Predictors of bone mineral density in patients receiving glucocorticoid replacement for Addison's disease.

PURPOSE: Patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid (GC) treatment are at risk of osteoporosis, while bone effects of substitution doses in Addison's disease (AD) remain equivocal. The project was aimed to evaluate serum bone turnover markers (BTMs): osteocalcin, type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (PINP), collagen C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), sclerostin, DKK-1 protein, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in relation to bone mineral density (BMD) during GC replacement. METHODS: Serum BTMs and hormones were assessed in 80 patients with AD (22 males, 25 pre- and 33 postmenopausal females) on hydrocortisone (HC) substitution for ≥3 years. Densitometry with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry covered the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN). RESULTS: Among BTMs, only PINP levels were altered in AD. BMD Z-scores remained negative except for FN in males. Considering T-scores, osteopenia was found in LS in 45.5% males, 24% young and 42.4% postmenopausal females, while osteoporosis in 9.0%, 4.0% and 21.1%, respectively. Lumbar BMD correlated positively with body mass (p = 0.0001) and serum DHEA-S (p = 9.899 × 10-6). Negative correlation was detected with HC dose/day/kg (p = 0.0320), cumulative HC dose (p = 0.0030), patient's age (p = 1.038 × 10-5), disease duration (p = 0.0004), ALP activity (p = 0.0041) and CTX level (p = 0.0105). However, only age, body mass, ALP, serum CTX, and sclerostin remained independent predictors of LS BMD. CONCLUSION: Standard HC substitution does not considerably accelerate BMD loss in AD patients and their serum BTMs: CTX, osteocalcin, sclerostin, DKK-1, and ALP activity remain within the reference ranges. Independent predictors of low lumbar spine BMD, especially ALP activity, serum CTX and sclerostin, might be monitored during GC substitution.

Role of rs2366152 single-nucleotide variant located in the long noncoding RNA HOTAIR gene in the cervical cancer susceptibility in a Polish population.

Previous studies have demonstrated an association of the NC_000012.12:g.53962605A > G, (rs2366152) single-nucleotide variant (SNV) situated in the long noncoding homeobox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) gene with HPV16-related cervical cancer pathogenesis. However, little is known about the role of rs2366152 in cervical cancer progression and how oral birth control pills use, parity, menopausal status, and cigarette smoking influence the role of rs2366152 in cervical carcinogenesis. HRM analysis was used to determine the rs2366152 SNV prevalence in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 470) and control group (n = 499) in a Polish Caucasian population. Logistic regression analyses were adjusted for age, using birth control pills, parity, menopausal status, and cigarette smoking. Our genetic studies revealed that the G/A vs. A/A (p = 0.031, p = 0.002) and G/A + G/G vs. A/A (p = 0.035, p = 0.003) genotypes of rs2366152 SNV were significantly related to the grade of differentiation G3 and tumor stage III, respectively. Moreover, cervical cancer risk increased among patients with rs2366152 SNV who smoked cigarettes and used birth control pills. We conclude that rs2366152 may promote the invasion and rapid growth of cervical SCC. Moreover, rs2366152 with cigarette smoking and using birth control pills can also be a risk factor for cervical cancerogenesis.

Diet, Oral Hygiene Habits, and Approach to Dental Visits of Early School-Aged Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Possible Long-Term Health Consequences.

INTRODUCTION: Early school-aged children are in a transitional phase from primary to permanent dentition. Established dietary and oral hygiene habits will influence the condition of the oral cavity in the future. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate alterations in early school children's dietary and oral hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and to anticipate potential long-term health implications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional online study involved guardians of Polish children aged 6-10 years, living in Western Poland, who were socially isolated at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 180 guardians were invited to participate in this study. The questionnaire included 17 questions divided into four different sections-the child's anthropometric data, dietary habits, oral health, and attitude to dental visits. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 106 guardians. The mean (standard deviation) age of the children was 8.12 (0.93) years (range 6-10 years). Overall, 24.5% of the surveyed individuals reported buying healthy products (fresh vegetables, fruit) more frequently during the pandemic. Furthermore, 35.8% admitted to snacking between meals more frequently and 16.0% less frequently. Almost one-quarter of the parents acknowledged that their children were less motivated to maintain oral hygiene during the pandemic and 28.3% declared a lower frequency of visits to the dentist from the outbreak of the pandemic for two main reasons: a fear of coronavirus transmission and economic reasons. CONCLUSIONS: In the group studied, the results of the assessment indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic had some effects on oral health that may lead to an increased risk of oral disease development, such as tooth decay in children. None of the respondents noticed an increase in their child's motivation about good oral hygiene despite spending more time at home. The irregularity of follow-up visits for one-third of the respondents hindered preventive measures and the continuation of dental treatment.

