Validation of a 1:8 Scale Measurement Stand for Testing Airborne Sound Insulation.

This paper contains a detailed description of the design and validation of a measurement stand for testing the airborne sound insulation of specimens made at a small scale. The stand is comprised of two coupled reverberation rooms in which the geometry represents the full-size reverberation rooms used at the AGH University of Science and Technology at a 1:8 scale. The paper proves that both the scaled measurement stand and the testing methodology conform to the ISO 10140 standards, and that the obtained measurement uncertainty does not exceed the maximum values specified in ISO 12999-1. Moreover, the calculated uncertainty of measurements obtained for the 1:8 scale stand is comparable with the typical uncertainty given in ISO 12999-1 and the uncertainty obtained on the full-scale measurement stand. In connection with the above, the authors have proved that by using the scaled-down measurement stands, one can obtain reliable and repeatable results of measurements of airborne sound insulation.

Safety and tolerability of therapeutic plasma exchange in autoimmune neurological diseases - a retrospective single-centre analysis.

CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR STUDY: The sudden onset of autoimmune neurological diseases often threatens life. In such clinical situations, fast, effective and safe treatment is needed. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an option in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. AIM OF STUDY: The aim was to assess the tolerability and safety of membrane-based therapeutic plasma exchange (mTPE) in patients with autoimmune neurological diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 410 TPE treatments were performed in 91 adult patients. The main reasons for performing TPE were: Guillain-Barre syndrome (39.56%), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (20.88%), and myasthenia gravis (17.58%). RESULTS: A total of 183 (44.6%) mTPE treatments were performed without complications. In 18 (19.8%) patients, there were no complications observed in any of the mTPE procedures (a total of 83 procedures). Serious and life-threatening complications occurred during four (0.97%) mTPEs. The most common abnormality in laboratory tests was hypocalcaemia. In patients with a fibrinogen c oncentration ≥ 2 .63 g /L, m easured before the second plasmapheresis, coagulation in the TPE filter was more f requently o bserved (p = 0 .04). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study proves that the use of plasmapheresis conducted by filtration in the treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases is safe and well tolerated.

Secure and Time-Aware Communication of Wireless Sensors Monitoring Overhead Transmission Lines.

Existing transmission power grids suffer from high maintenance costs and scalability issues along with a lack of effective and secure system monitoring. To address these problems, we propose to use Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) as a technology to achieve energy efficient, reliable, and low-cost remote monitoring of transmission grids. With WSNs, smart grid enables both utilities and customers to monitor, predict and manage energy usage effectively and react to possible power grid disturbances in a timely manner. However, the increased application of WSNs also introduces new security challenges, especially related to privacy, connectivity, and security management, repeatedly causing unpredicted expenditures. Monitoring the status of the power system, a large amount of sensors generates massive amount of sensitive data. In order to build an effective Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for a smart grid, we focus on designing a methodology of efficient and secure delivery of the data measured on transmission lines. We perform a set of simulations, in which we examine different routing algorithms, security mechanisms and WSN deployments in order to select the parameters that will not affect the delivery time but fulfill their role and ensure security at the same time. Furthermore, we analyze the optimal placement of direct wireless links, aiming at minimizing time delays, balancing network performance and decreasing deployment costs.

The Effect of Hyperbaric Storage on the Nutritional Value and Retention of Certain Bioactive Proteins in Human Milk.

Human milk (HM) contains the essential macronutrients and bioactive compounds necessary for the normal growth and development of newborns. The milk collected by human milk banks is stored frozen and pasteurized, reducing its nutritional and biological value. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hyperbaric storage at subzero temperatures (HS-ST) on the macronutrients and bioactive proteins in HM. As control samples, HM was stored at the same temperatures under 0.1 MPa. A Miris HM analyzer was used to determine the macronutrients and the energy value. The lactoferrin (LF), lysozyme (LYZ) and α-lactalbumin (α-LAC) content was checked using high-performance liquid chromatography, and an ELISA test was used to quantify secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The results showed that the macronutrient content did not change significantly after 90 days of storage at 60 MPa/-5 °C, 78 MPa/-7 °C, 111 MPa/-10 °C or 130 MPa/-12 °C. Retention higher than 90% of LYZ, α-LAC, LF and sIgA was observed in the HM stored at conditions of up to 111 MPa/-10 °C. However, at 130 MPa/-12 °C, there was a reduction in LYZ and LF, by 39 and 89%, respectively. The storage of HM at subzero temperatures at 0.1 MPa did not affect the content of carbohydrates or crude and true protein. For fat and the energy value, significant decreases were observed at -5 °C after 90 days of storage.

Environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions: insights into the effect on mental health.

