined differences in the immune response, especially in anti-inflammatory cytokines production, might influence the risk of sporadic PD development and/or onset. To prove this hypothesis, two DNA polymorphisms at IL-10 promoter (-1082 and -519) were examined in sporadic PD patients. METHODS: The study enrolled 341 patients with diagnosed idiopathic PD. All cases of secondary parkinsonism were excluded from the study. For the purpose of this study the patients were also divided into two subgroups: group 1: patients with onset of Parkinson's disease, i.e., <50 years of age (early onset) included 60 patients, as well as group 2: patients with onset of Parkinson's disease >50 years of age (late onset) comprising 281 subjects. Control samples were from 315 randomly selected healthy individuals from the same geographical region who were free from signs of parkinsonism as evaluated by consultant neurologists. PCR-RFLP methods were used for genotyping. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between PD patients and controls were found in the frequency of a single locus (-1082, -519) of IL-10 promoter. Likewise, haplotype analysis did not demonstrate any significant differences between evaluated groups. The frequency of the evaluated IL-10 genotypes was also similar in EOPD and LOPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our study revealed that the IL-10 (-1082G>A, -592C>A) polymorphism is not a risk factor of sporadic Parkinson's disease in a Polish population.

[Luxation of the prothesis after total hip arthroplasty]. / Zwichniecia protezy po calkowitej endoprotezoplastyce stawu biodrowego.

In this report we evaluated the incidence of complications following the total hip arthroplasty. We have focused on the role of the surgical approach as thepatient cause of the luxation of the prosthesis. Retrospective analysis of 393 endoprosthetic surgeries performed in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Pomeranian Medical University, between April 2002 and December 2003 was conducted. Out of 9 patients with prosthesis luxation 6 patients were operated using the posterior approach. A comparative analysis of selected groups did not reveal any significant differences in clinical condition of the patient, the implantation technique or the type of the applied prosthesis. We suggest that the main cause of prosthesis luxation were mistakes that led to misaligment of the prosthetic elements, and the posterior approach was believed to be the the predisposing factor.

[Assessment of cytokines in the bone fracture union complications]. / Znaczenie cytokin w powstawaniu powiklan zrostu kostnego.

The opinion on the usefulness of selected genetic examinations in connective tissue diseases is reported. Particular attention was paid to healing of fractures especially in respect of pathological aspects of accretion processes. The reasons for a delay in or a lack of bone fracture union process have not been fully explained--in spite of several reports relating to this type of examination. There are a number of egzogenic and endogenic agents including cytokines which regulate these processes. Up to date views on the suspected influence of cytokines on genetic polymorphism are discussed in present paper. Genetic polymorphism of some cytokines may increase the risk of post-menopausal osteoporosis. It seems that genetic factors are likely to cause complications of fracture healing.

[Evaluation of individual vulnerability to HIV infection of health care employees--hope or reality?]. / Ocena indywidualnej podatnosci na zakazenie HIV w warunkach pracy sluzby zdrowia--nadzieja czy rzeczywistosc?

Due to the increasing number of infections with hepatitis viruses and HIV, world wide as well as among the health care workers, the prevention of occupationally acquired infections in the operating room environment becomes crucial. Three plausible strategies do not require any knowledge of the exact mechanisms of exposure: vaccination, impenetrable protective barriers and post exposure prophylaxis. This paper presents the opinion on individual risks of HIV infections based on genetic factors. It has been proved that one of the CCR5 gene varient for chemokine receptor is related with resistance to HIV-1 infection. Similary, the level of cytokine depends on the number of gene CCL3L1 copy and it influences susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and AIDS development.

[Double gloving in reducing the interoperative risk of blood borne pathogens]. / Udzial podwójnych rekawic chirurgicznych w zmniejszaniu ryzyka sródoperacyjnego zakazenia patogenami przenoszonymi droga krwi.

The potential for blood contact with skin puts operating room personnel at increased risk of exposure to hepatitis or HIV virus. One of the most common areas of contamination with infectious biological material is the hands and fingers due to failure of glove protection. There are varying opinions regarding the frequency of glove failure during orthopaedic procedures and the necessity of wearing two gloves for added protection. The authors performed a trial of 94 procedures involving 10 surgeons from Orthopaedic Department of Pomeranian Medical University from Szczecin, Poland to answer these questions. Outer-glove perforations occurred in 15% of the cases while inner-glove--in only 3.1% (p < 0.0001). In 5 cases there was an inner-glove defect without a corresponding outer-glove perforation. Both the duration of the operation longer than 2 hours and the type of the procedure (minor versus major) were associated with increased rates of perforation (p < 0.002 and p < 0.0007 respectively). From total amount of perforated outer-gloves, only 13 (28%) were changed by the surgeon during the operation. There was no statistically significant difference between latex and neoprene used as inner-gloves (p > 0.17) in failure rates. The authors conclude double gloving during orthopaedic procedures and changing the gloves every 2 hours may significantly reduce the operating room personnel's risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens.