Developmental enamel defects and dental anomalies of number and size in children with growth hormone deficiency.

Growth hormone is meaningfully involved in the processes of tooth cells differentiation and tissue formation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of dental anomalies: microdontia, macrodontia, hypodontia and developmental defects of enamel (DDE) amongst a group of isolated growth hormone deficient (GHD) patients and healthy children. This cross-sectional study was based on a group of 101 Caucasian children: 33 with GHD (mean age 10.94, SD 2.51) and 68 being healthy, normal height subjects (mean age 10.4, SD 2.38). The dental examination in primary and permanent teeth was carried out by one trained and calibrated dentist, in accordance with the WHO guidelines. It was observed that 33% of GHD patients suffer from dental anomalies (hypodontia, microdontia or macrodontia), the difference between the study group and the control group was statistically significant (33% vs 4%, p < 0.001). Hypodontia and microdontia/macrodontia were the most common problems affecting 18% and 21% of the GHD individuals, respectively. The prevalence of DDE did not differ significantly between GHD group and the control group (58% vs 48%, p > 0.05). As children with GHD present more dental anomalies than their healthy coevals, clinicians should be aware of the possible oral health problems associated with GHD and consider dental screening and management as part of the patient's overall health care plan.

Hemangioma-related gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between four single nucleotide polymorphisms of hemangioma-linked genes encoding for anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1 G976A), R kinase insert domain receptor (KDR T1444C), adrenoceptor beta 2 (ADRB C79CG), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R G3174A) and the occurrence of IVH in a population of preterm infants. METHODS: The study includes a population of 105 infants born from 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks of gestation and hospitalized at the Department of Neonatology (III level hospital) of Poznan University of Medical Science. Intraventricular hemorrhage was diagnosed with the use of cranial ultrasound. The classification of intraventricular bleeding was based on the Papile IVH classification. RESULTS: The incidence of IVH was higher in infants with lower birth weight, lower APGAR scores, and low birth weight. The study revealed that IVH was approximately two times less likely to occur in infants with the allele G of IGF-1R 3174G > A. CONCLUSION: Identifying susceptible premature infants through genetic analysis could be a potential way to alleviate severe IVH and its subsequent consequences. Further research examining a wider range of relevant gene polymorphisms could help highlight any genetic patterns in this deleterious bleeding complication.

Ninety-Day Mortality of Thoracoscopic vs Open Lobectomy: A Large Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated a lower incidence of complications after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy compared with thoracotomy, but the data on in-hospital and 90-day mortality are inconclusive. This study analyzed whether surgical approach, VATS or thoracotomy, was related to early mortality of lobectomy in lung cancer and determined the differences between in-hospital and 90-day mortality. METHODS: Data of all patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent lobectomy between January 1, 2007, and July 30, 2018, were retrieved from Polish National Lung Cancer Registry. Included were 31 433 patients who met all study criteria. After propensity score matching, 4946 patients in the VATS group were compared with 4946 patients in the thoracotomy group. RESULTS: Compared with thoracotomy, VATS lobectomy was related to lower in-hospital (1.5% vs 0.9%, P = .004) and 90-day mortality (3.4% vs 1.8%, P < .001). Mortality at 90 days was twice as high as in-hospital mortality in both the VATS (1.8% vs 0.9%, P < .001) and thoracotomy groups (3.4% vs 1.5%, P < .001). Postoperative complications were less common after VATS compared with thoracotomy (23.6% vs 31.8%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: VATS lobectomy is associated with lower in-hospital and 90-day mortality compared with thoracotomy and should be recommended for lung cancer treatment, if feasible. Patients should also be closely monitored after discharge from the hospital, because 90-day mortality is significant higher than in-hospital mortality.

SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnancy-A Retrospective Analysis of Selected Maternal and Fetal Laboratory Parameters.

