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Search results for: HOSPITAL INFECTIONS
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Economic crisis in Croatia
PublicationCroatia is becoming the 28th member of the European Union on July 1st, 2013. Croatia has gone a long way from a socialistic republic to an independent country recognized as one of the economic tigers of the Western Balkans in the first decade of the 21st century. Croatia has been hit by a global crisis which turned out to be a huge external shock for the region of the Western Balkans. Although it does not enter the economy through...
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Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in meat - available techniques
PublicationToxoplasma gondii, which belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa, is an absolute intercellular parasite that infects a wide range of hosts, including warm-blooded animals and humans. An infection with this parasite causes toxoplasmosis, which in most cases remains latent. However, this disease is a major threat to immunocompromised people and pregnant women. In extreme cases, it can damage nervous system or case fatal abortion. Infected...
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A CNN based coronavirus disease prediction system for chest X-rays
PublicationCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) proliferated globally in early 2020, causing existential dread in the whole world. Radiography is crucial in the clinical staging and diagnosis of COVID-19 and offers high potential to improve healthcare plans for tackling the pandemic. However high variations in infection characteristics and low contrast between normal and infected regions pose great challenges in preparing radiological reports....
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GaAs ballistic and tunneling nanodevices for terahertz electronics and medical applications
PublicationPrzy użyciu selektywnej epitaksji warstw molekularnych (MLE) wytworzono w GaAs balistyczne i tunelowe tranzystory o indukcji elektrostatycznej (SIT), z kanałami w skali 10 nm. Szacowany czas przelotu elektronów jest krótszy od 2×10-14 s. Metoda MLE została również wykorzystana do wykonania diod generacyjnych TUNNETT działających w oparciu o czas przelotu i tunelowe wstrzykiwanie elektronów. Z użyciem diod TUNNETT wygenerowano częstotliwość...
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An application of simulation model of fuel consumption in diagnostic system of wheeled tractors
PublicationAn application of computer controlled fuel injection systems in vehicle engines and growing demands concerning toxic substances emission and fuel consumption was a main reason for OBD (On Board Diagnosis) development. In spite of a great technological development, only some tractors are equipped in diagnostic systems. On board diagnostic is strongly connected with emission demands and does not concern other important vehicle functions. In...
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APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF SEMI-MARKOV PROCESSES TO DETERMINE A LIMITING DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROCESS OF CHANGES OF ABILITY AND INABILITY STATES OF FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN HEAVY FUEL DIESEL ENGINES
PublicationThe paper presents applicability of the theory of semi-Markov processes to determine a limiting distribution of the process of changes of technical states of fuel systems for marine engines running on heavy fuel oils. The proposed study of this process includes the components of such fuel systems like: 1 - injectors, 2 - high pressure hoses, 3 - injection pumps, 4 - low pressure hoses, 5 – fine filters, 6 - coarse filters, 7 – fuel-feed...
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An analytical hierarchy process for selection of the optimal procedure for resveratrol determination in wine samples
PublicationThe study shows the application of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in ranking the analytical procedures, that are applied for resveratrol determination in wine samples. 19 different analytical methodologies are described by metrological, economic and environmental criteria, that are further divided into 10 subcriteria. Before AHP application, the amount of input data is decreased with cluster analysis. The first run of AHP is...
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THE IDENTIFICATION OF TOXIC COMPOUND EMISSION SENSITIVITY AS A DIAGNOSTIC PARAMETER DURING DYNAMIC PROCESSES OF THE MARINE ENGINE
PublicationChanging some parameters of the engine structure alters the emission of harmful components in the exhaust gas. This applies in particular to the damage of charge exchange system as well as fuel system and engine supercharger. These changes are much greater during the dynamic states and their accompanying transitional processes. The different sensitivity of diagnostic parameters to the same force, coming from the engine structure,...
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Fuctional structure of diagnostic system for wheeled tractors
PublicationAn application of computer controlled fuel injection systems in vehicle engines and growing demands concerning toxic substances emission and fuel consumption was a main reason for OBD (On Board Diagnosis) development. In spite of a great technological development, only some tractors are equipped in diagnostic systems. On board diagnosis is strongly connected with emission demands and does not concern other important vehicle functions.In...
