The utility of novel STE parameters in echocardiographic assessment of single ventricle after Fontan palliation.

Background and aims of the study A functionally single ventricle (FSV) refers to a group of congenital heart defects that are not amenable for biventricular correction. The Fontan operation is utilized as surgical treatment for most of FSV patients. The evaluation of FSV function is extremely difficult due to its unique pathophysiology. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) parameters measured at rest and during exercise for comprehensive assessment of univentricular heart. METHODS: We enrolled 37 patients with a functionally single ventricle after the Fontan operation, hospitalized in the Department of Congenital Heart Defects between years 2019 and 2021.The echocardiographic stress tests were performed in the Echocardiography Laboratory of the Congenital Heart Defects Department. The study was conducted on a bicycle ergometer in a semi-recumbent position. The parameters obtained by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE): the longitudinal strain of the FSV free wall (Ɛ) and the longitudinal strain of myocardial layers: subendocardial, medial and subepicardial were analyzed. A transmural longitudinal strain gradient (TG) was calculated as the difference between longitudinal deformation of the subendocardial and subepicardial layers. Current results of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and cardio-pulmonary test (CPET) were also incorporated. Demographic data, past interventions, pharmacological treatment and comorbidities were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Ɛ at rest and during exercise were not related to the parameters of physical capacity obtained on CPET nor to the CMR results. The transmural strain gradient was dependent on physical performance parameter- peak oxygen uptake- and related to the FSV ejection fraction calculated by magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The transmural strain gradient and FSV free wall strain are readily measurable and suitable for evaluating single ventricle function. The TG is positively correlated with peak oxygen uptake during the cardiopulmonary test and with the ejection fraction derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The applicability of these findings in patients undergoing the Fontan procedure warrants further exploration.

Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles Using an Aqueous Extract of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) Leaf Waste.

In this study, we analysed the potential use of dried strawberry leaves and calyces for the production of nanoparticles using inorganic iron compounds. We used the following iron precursors FeCl3 × 6H2O, FeCl2 × 4H2O, Fe(NO3)3 × 9H2O, Fe2(SO4)3 × H2O, FeSO4 × 7H2O, FeCl3 anhydrous. It was discovered that the content of polyphenols and flavonoids in dried strawberries and their antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP were 346.81 µM TE/1 g and 331.71 µM TE/1 g, respectively, and were similar to these of green tea extracts. Microimages made using TEM techniques allowed for the isolation of a few nanoparticles with dimensions ranging from tens of nanometres to several micrometres. The value of the electrokinetic potential in all samples was negative and ranged from -21,300 mV to -11,183 mV. XRF analyses confirmed the presence of iron ranging from 0.13% to 0.92% in the samples with a concentration of 0.01 mol/dm3. FT-IR spectra analyses showed bands characteristic of nanoparticles. In calorimetric measurements, no increase in temperature was observed in any of the tests during exposure to the electromagnetic field. In summary, using the extract from dried strawberry leaves and calyxes as a reagent, we can obtain iron nanoparticles with sizes dependent on the concentration of the precursor.

Analysis of Cutting Forces and Geometric Surface Structures in the Milling of NiTi Alloy.

This paper presents a study of the total cutting force used and selected parameters of the geometric structure of the surface (e.g., Sa, Sz) during the end milling process of NiTi alloy. The input parameters included are cutting speed (vc), feed per tooth (fz), and radial depth of cut (ae). A Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to conduct the research. The obtained experimental results were utilized within the framework of a response surface methodology (RSM) to develop mathematical and statistical models capable of predicting cutting force components and selected 3D surface parameters. These models provide valuable insights into the relationships between the cutting parameters and the output variables, facilitating the optimization of the NiTi alloy milling process. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of NiTi alloy during the milling process and offer information for process optimization. By employing a Box-Behnken experimental design, it was possible to investigate the effects of different parameter combinations on the components of total cutting force and selected 3D surface parameters according to ISO 25178, thus aiding in the identification of optimal milling conditions to achieve desired outcomes in the machining of NiTi alloy.

The Influence of Oxidation and Nitrogenation on the Physicochemical Properties and Sorption Capacity of Activated Biocarbons Prepared from the Elderberry Inflorescence.