Environmental pollution exposures, including air, soil, water, light, and noise pollution, are critical issues that may implicate adverse mental health outcomes. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts, may also cause long-term severe concerns. However, the knowledge about possible psychiatric disorders associated with these exposures is currently not well disseminated. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions on mental health, focusing on anxiety spectrum disorders, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and depression. In air pollution studies, increased concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 were the most strongly associated with the exacerbation of anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression symptoms. We provide an overview of the suggested underlying pathomechanisms involved. We highlight that the pathogenesis of environmental pollution-related diseases is multifactorial, including increased oxidative stress, systematic inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and epigenetic dysregulation. Light pollution and noise pollution were correlated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the impact of soil and water pollution is discussed. Such compounds as crude oil, heavy metals, natural gas, agro-chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), solvents, lead (Pb), and asbestos were associated with detrimental impact on mental health. Extreme weather conditions were linked to depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, namely PTSD. Several policy recommendations and awareness campaigns should be implemented, advocating for the advancement of high-quality urbanization, the mitigation of environmental pollution, and, consequently, the enhancement of residents' mental health.

Impact of Nutritional Status of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Expression Profile of Ghrelin, Irisin, and Titin.

The goal of this paper was the evaluation of the changes in the expression profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin in the carcinoma tissue and in the blood of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including determining the profile of their expression in relation to patient nutrition. The study included 56 patients with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of HNSCC in the T3 and T4 stages of the disease. Healthy control tissue specimens were collected from an area 10 mm outside the histologically negative margin. In turn, the blood and serum from the control group came from healthy volunteers treated for non-oncologic reasons (n = 70). The molecular analysis allowed us to determine the profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin methylation, evaluate their expression on the level of mRNA (quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction; qRT-PCR) and protein (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Reaction; ELISA) in the carcinoma tissue and the margin of healthy tissue, as well as in serum of patients in the study and control groups. At the start of our observations, a Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18.5 was noted in 42 of the patients, while six months after the treatment a BMI < 18.5 was noted in 29 patients. We also noted a decrease in the expression of irisin, ghrelin, and titin both on the level of mRNA and protein, as well as a potential regulation of their expression via DNA methylation. There is no convincing evidence that the proteins assayed in the present work are specific with regard to HNSSC.

A new finite element with variable Young's modulus.

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique that is well-established in the field of engineering. However, in biological sciences, it is just taking its first steps. Bone tissue is an example of biological material which is exposed to high loads in its natural environment. Practically every movement of the body results in changing stress levels in the bone. Nature copes with this very well but when human intervention is necessary (e.g., endoprostheses implants) bone strength has to be determined based on experience since bone tissue has a very heterogeneous structure. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate how standard FEM calculations may be readily modified to provide for variable material properties of such materials as, for example, bone or wood.

The smell of death. State-of-the-art and future research directions.

The decomposition of a body is inseparably associated with the release of several types of odors. This phenomenon has been used in the training of sniffer dogs for decades. The odor profile associated with decomposition consists of a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical composition of which varies over time, temperature, environmental conditions, and the type of microorganisms, and insects colonizing the carcass. Mercaptans are responsible for the bad smell associated with corpses; however, there are no unified recommendations for conducting forensic analysis based on the detectable odor of revealed corpses and previous research on VOCs shows differing results. The aim of this review is to systematize the current knowledge on the type of volatile organic compounds related to the decomposition process, depending on a few variables. This knowledge will improve the methods of VOCs detection and analysis to be used in modern forensic diagnostics and improve the methods of training dogs for forensic applications.

Preliminary investigation of two promoter region polymorphisms of the TNFA gene in patients with recurrent depressive disorder.

Immune system dysregulation plays a role in the pathogenesis of complex human diseases, including psychiatric disorders. In addition, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) may be conditioned by the presence of specific polymorphic variants. The present case-controlled preliminary study evaluated the prevalence of TNFA gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) G-308A (rs1800629) and T-1031C (rs1799964) in 83 Polish patients with depression by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The results were compared with the frequencies of genotypes in a geographically- and ethnically-matched group of individuals without depression. No statistically significant difference in genotype/allele frequency was observed for either SNP between the two groups. No association was found between the particular genotypes and selected demographic/clinical features, including sex, age at diagnosis or severity of depressive symptoms before/after pharmacotherapy. Thus, there does not appear to be any connection between the studied SNPs and the development and progression of depression; however, further studies are required with larger cohorts to better understand this aspect of depression.

Geriatric falls in the context of a hospital fall prevention program: delirium, low body mass index, and other risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Inpatient geriatric falls are a frequent complication of hospital care that results in significant morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate factors associated with falls in geriatric inpatients after implementation of the fall prevention program. METHODS: Prospective observational study comprised of 788 consecutive patients aged 79.5±7.6 years ( [Formula: see text] ± standard deviation) (66% women and 34% men) admitted to the subacute geriatric ward. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (including Mini-Mental State Examination, Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living, and modified Get-up and Go Test) was performed. Confusion Assessment Method was used for diagnosis of delirium. Patients were categorized into low, moderate, or high fall risk groups after clinical and functional assessment. RESULTS: About 15.9%, 21.1%, and 63.1% of participants were classified into low, moderate, and high fall risk groups, respectively. Twenty-seven falls were recorded in 26 patients. Increased fall probability was associated with age ≥76 years (P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) <23.5 (P=0.007), Mini-Mental State Examination <20 (P=0.004), Barthel Index <65 (P=0.002), hemoglobin <7.69 mmol/L (P=0.017), serum protein <70 g/L (P=0.008), albumin <32 g/L (P=0.001), and calcium level <2.27 mmol/L. Four independent factors associated with fall risk were included in the multivariate logistic regression model: delirium (odds ratio [OR] =7.33; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] =2.76-19.49; P<0.001), history of falls (OR =2.55; 95% CI =1.05-6.19; P=0.039), age (OR =1.14; 95% CI =1.05-1.23; P=0.001), and BMI (OR =0.91; 95% CI =0.83-0.99; P=0.034). CONCLUSION: Delirium, history of falls, and advanced age seem to be the primary risk factors for geriatric falls in the context of a hospital fall prevention program. Higher BMI appears to be associated with protection against inpatient geriatric falls.