[Use of preventive strategies by surgeons and HIV exposure]. / Stosowanie podstawowych srodków ochrony przez lekarzy specjalnosci zabiegowych a narazenie na zakazenie HIV.

The objective of this study was to estimate how often surgeons use surgical gowns, masks, gloves and eyewear in the context of occupational exposure to HIV. The authors also wanted to determine what factors were associated with the use of these strategies. Generally surgeons reported infrequent use of preventive strategies. Regular use of double gloving was reported only by 8.5% of respondents, eye protection by 23%. About three-quarters of surgeons reported they always used masks and gowns, 86%--single gloves. Doctors who used eye protection regularly had less blood contacts via conjunctiva per year than surgeons who used such protection seldom or never (mean = 17.6 SD 52.2 vs mean = 21.5 SD 73.6; p<0.003). The older surgeons were more likely than the other respondents to use preventive strategies (p<0.01). Also, the orthopaedic surgeons more than the others adopted such strategies (p<0.0007). To improve the situation, efforts will need to be done to motivate the surgeons to adopt preventive strategies through adequate education system. Improving the comfort of barrier precautions and making them available may also increase the compliance with protection against HIV in the operation room.

[Occupational exposure to HIV among Polish surgeons from the province of West Pomerania]. / Narazenie lekarzy specjalnosci zabiegowych województwa zachodniopomorskiego na zakazenie HIV.

In order to establish appropriate strategies making possible to reduce the risk of HIV infection in operating suite an attempt was undertaken at determination of the incidence of occupational exposure to blood among surgeons and of the factors that have influence on the occurrence of such events. The questionnaire study included 200 physicians from hospitals both in the City of Szczecin and in the Province of West Pomernia. Most responders (97.5%) answered that they had at least one skin damage over the year preceding the study (median of cuts--10) including 87% that had at least one needle puncture and 24% that had over 10 punctures. The number of cuts was independent of such variables as: gender, age, degree of speciality, working place or training on HIV/AIDS (p > 0.07), however, a correlation was demonstrated with specialisation degree, number of operating hours and number of HIV-positive patients treated. With respect to the most recent occupational injury it was found that: it occurred most frequently in the operating room during elective operation, it was never reported, it involved the main operator and was self-inflicted. The high number of occupational skin injuries observed among the studied physicians points to the need of modification of current professional practices and of systematic training of the staff in protection against HIV infection.

[Bone tissue harvesting after multiorgan procurements for preparation of preserved bone allografts]. / Pozyskiwanie tkanki kostnej po pobraniach wielonarzadowych celem przygotowywania allogennych przeszczepów kostnych.

Preserved bone allografts are widely used in orthopaedic and traumatology operations. Until now, bone tissue for the preparation of preserved allografts has been collected from cadaveric donors in forensic medicine departments. Increasing demand for preserved bone allografts and limited number of suitable donors led to a prolongation of the waiting time for this kind of allografts. In 1999 a group of orthopaedic surgeons from the Orthopaedics and Trauma Department of the Pomeranian University of Medical sciences started to retrieve bone tissue following vascularized organ procurements. The aim of this paper is to present the technical details and limitations of this enterprise. Between November 1999 and April 2001 bone tissue was received from 12 out of 20 multiorgan donors (60%).

Regional program for bone allograft harvesting following multiorgan procurement in Pomeranian Academy of Medicine in Szczecin.

In Poland, up to 1999, the bones for allograft preparations had been procured only in mortuaries of forensic medicine departments. The increasing demand for bone transplantations greatly exceeds the supply resulting in a long waiting time for bone allografts. In November 1999, for the first time in Poland, the group of orthopedic surgeons from the Pomeranian Academy of Medicine started the regional program for bone harvesting following vascularized organ procurements. The aim of this paper is to present the technical details and limitations of bone harvesting that occurred in 10 out of 25 multiorgan procurements.

[Chronic, aortic aneurysm rupture as one reason for retrospinal back pain]. / Przewlekle pekajacy tetniak aorty brzusznej jako jedna z przyczyn pozakregoslupowych bólów krzyza.

The authors present the issue of rare causes of retrospinal back pain. Particular attention has been given to abdominal aortic aneurysm--it's clinical picture, diagnostic problems and treatment modes. A retrospective evaluation of 65 operated patients was performed. Diagnostic problems in a 66-year-old patient are also presented: the final diagnosis was determined at the time of surgery, although a low back pain treatment regimen had been formerly applied to this patient. The authors emphasise the frequent occurrence of atypical clinical signs accompanying abdominal aortic aneurysm, frequent correlation with degenerative changes of the spine, and the importance of differential diagnostics in patients with atypical symptoms of low back pain.