The main objective of the study was to prepare a series of new activated biocarbons by means of physical and chemical activation of elderberry inflorescence. The influence of carbon matrix nitrogenation/oxidation on the physicochemical properties and sorption abilities of the carbonaceous materials was investigated. The impact of initial dye concentration, pH and temperature of the system on methylene blue and rhodamine B removal efficiency was checked. It was shown that activation of elderberry inflorescences with CO2 or H3PO4, and their further modification by introducing nitrogen or oxygen functional groups, allowed us obtain a wide range of materials that differ significantly in terms of the chemical nature of the surface, degree of specific surface development and the type of porous structure generated. The samples prepared by chemical activation proved to be very effective in terms of cationic dyes adsorption. The maximum sorption capacity toward methylene blue and rhodamine B reached the level of 277.8 and 98.1 mg/g, respectively. A better fit to the experimental data was achieved with a Langmuir isotherm than a Freundlich one. It was also shown that the efficiency of methylene blue and rhodamine B adsorption from aqueous solutions decreased with increasing temperature of the system.

Application of Iron Nanoparticle-Based Materials in the Food Industry.

Due to their different properties compared to other materials, nanoparticles of iron and iron oxides are increasingly used in the food industry. Food technologists have especially paid attention to their ease of separation by magnetic fields and biocompatibility. Unfortunately, the consumption of increasing amounts of nanoparticles has raised concerns about their biotoxicity. Hence, knowledge about the applicability of iron nanoparticle-based materials in the food industry is needed not only among scientists, but also among all individuals who are involved in food production. The first part of this article describes typical methods of obtaining iron nanoparticles using chemical synthesis and so-called green chemistry. The second part of this article describes the use of iron nanoparticles and iron nanoparticle-based materials for active packaging, including the ability to eliminate oxygen and antimicrobial activity. Then, the possibilities of using the magnetic properties of iron nano-oxides for enzyme immobilization, food analysis, protein purification and mycotoxin and histamine removal from food are described. Other described applications of materials based on iron nanoparticles are the production of artificial enzymes, process control, food fortification and preserving food in a supercooled state. The third part of the article analyzes the biocompatibility of iron nanoparticles, their impact on the human body and the safety of their use.

The Combination of Baicalin with Knockdown of mir148a Gene Suppresses Cell Viability and Proliferation and Induces the Apoptosis and Autophagy of Human Glioblastoma Multiforme T98G and U87MG Cells.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a heterogeneous and highly vascularized brain tumor that avoids apoptosis due to P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated multidrug resistance. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies that induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation is urgently warranted. OBJECTIVES: We examined the efficacy of the combination of baicalin (BAI) and knockdown of miR-148a gene in human glioblastoma T98G and U87MG cell lines. METHODS: T98G and U87MG cells were transfected with miR148a siRNA. The influence of miR- 148a siRNA in combination with BAI on T98G and U87MG cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy was evaluated as well. Alterations in the mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes were analyzed using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The transfection of T98G and U87MG cells with miR148a specific siRNA and exposition on baicalin led to a significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation, the accumulation of sub G1-phase cells and a reduced population of cells in the S and G2/M phases (only in U87MG cell line), increased population of cells in the S phase in T98G cell line and apoptosis or necrosis induction and induction of autophagy for both cell lines. CONCLUSION: The siRNA-induced miR-148a mRNA knockdown in combination with baicalin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to more effectively control the growth of human GBM cells. Thus, knockdown of this gene in combination with baicalin inhibits proliferation (cell cycle arrest in the S phase in T98G but not in U87MG cells), induces apoptosis, and regulates autophagy in T98G and U87MG cells. However, further studies are urgently needed to confirm a positive phenomenon for the treatment of GBM.

The Spiritual Supporter Scale as a New Tool for Assessing Spiritual Care Competencies in Professionals: Design, Validation, and Psychometric Evaluation.

This study aimed to design, validate and standardize the Spiritual Supporter (SpSup) Scale, a tool designed to assess competency to provide spiritual care including knowledge, sensitivity to spiritual needs and spiritual support skills. This instrument can be used by all those engaged in or training for caregiving roles. The study was conducted in Poland in the Polish language. The SpSup Scale demonstrates high overall reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.88), a satisfactory diagnostic accuracy (0.79), and a satisfactory discriminatory power of the items. Given the psychometric properties of SpSup Scale demonstrated here, the scale is recommended for the assessment of the competency to provide spiritual care in both clinical and research settings in Poland.