Long-Term Effect of Body Mass Index Changes on Graft Damage Markers in Patients After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND Both adiposity and underweight are negatively associated with graft and patient survival after kidney transplantation (KTx). The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the changes in body mass index (BMI) after KTx and their relations with graft damage markers. MATERIAL AND METHODS The anthropometric measurements of body mass and height were performed in 92 consecutive deceased donor kidney transplant recipients (37 F; 55 M) from a single transplant center. Patient medical history, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum lipids, and ACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) was obtained from medical charts. RESULTS KTx recipients were on average 3.4±2.5 years after transplantation. Mean body BMI before KTx were 25.3±4.3 kg/m2 and increased after transplantation to 27.0±4.6 kg/m² (p=0.01). BMI increase after KTx was noted in 65% of recipients, most often in patients with normal pre-KTx BMI. Kidney function was better in patients with normal post-KTx BMI (55.2±15.8 ml/min/1.73 m²) than in obese patients (48.0±20.3 ml/min/1.73 m², p<0.05). Patients with normal post-KTx BMI had lower ACR (31.9±18.1 mg/g) than overweight (117.4±53.6 mg/g, p<0.05) and obese patients (280.0±81.7 mg/g, p<0.05). There were no differences in the mean BMI changes in recipients who received cyclosporine A or tacrolimus. CONCLUSIONS Patients after KTx showed an increase of BMI greater in those with normal pre-transplant body mass. The change in BMI over time has no effect on the graft function or magnitude of albuminuria. Overweight and obese patients after KTx have higher albuminuria and worse graft function than those with normal BMI. The type of calcineurin inhibitor has no effect on body mass after KTx.

Mild cognitive impairment and event-related potentials in patients with cerebral atrophy and leukoaraiosis.

OBJECTIVE: The influence of cerebral atrophy and leukoaraiosis (LA) on the degree and profile of cognitive impairment remains unclear. DESIGN: The aim of the study was to assess neuropsychological features of cognitive performance and parameters of event-related potentials (ERP) in subjects with generalised cerebral atrophy and LA. SETTING: Department of Neurology, University of Medicine. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two patients with LA and/or cerebral atrophy and twenty controls. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Neuropsychological testing (NT) included Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) and Trail Making Test (TMT). Auditory ERPs were performed and parameters of the N2 and P3 components were compared in the patients and controls. Relationships were analysed between radiological indices of atrophy and LA, and NT and ERP results. Results of NT suggested generalised mild cognitive impairment in all the patients. P3 and N2 latencies were longer in the patients than in controls, especially in the LA subgroup. Correlations were found for indices of atrophy, AVLT and ERP parameters. There was a predominant influence of age upon ERP parameters and radiological indices. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral atrophy and LA result in deficits in memory and attention. NT and ERP may be used as complementary methods in the assessment of cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral atrophy and LA.

The evaluation of the protective action of antioxidants on small intestine of rabbits experimentally injured by ischemia and reperfusion.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to ascertain the possibility of diminishing ischemia-reperfusion injury by intravenous application of the chosen antioxidants: vitamin C, mannitol, and N-acetylcysteine. METHODS: The study was performed on New Zealand Red male rabbits, which were divided into 6 groups of 8. In group 1, 5 segments of the small intestine were taken for histopathologic examination (normal intestine). In group 2, segments of the small intestine were taken for histopathologic examination after 3 hours of closure of the superior mesenteric artery (ischemic intestine). In group 3, after 3 hours of closure of the superior mesenteric artery, 1 hour of reperfusion took place. In this group, blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery was measured within the first 30 minutes, and segments of the small intestine were taken for histopathologic examination after 60 minutes of the reperfusion. In groups 4, 5, and 6 the procedure was similar to that in group 3, but additionally the rabbits were given antioxidants intravenously: in group 4, vitamin C, 250 mg/kg; in group 5, 20% mannitol, 3 mL/kg; and in group 6, N-acetylcysteine, 100 mg/kg. RESULTS: All the chosen antioxidants had a beneficial influence on the blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery. The blood flow in the groups with antioxidants after 30 minutes of the reperfusion was 53% to 57% of initial values compared with 27% of initial values in group 3. In histopathologic evaluation, protective action of the antioxidants was seen in the groups with vitamin C and mannitol. CONCLUSIONS: Application of the chosen antioxidants reduces injury of the rabbit small intestine caused by reperfusion after 3 hours of closure of the superior mesenteric artery.