Pregnant women and their neonates belong to the group of individuals with elevated risk for COVID-19 infection. Data on the course of the disease and how it affects the pregnancy and neonatal wellbeing remain conflicting. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of SARS CoV-2 infection on the mode of delivery, neonatal condition and selected maternal and fetal laboratory parameters. This was a single-center retrospective case-control study. This dataset was generated using electronic medical records collected by medical personnel. Two groups of patients, hospitalized between April, 2020 and February, 2021, were included in the study: study group (304)-pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 and control group (N = 329)-healthy pregnant women or parturients. Mothers with a severe course of COVID-19 had higher activated partial thromboplastin-APTT (p = 0.02), C-Reactive Protein-CRP (p = 0.00) and procalcitonin (p = 0.032) levels as compared to pregnant women with mild or moderate course of the disease. Neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers presented with worse condition at 1 and 5 minutes of life (p = 0.000 and 0.00, respectively) and lower Arterial Blood Gas-ABG pH scores (p = 0.016). Elective cesarean section is the most common mode of delivery for SARS-CoV2-infected mothers. Emergency cesarean sections are performed at earlier gestational age as compared to vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section. Lower Apgar scores were observed in neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers who required oxygen therapy and whose procalcitonin levels were elevated. There is a relationship between more severe course of COVID-19 and APTT, as well as CRP and procalcitonin levels.

Foot and Ankle Conventional Radiography in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Does It Still Matter?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the residual value of Conventional Radiography in children with arthralgia clinically suspected of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Materials and Methods: Three hundred seventy-two patients aged 1-18 years suspected of JIA were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had foot and ankle plain films performed in standard two projections: ankle in antero-posterior and lateral, and foot in antero-posterior and oblique. The cohort was divided into two groups: patients with confirmed JIA and non-JIA control group of children with foot and ankle arthralgia without diagnosis of inflammatory connective tissue disease. Radiographic findings in both groups were compared. Results: In 40% of JIA and 70% of non-JIA patients radiographs were normal. All radiographic findings were significantly more common in JIA than in non-JIA group (p = 0.000). Soft tissue swelling was the most frequent abnormality found in JIA patients (31, 51%) and only in 2.41% of non-JIA patients (p = 0.000). Osteoporosis and joint space narrowing were also significantly more common in JIA group (p = 0.000). The majority of imaging findings in non-JIA group were non-inflammatory abnormalities. Conclusion: Conventional radiography is an important tool in differential diagnosis of arthralgia of unknown etiology, as soft tissue swelling, osteoporosis and joint space narrowing are significantly more common in JIA patients as compared with patients without the diagnosis of inflammatory connective tissue disease. However, in case of high clinical suspicion of JIA and normal radiography, we recommend subsequent ultrasound (US) and/or MRI to allow early treatment.

The long-term benefit of a cardiac rehabilitation program after myocardial infarction in patients under the Managed Care for Acute Myocardial Infarction Survivors (MACAMIS) program in Poland: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: The Managed Care for Acute Myocardial Infarction Survivors (MACAMIS) program introduced for patients after myocardial infarction (MI) consists of 4 modules including early cardiac rehabilitation (CR). AIMS: We compared the impact of CR on survival of patients after MI included in the MACAMIS program. METHODS: Patients in MACAMIS were divided into subgroups based on being qualified or not qual-ified for CR and on whether they completed or failed to complete CR. We evaluated one-, two-, and three-year mortality. RESULTS: Of 244 patients in MACAMIS, 174 patients were qualified for CR. They were younger, had less advanced coronary artery disease (CAD), higher ejection fraction (EF), and fewer comorbidities. Finally, 102 (58.6%) patients completed CR. These patients were younger and more likely to have STEMI; they were more often treated invasively, with no differences in comorbidity burden. The survival rates at one, two, and three years were 93.6%, 87.8%, and 65.0%, respectively. Patients who qualified for CR had a better prognosis. The mortality rates at one, two, and three years were 2.38% vs. 16.18% (P = 0.0003), 6.71% vs. 25.4% (P = 0.002), and 26.87% vs. 51.35% (P = 0.01), respectively. Patients who completed CR, again, had a significantly better prognosis. The mortality rate was 1% vs. 10.29% (P = 0.009), 4.17% vs. 17.56% (P = 0.002), and 23.33% vs. 40.54% (P = 0.09) in analyzed periods. The only independent factors related to survival were completion of CR and number of comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MI in the MACAMIS program had better prognosis when participating in CR. After completing the MACAMIS program, increased mortality was observed in the following years. Despite the flexibility of the CR program, the proportion of patients who qualified and completed CR remained low.

The Polish Version of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale: Cultural Adaptation and Validation.