The impact of fatigue on static balance in people with chronic ankle instability.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess static postural stability under fatigue in subjects with chronic ankle instability - "copers" in comparison with healthy controls. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study on a group of 60 young, physically active subjects, divided into 3 groups: I - 14 subjects with unilateral ankle instability, II - 15 subjects with bilateral ankle instability, III - 31 healthy subjects, without ankle instability. The fatigue trial was based on modified Short-Term Fatigue Protocol. Static stabilography was performed with the use of HUR platform. RESULTS: showed an increase in the value of COP trace length after fatigue test in study population I. The level of COP trace length Z before fatigue was significantly lower than after fatigue. Subjects from study population I had higher levels of COP trace length Z in comparison with the control group. The main effect for the group also proved to be significant. Study population I had higher levels of COP trace length Z in comparison with the control group. For the measurement after fatigue, there was significant difference only between the study population I and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of structural ankle instability was not correlated with functional instability. Subjects with ankle instability, or "copers", had good functional levels, enabling them to perform sports activities. "Copers" had weakened proprioception in static stabilography tests. Short and intense fatigue protocol weakened the ability to maintain balance in static stabilography test with eyes closed.

Spirituality in people with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - challenge for more effective interventions, support, and healthcare education: Mini-review.

More recently there has been a growing interest in spirituality in medicine, especially in the field of palliative care, oncology, intensive care, and cardiology. However, according to literature, it seems to be a limited number of researches on how healthcare professionals should provide spiritual care (SC) for people with non-malignant lung diseases and what kind of education for them enables them to do it efficiently. This mini-review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge of an area of spirituality and SC for people with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including spiritual well-being and religious/spiritual coping, their relations with the quality of life and symptom burden, exercise capacity and daily functioning, mental health, or medication adherence. It also analyses the use of interventions to meet patients' spiritual needs and patients' expectations regarding SC provided by professional careers. Based on the literature authors try to show the fields that should be improved and proposed future research directions.

Major Depression and Onset of Frontotemporal Dementia.

Purpose: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is still a clinical challenge with the highest rate of misdiagnosis and poor outcome. The pathogenetic relationship between depression and neurodegeneration remains unclear. This study evaluated depression prevalence before FTD diagnosis. Patients and Methods: The aim was to assess the prevalence and impact of depression on FTD diagnostic process. The clinical characteristics of 72 patients hospitalized in Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders Medical University of Lodz between 2010 and 2020 with final diagnosis FTD were analyzed. The data referring to first psychiatric diagnosis, time from first psychopathological symptoms to clarification of FTD diagnosis were collected. The patients who did not undergo full neuropsychiatric verification were excluded from the analysis. Results: About 69% of patients had other concomitant diagnosis of mental disorders which was made prior to FTD diagnosis. Among this subsample, 71% revealed depression diagnosis with at least moderate severity. The patients whose first diagnosis was psychotic depression revealed the longest period from the appearance of the first psychopathological symptoms to the diagnosis of FTD in comparison to the subsample with other psychiatric diagnosis (p=0.034; mean 4.33±3.28 years vs mean 2.68±1.39 years). Conclusion: The severe depressive symptoms in older age may reflect the development of neurodegeneration before full-blown frontotemporal dementia symptomatology. We hypothesized that psychotic depression is a predictor of FTD. Further investigations in this field are required.

Association Study of the SLC1A2 (rs4354668), SLC6A9 (rs2486001), and SLC6A5 (rs2000959) Polymorphisms in Major Depressive Disorder.

The membrane excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), encoded by SLC1A2, is responsible for the uptake and redistribution of synaptic glutamate. Glycine modulates excitatory neurotransmission. The clearance of synaptic glycine is performed by glycine transporters encoded by SLC6A9 and SLC6A5. Higher synaptic glycine and glutamate levels could enhance the activation of NMDA receptors and counteract the hypofunction of glutamate neurotransmission described in major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of the study was to assess whether polymorphisms of SCL1A2 (rs4354668), SCL6A5 (rs2000959), and SCL6A9 (rs2486001) play a role in the development of MDD and its clinical picture in the Polish population. The study group consisted of 161 unrelated Caucasian patients with MDD and 462 healthy unrelated individuals for control. Polymorphisms were genotyped with PCR-RLFP assay. We observed that the frequency of genotype CC and allele C of the SLC1A2 polymorphism rs4354668 was twice as high in the MDD group as in control. Such differences were not detected in SLC6A5 and SLC6A9 polymorphisms. No statistically significant association of the studied SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) on clinical variables of the MDD was observed. The current study indicates an association of polymorphism rs4354668 in SCL1A2 with depression occurrence in the Polish population; however, further studies with larger samples should be performed to clarify these findings.

A training programme for medical students in providing spiritual care to people with advanced diseases and their loved ones: A case study from the Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland.