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Novel fast non-linear electrochemical impedance method for corrosion investigations
PublicationThe paper presents a novel approach to corrosion rate monitoring using non-linear electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The authors propose a new variant of non-linear impedance measurement using amplitude-modulated multi-frequency ac perturbation signal. It allows shortening of measurement duration so it is possible to monitor corrosion rate of the systems experiencing rapid changes. In this way a limitation resulting from lack...
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S-Shaped Suppression of the Superconducting Transition Temperature in Cu-Intercalated NbSe2
Publication2H-NbSe2 is the prototype and most frequently studied of the well-known transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) superconductors. As 2H-NbSe2 is widely acknowledged as a conventional superconductor, its transition temperature to the superconducting state (Tc) is 7.3 K, a Tc that is substantially higher than those seen for the majority of TMDCs, where Tc values between 2 and 4 K are the norm. Here we report the intercalation of Cu...
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Antimicrobial Activity of Honey
PublicationHoney has had a valued place in traditional medicine for centuries. It was used to overcome liver, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems and for treatment of some types of infectious disease. Particularly, good results were achieved in the case of application of this product for therapy of infected, difficult to heal wounds. The high health-promoting properties of honey have been recently confirmed in many research investigations....
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Nanomaterials for photothermal and photodynamic cancer therapy
PublicationIn recent years, the role of optically sensitive nanomaterials has become powerful moieties in therapeutic techniques and has become particularly emphasized. Currently, by the extraordinary development of nanomaterials in different fields of medicine, they have found new applications. Phototherapy modalities, such as photothermal therapy (PTT) by toxic heat generation and photodynamic therapy (PDT) by reactive oxygen species, are...
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Health System Efficiency in European Countries: Network Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
PublicationPurpose: The article's main aim is to investigate the effectiveness of health systems in European countries based on EUROSTAT data. A comparative analysis of the health systems' effectiveness in different countries is based on their improvement (reform), using the best practices approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: The network DEA model and a slack-based model (NDEA – SBM) are used. A non-oriented model is used. The research...
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Fatal N-Ethylhexedrone Intoxication
PublicationN-Ethylhexedrone [2-(ethyloamino)-1-phenylhexan-1-one; α-ethylaminohexanophenone; NEH] is one of the most recent synthetic cathinones that appeared on the illegal market in late 2015. The majority of information concerning the model of consumption of NEH and its impact on the body originates only from self-reports from grey literature websites and drug forums. There are only limited data associated with the concentrations of NEH...
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Analysis of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from the Reda River and the Oliwski Stream using basic statistical methods = Zastosowanie metod ststystycznych do analizy antybiotykoodporności bakterii wskaźnikowych pochodzących z rzeki Redy i Potoku Oliwskiego
PublicationIn this study distribution of antimicrobial resistance patterns among fecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.) was examined in two watercourses. The susceptibility analyses were carried out against the antimicrobial agents, important in treating human E. coli and enterococcal infection. Water samples were obtained from the Oliwski Stream and from the Reda River. On each watercourse the five representative...
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Isolation and structure of a covalent cross-link adduct between mitomycin C and DNA
PublicationA DNA cross-link adduct of the antitumor agent mitomycin C (MC) to DNA has been isolated and characterized; the results provide direct proof for bifunctional alkylation of DNA by MC. Exposure of MC to Micrococcus luteus DNA under reductive conditions and subsequent nuclease digestion yielded adducts formed between MC and deoxyguanosine residues. In addition to the two known monoadducts, a bisadduct was obtained. Reductive MC activation...
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Selected concentration techniques for gas chromatographic analysis of environmental samples
PublicationThe paper describes the role and tasks of environmental analysis and monitoring. It emphasises the leading role played by gas chromatography, especially when coupled with suitable sample preparation. This is demonstrated by some literature evidence and mainly by the author's original work on the design of sample preparation apparatus and development of GC-based methods of determination of a wide variety of organic pollutants in...
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Electric transport in organic system with planar DBP/F16ZnPc junction on the basis of direct current and small signal admittance spectra analysis
PublicationThe objective of this work was to determine electric transport in the organic device based on a planar junction of electron donor and electron acceptor materials, namely ITO/MoO3/DBP/F16ZnPc/BCP/Ag. The analysis reported herein was based on direct current-voltage measurements and small-signal admittance spectra in the dark and under illumination. Such analysis may provide information on potential barriers, parasitic resistances...