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is a diagnostic tool for the assessment of the motor performance of infants from the time of birth, to the period of independent walking (0-18 months). This study aims to derive a Polish version of the AIMS through its cultural adaptation and validation. The study included 145 infants aged 0-18 months, who were divided into four further age groups: 0-3 months, 4-7 months, 8-11 months, and older than 12 months. The validation was based on an analysis of intrarater and interrater reliability values, as well as concurrent validity, using the gross motor scale of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2). The total Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for intrarater reliability was 0.99 (ICC range in positions was 0.87-0.99, in subgroups was 0.91-0.99), while in particular positions, the ICC ranges were as follows: prone 0.97-0.99, supine 0.94-0.99, sitting 0.95-0.99, and standing: 0.63-0.99. The total ICC for interrater reliability was 0.99 (ICC range in positions was 0.98-0.99, in subgroups was 0.91-0.99), while in particular positions, the ICC ranges were as follows: prone 0.95-0.99, supine 0.93-0.96, sitting 0.93-0.98, standing 0.91-0.98. Only the standing position was analyzed for the subgroup of participants over 12 months old. The Spearman correlation between the Polish version of the AIMS and the gross motor scale of PDMS-2 was significant in the total population (r = 0.97, p < 0.0001) and in subgroups (r = 0.79-0.85, p < 0.0001). The results of our study confirm that the Polish version of the AIMS is reliable for infants aged 0-18 months and can be applied to this population for clinical and scientific purposes. Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05264064, URL https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ct2/show/NCT05264064.

Skeletal and dental age discrepancy and occlusal traits in children with growth hormone deficiency and idiopathic short stature.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the dental and bone age delay and occlusal traits of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 46 patients aged 5 to 14 years: 15 with ISS, 17 with GHD before growth hormone treatment, and 14 with GHD during substitution therapy. The control group consisted of 46 age and sex-matched subjects of normal height. A calibrated dentist assessed all subjects in terms of dental age and occlusal characteristics. Bone age was evaluated only in GHD and ISS children as a part of a hospital's diagnostic protocol. RESULTS: The subgroup of GHD before treatment differed significantly concerning dental age delay from their healthy peers (- 0.34 and 0.83 year, respectively, p = 0.039). Dental age delay in short stature children was less marked than bone age delay (- 0.12 and - 1.76, respectively, p < 0.00001). Dental crowding was recorded in 57% of ISS patients and 53% of GHD children before treatment compared to only 22% of the control subjects (p = 0.027 and p = 0.021, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Dental age was retarded in GHD children before growth hormone (GH) therapy, but the delay does not seem clinically significant. ISS children and GHD children before therapy showed marked bone age delay and tendency to crowding. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The different pace of teeth eruption and skeletal growth in short stature children should be considered when planning their dental treatment.

Polymorphisms of fibronectin-1 (rs3796123; rs1968510; rs10202709; rs6725958; and rs35343655) are not associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that mainly affects premature newborns. Many different factors, increasingly genetic, are involved in the pathogenesis of BPD. The aim of the study is to investigate the possible influence of fibronectin SNP on the occurrence of BPD. The study included 108 infants born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation. BPD was diagnosed based on the National Institutes of Health Consensus definition. The 5 FN1 gene polymorphisms assessed in the study were the following: rs3796123; rs1968510; rs10202709; rs6725958; and rs35343655. BPD developed in 30 (27.8%) out of the 108 preterm infants. Incidence of BPD was higher in infants with lower APGAR scores and low birthweight. Investigation did not confirm any significant prevalence for BPD development in any genotypes and alleles of FN1. Further studies should be performed to confirm the role of genetic factors in etiology and pathogenesis of BPD.

IL-1ß, IL-10 and TNF-α polymorphisms may affect systemic lupus erythematosus risk and phenotype.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, and IL-1ß, IL-10, and TNF-α genes are important in the pathogenesis of this disease. We studied the impact of IL-1ß-511, IL-1ß +3953, IL-10 -592, IL-10 -1082, TNF-α -308, TNF-α -238, and TNF-α +489 polymorphisms on SLE risk and phenotype in SLE patients and healthy controls. METHODS: We genotyped SLE patients and healthy controls by real-time PCR on QuantStudio 5 (Applied Biosystems) and measured levels of cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: We indicated that TNF-α -308, IL-10 -592, IL-10 -1082, IL-1ß-511 and IL-1ß +3953 polymorphisms affect SLE risk. Furthermore, we exposed that some of the TNF-α +489, TNF-α -238, IL-10 -1082 and IL-1ß +3953 genotypes are connected with the SLE phenotype. Moreover, we discovered the linking between specific genotypes and the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study revealed that IL-1ß-511, IL-1ß +3953, IL-10 -592, IL-10 -1082, and TNF-α -308 polymorphisms may affect SLE risk and phenotype.