Purpose: This article presents the first programme on spiritual care particularly for people with advanced life-limiting illness including heart failure, lung disease or cancer for medical students in Poland implemented at the Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. Methods and materials: Several steps were identified for the development of the first programme on spirituality for medical students at the Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz including preliminary work on the content of the programme, agreement on key concepts, terms, and definitions; consultations with teachers and review of the literature. Results: The first Polish spiritual curriculum for medical students was implemented. The spirituality curriculum will potentially contribute to better care for the people with advanced illnesses such as heart failure, chronic lung disease or cancer and improve the quality of relationships between professionals and patients. Conclusion: The article presents the content of the program, the expected learning objectives and ascribed teaching methods, along with the preliminary evaluation made by students.

Nephropathic cystinosis in Poland: a 40-year retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Nephropathic cystinosis (NC) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder leading to lysosomal accumulation of cystine. It is caused by mutations in the CTNS gene encoding a cystine cotransporter cystinosin. The infantile (INC) and juvenile (JNC) forms are distinguished. The former, responsible for 95% of cases, is characterized by development of renal Fanconi syndrome, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and extrarenal complications. A therapy with cysteamine significantly improves outcomes. There are limited data on NC in the Central Eastern European countries. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, genetic background, and clinical course of NC in the Polish population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data of all identified NC patients in Poland. RESULTS: Between 1982 and 2017, 15 patients with NC (13 ICN, 2 JCN) were identified. The most common mutations of the CTNS gene were c.18_c.21delGACT and c.681+1G>A, whereas only 2 patients carried the 57 kb deletion. The majority (11/13) of INC patients with limited access to the cysteamine therapy developed ESKD at a median age of 11 years and 9 of them received kidney transplants. Three INC patients died at a median age of 24 years. In contrast, 2 INC patients treated adequately present normal kidney function and growth at the age of 13 and 11 years. Two JNC patients presented a milder course. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of NC in Poland is much lower than in the Western countries and its molecular background appears to be different. The unfavorable course in the majority of INC patients was caused by a limited access to the cysteamine treatment.

Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Self-Compassion Scale and its correlates.

This study adapts the Self-Compassion Scale into Polish and tests the validity, reliability and factor structure of its measures. In the first phase of the research (Study I), 645 respondents were assessed using the NEO-FFI Scale, the Self-Esteem Scale and a back-translated version of the Self-Compassion Scale. The aim of Study I is to analyse the factor structure of the Polish adaptation of the Self-Compassion Scale. The results of analyses using structural equation modelling and exploratory structural equation modelling confirm the six-component structure of the Self-Compassion Scale and the possibility of distinguishing a single primary factor. The results of these analyses indicate that self-compassion is conceptually distinctive from personality traits and self-judgement. In the second phase of the study (Study II), 688 respondents were assessed and the findings show that self-compassion is a predictor of depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and satisfaction with life, and is also linked to emotional intelligence. In conclusion, the findings of this study show that the Polish version of the Self-Compassion Scale is a reliable and valid measure of self-compassion.

Research Protocol of the Polish Adaptation and Validation of HOPE Scale: Qualitative Measurement of Patients' Spiritual Needs.

Background: The HOPE Scale by Gowri Anandarajah is a qualitative tool for examining and assessing the spiritual needs of sick people, which can be used by health care professionals, but also other personnel whose purpose is to support the patient during illness. Aim: The aim of this study was the cultural adaptation and validation of a qualitative tool for examining the spiritual needs of patients. Methods: A six-step procedure was adopted with the inclusion of four independent forward and two backward translations and cognitive debriefing of the Polish version with experts (n = 11) and chronically ill patients (n = 15). These methods were used to verify a semantic validation and comprehensibility of the HOPE scale according to the standards of cultural measure validation and adaptation. Bioethics Committee approval No KE-0254/222/2020. Results: No major problems were encountered during the process of straightforward and backward translation, and the suggested minor linguistic corrections were made. The HOPE scale was found to be comprehensible and readable by experts and patients, and the instructions were clear and did not pose any difficulties for the respondents. Following the six steps of the validation, the final Polish version of the HOPE scale was obtained, adapted stylistically and culturally to Polish conditions. Conclusions: The Polish version of the HOPE scale is culturally and linguistically adapted and is ready to be used for assessing patients' spiritual needs. The scale can be used both for research and in practice when working with chronically ill people.

HSPB1 Gene Variants and Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study in a Polish Population.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder that has a significant genetic component. HSPB1 (HSP27) is known for its neuroprotective functions under stress conditions and appears to play an important role during the development of the central nervous system, which is in agreement with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of SCZ. The aim of the present case-control study was to investigate whether HSPB1 variants contribute to the risk and clinical features (age of onset, symptoms, and suicidal behavior) of SCZ in a Polish population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the association between the HSPB1 polymorphisms and SCZ. Three SNPs of HSPB1 (rs2868370, rs2868371, and rs7459185) were genotyped in a total of 1082 (403 patients and 679 controls) unrelated subjects using TaqMan assays. The results showed that the genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes of the three SNPs were not significantly different between the schizophrenic patients and healthy controls either in the overall analysis or in the gender-stratified analysis (all p > 0.05). However, we did find a significant effect of the rs2868371 genotype on the age of onset, negative symptoms, and disorganized symptoms in the five-factor model of PANSS (all p < 0.01). Post hoc comparisons showed that carriers of the rs2868371 G/G genotype had significantly higher negative and disorganized factor scores than those with the C/G and C/C genotypes, respectively. Further investigations with other larger independent samples are required to confirm our findings and to better explore the effect of the HSPB1 polymorphisms on the risk and symptomatology of SCZ.

Procedure Proposal for Minimising the Dynamic Error of Second-Order Sensors.

This paper proposes the procedure for minimising the dynamic error in the time and frequency domains, based on the example of a second-order sensor. Our procedure includes three main steps: modelling of the sensors using the Monte Carlo (MC) method; determination of the maximum value of the dynamic error using the integral-square criterion (ISC); and optimisation of the parameters of the sensor model by minimising the ISC. The uncertainties associated with the modelling procedure and the MC method are also considered. The mathematical formulae necessary for implementation in a given programming language (MathCad, MATLAB, C, etc.) are presented in detail. The proposed procedure was implemented in the frequency domain, using MathCad 15, and applied to the example of the Althen 731-207 accelerometer. Validation of the proposed procedure was carried out using a digital signal processor of type TMS320C6713. The proposed procedure can increase the accuracy of the signal processing obtained at the output of sensors applied to a wide range of measurements.

An association study of the HSPA8 gene polymorphisms with schizophrenia in a Polish population.

Heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70/HSPA8) is considered to be a promising candidate gene for schizophrenia (SCZ) due to its many essential functions and potential neuroprotective properties in the CNS (e.g., HSC70 is involved in the turnover of the synaptic proteins, synaptic vesicle recycling, and neurotransmitter homeostasis). An alteration in the expression of HSPA8 in SCZ has been reported. This implies that the genetic variants of HSPA8 might contribute to schizophrenia pathogenesis. The present study attempted to determine whether HSPA8 polymorphisms are associated with a susceptibility to schizophrenia or whether they have an impact on the clinical parameters of the disease in a Polish population. A total of 1066 participants (406 patients and 660 controls) were recruited for the study. Five SNPs of the HSPA8 gene (rs2236659, rs1136141, rs10892958, rs1461496, and rs4936770) were genotyped using TaqMan assays. There were no differences in the allele or genotype distribution in any of the SNPs in the entire sample. We also did not find any HSPA8 haplotype-specific associations with SCZ. A gender stratification analysis revealed that an increasing risk of schizophrenia was associated with the rs1461496 genotype in females (OR: 1.68, p < 0.05) in the recessive model. In addition, we found novel associations between HSPA8 SNPs (rs1136141, rs1461496, and rs10892958) and the severity of the psychiatric symptoms as measured by the PANSS. Further studies with larger samples from various ethnic groups are necessary to confirm our findings. Furthermore, studies that explore the functional contribution of the HSPA8 variants to schizophrenia pathogenesis are also needed.

Thermal, Spectroscopy and Luminescent Characterization of Hybrid PMMA/Lanthanide Complex Materials.

Novel hybrid materials based on the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix and lanthanide(III) carboxylates Eu:2,6-DClB and Tb:2,6-DClB were synthesized and carefully analyzed in the context of their potential application in optically active polymer-based optical fibers. To determine the usefulness of the obtained materials, a careful thermal, mass spectroscopy, and optical characterization was performed, focusing on the features critical for the technology of optical fiber processing. In addition, the luminescent features of both lanthanide complexes and the resulting hybrid composites were carefully investigated to identify the processes responsible for light emission and to analyze the influence of the PMMA host on light emission intensity and spectral characteristics. The obtained results showed that both lanthanide carboxylate complexes exhibited intense luminescence in the red and green spectral range, typical of europium and terbium dopants, and that those features were well preserved after introducing them into the PMMA polymer. Thermal analysis also proved that introducing the luminescent additives did not significantly affect the thermal properties of both hybrid materials, thus enabling further processing into the form of optical fibers.