Long noncoding RNA CCAT1 rs67085638 SNP contribution to the progression of gastric cancer in a Polish population.

The role of the long noncoding RNA CCAT1 NC_000008.10:g.128220661C > T (rs67085638) in the development of colon cancer has been reported. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of rs67085638 in patients with gastric cancer (GC). We also evaluated the effect of rs67085638 on B-cell-specific Moloney leukaemia virus insertion site 1 (BMI1) transcripts in primary GC and counterpart histopathologically confirmed disease-free margin tissue. Using high-resolution melting analysis, we evaluated rs67085638 frequency in patients with the GC genotype (n = 214) and controls (n = 502) in a Polish Caucasian population. qRT-PCR was used to determine BMI1 transcripts. We observed the trend of rs67085638 association in all patients with GC (ptrend = 0.028), a strong risk of the GC genotype in male (ptrend = 0.035) but not female (ptrend = 0.747) patients, and the association with non-cardia GC (ptrend = 0.041), tumour stages T3 (ptrend = 0.014) and T4 (ptrend = 0.032), differentiation grading G3 (ptrend = 0.009), lymph node metastasis stage N3 (ptrend = 0.0005) and metastasis stage M0 (ptrend = 0.027). We found that significantly increased BMI1 transcripts were associated with the primary GC genotype classified as grade G3 (p = 0.011) and as lymph node metastasis N3 (p = 0.010) and counterpart marginal tissues (p = 0.026, p = 0.040, respectively) from carriers of the T/T versus C/C genotypes. rs67085638 may contribute to increased BMI1 transcripts and the progression and rapid growth of GC.

Zinc Complexes with 1,3-Diketones as Activators for Sulfur Vulcanization of Styrene-Butadiene Elastomer Filled with Carbon Black.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (N-ZnO) and zinc complexes with 1,3-diketones of different structures were applied instead of microsized zinc oxide (M-ZnO) to activate the sulfur vulcanization of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The influence of vulcanization activators on the cure characteristics of rubber compounds, as well as crosslink density and functional properties of SBR vulcanizates, such as tensile properties, hardness, damping behavior, thermal stability and resistance to thermo-oxidative aging was explored. Applying N-ZnO allowed to reduce the content of zinc by 40% compared to M-ZnO without detrimental influence on the cure characteristic and performance of SBR composites. The activity of zinc complexes in vulcanization seems to strongly depend on their structure, i.e., availability of zinc to react with curatives. The lower the steric hindrance of the substituents and thus the better the availability of zinc ions, the greater was the activity of the zinc complex and consequently the higher the crosslink density of the vulcanizates. Zinc complexes had no detrimental effect on the time and temperature of SBR vulcanization. Despite lower crosslink density, most vulcanizates with zinc complexes demonstrated similar or improved functional properties in comparison with SBR containing M-ZnO. Most importantly, zinc complexes allowed the content of zinc in SBR compounds to be reduced by approximately 90% compared to M-ZnO.

Influence of Fillers and Ionic Liquids on the Crosslinking and Performance of Natural Rubber Biocomposites.

This work concerns the effect of fillers and ionic liquids on the cure characteristics of natural rubber (NR) compounds, as well as the mechanical and thermal properties of the vulcanizates. Three types of white filler were applied, such as cellulose, nanosized silica and hydrotalcite, to modify the performance of NR composites. Additionally, ionic liquids (ILs) with bromide anion and different cations, i.e., 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (Bmi) and 1-butyl-3-methylpyrrolidinium (Bmpyr), were used to improve the cure characteristics of NR compounds and functional properties of the vulcanizates. The type of filler and the structure of ILs were proved to affect the rheometric properties and cure characteristics of NR compounds as well as the performance of the NR vulcanizates. Owing to the adsorption of curatives onto the surface, silica reduced the activity of the crosslinking system, prolonging the optimal vulcanization time of NR compounds and reducing the crosslinking degree of the elastomer. However, silica-filled NR exhibited the highest thermal stability. Hydrotalcite increased the crosslink density and, consequently, the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates, but deteriorated their thermal stability. ILs beneficially influenced the cure characteristics of NR compounds, as well as the crosslink density and mechanical performance of the vulcanizates, particularly those filled with silica. Cellulose did not significantly affect the vulcanization of NR compounds and crosslink density of the vulcanizates compared to the unfilled elastomer, but deteriorated their tensile strength. On the other hand, cellulose improved the thermal stability and did not considerably alter the damping properties of the vulcanizates.

Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Ionic Liquids Applied for Fine-Tuning the Cure Characteristics and Performance of Natural Rubber Composites.

The goal of this work was to apply ionic liquids (ILs) with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI) for fine-tuning the cure characteristics and physico-chemical properties of elastomer composites based on a biodegradable natural rubber (NR) matrix. ILs with TFSI anion and different cations, such as alkylpyrrolidinium, alkylammonium, and alkylsulfonium cations, were applied to increase the efficiency of sulfur vulcanization and to improve the performance of NR composites. Thus, the influence of ILs on the vulcanization of NR compounds, as well as crosslink density and physical properties of NR vulcanizates, including tensile properties, thermal stability, and resistance to thermo-oxidative aging was explored. The activity of ILs seems to be strongly dependent on their cation. Pyrrolidinium and ammonium ILs effectively supported the vulcanization, reducing the optimal vulcanization time and temperature of NR compounds and increasing the crosslink density of the vulcanizates. Consequently, vulcanizates with these ILs exhibited higher tensile strength than the benchmark without IL. On the other hand, sulfonium ILs reduced the torque increment owing to the lower crosslinking degree of elastomer but significantly improved the resistance of NR composites to thermo-oxidation. Thus, TFSI ILs can be used to align the curing behavior and performance of NR composites for particular applications.

Task-Specific Ionic Liquids with Lactate Anion Applied to Improve ZnO Dispersibility in the Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Elastomer.

Task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) are ionic liquids with structures and, consequently, properties and behaviors designed for particular applications. In this work, task-specific ILs with alkylammonium or benzalkonium cations and carboxyl groups in the form of lactate anions were used to promote the homogeneous dispersion of the curatives in the elastomer matrix. The reaction of carboxyl groups of TSILs with zinc oxide, which acts as a vulcanization activator, was confirmed. This interaction improved the solubility and dispersibility of zinc oxide particles in the ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM) monomer matrix, which consequently affected the curing characteristics of rubber compounds. Most importantly, TSILs increased the efficiency of vulcanization by shortening the time, lowering the temperature and increasing the enthalpy of this process, while maintaining safe processing of elastomer composites. EPDM vulcanizates containing TSILs with lactate anion were characterized by satisfactory functional properties.

Dynamics of the Third Wave of COVID-19 from the Perspective of the Emergency Department in a Large Regional Hospital-Single Center Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused many significant social and economic changes. The consecutive waves of the epidemic in various countries have had dissimilar courses depending on the methods used to combat it. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of the third wave of COVID-19 from the perspective of emergency departments (ED). METHODS: This was a retrospective review of medical records from ED. The authors have identified the most frequent symptoms. Prognostic factors have been chosen-prognostic scales, length of stay (LOS)-and a number of resources required have been calculated. RESULTS: As the time passed, there were fewer patients and they presented mild symptoms. A statistically significant difference was observed in the median of blood oxygenation measurement (p = 0.00009), CRP level (p = 0.0016), and admission rate. Patients admitted to the hospital required more resources at ED. LOS was shorter in patients discharged home (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The blood oxygen saturation (SPO2) and CPR levels can be helpful in decision-making regarding medical treatment. The fast-track for patients in good clinical condition may shorten the duration of stay in ED, and reduce the number of required resources.

Tissue factor and human apolipoprotein H genetic variants and pro-inflammatory cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

OBJECTIVES: Tissue factor (TF) and Human apolipoprotein H (APOH) seem to be significantly associated with a clinical manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with or without APS, mostly because of thrombotic events and coagulation processes. Additionally, according to recent studies, these two factors appear to be an important part of immune response and inflammation. METHODS: The objective of this study was to investigate three SNPs of APOH (rs4581, rs8178835 and rs818819) and three of TF (rs958587, rs3917615, rs1361600) in SLE patients and healthy subjects using TaqMan genotyping assay and their association with inflammatory cytokines level in serum and selected clinical parameters. RESULTS: Present study revealed that TF rs3917615 and rs958587 and APOH rs4581 possibly predispose to joint involvement in SLE. CONCLUSIONS: Analysed genetic variants of TF and APOH may have an impact on inflammatory processes and clinical relevance in SLE patients in the Caucasian population.