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EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON INFLUENCE OF THE FUEL NOZZLE GEOMETRY ON THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF THE MARINE 4-STROKE DIESEL ENGINE
PublicationThe article presents experimental research that has been carried out on a marine, 4-stroke, 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine. During testing, the engine operated at a constant rotational speed of 750 rpm and a load from 0 kW to 280 kW. The engine was fuelled by diesel oil of known specification and loaded by electric generator with water resistance. The fuel consumption was measured during the engine operation with fuel nozzles...
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Water Footprint Assessment of Selected Polymers, Polymer Blends, Composites, and Biocomposites for Industrial Application
PublicationThis paper presents a water footprint assessment of polymers, polymer blends, composites, and biocomposites based on a standardized EUR-pallet case study. The water footprint analysis is based on life cycle assessment (LCA). The study investigates six variants of EUR-pallet production depending on the materials used. The system boundary included the production of each material and the injection molding to obtain a standardized...
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Old-timer Vehicle - Braking Efficiency Measurement at Vehicle Inspection Stations and Roadworthiness Validity Certificate.
PublicationObtaining the Roadworthiness Validity Certificate for an old-timer vehicle involves an appropriate test performance, namely, "Old-timer Vehicle Technical Specification Compliance Test". It seems obvious that this kind of test should include a considerable checklist, however, the current legal regulations connected with this test are not specific enough. One of the certificates issued on this test results is "Old-timer Vehicle Technical...
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Managerial Education and Entrepreneurial Attitudes of Students: Is There a Link?
PublicationThe role of entrepreneurship over the last few decades has constantly been growing for a number of reasons. This is accompanied by a growing number of students choosing fields of study where entrepreneurship education is an indispensable part of the curriculum, such as business studies or management. Efficiency of entrepreneurship education, often measured by entrepreneurship intentions revealed by students, is examined in numerous...
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Guided wave propagation in debonding detection in CFRP-reinforced steel plate-like structures
PublicationThe present study investigates the guided wave propagation in multilayered steel specimens reinforced with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) through theoretical, numerical, and experimental means. The effectiveness of externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) relies heavily on the bonding quality between the CFRP and the substrate. Premature debonding, a prevalent and hazardous defect, can arise from suboptimal manufacturing processes,...
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Epigenetic inhibitor zebularine activates ear pinna wound closure in the mouse
PublicationBackground:Most studies on regenerative medicine focus on cell-based therapies and transplantations.Small-molecule therapeutics, though proved effective in different medical conditions, have not been extensivelyinvestigated in regenerative research. It is known that healing potential decreases with development and devel-opmental changes are driven by epigenetic mechanisms, which suggests epigenetic repression of regenerativecapacity.Methods:We...
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Medical Image Dataset Annotation Service (MIDAS)
PublicationMIDAS (Medical Image Dataset Annotation Service) is a custom-tailored tool for creating and managing datasets either for deep learning, as well as machine learning or any form of statistical research. The aim of the project is to provide one-fit-all platform for creating medical image datasets that could easily blend in hospital's workflow. In our work, we focus on the importance of medical data anonimization, discussing the...
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Dual-Activity Fluoroquinolone-Transportan 10 Conjugates offer alternative Leukemia therapy during Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
PublicationHematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is often considered a last resort leukemia treatment, fraught with limited success due to microbial infections, a leading cause of mortality in leukemia patients. To address this critical issue, we explored a novel approach by synthesizing antileukemic agents containing antibacterial substances. This innovative strategy involves conjugating fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin...
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Essential Oils, Silver Nanoparticles and Propolis as Alternative Agents Against Fluconazole Resistant Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Candida krusei Clinical Isolates
PublicationDevelopment of effective and safe therapeutic treatment of fungal infections remains one of the major challenge for modern medicine. The aim of presented investigation was to analyze the in vitro antifungal activity of selected essential oils, ethanolic extracts of propolis and silver nanoparticles dropped on TiO2 against azole-resistant C. albicans (n = 20), C. glabrata (n = 14) and C. krusei (n = 10) clinical isolates. Among...
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On the Possibility of the Amphotericin B-Sterol Complex Formation in Cholesterol- and Ergosterol-Containing Lipid Bilayers: A Molecular Dynamics Study
PublicationAmphotericin B (AmB) is a well-known membrane-active antibiotic that has been used to treat systemicfungal infections for more than 45 years. Therapeutic application of AmB is based on the fact that it is moreactive against ergosterol-containing membranes of fungal cells than against mammalian membranes withcholesterol. In this paper, we examine the hypothesis according to which the selectivity of the AmB's membraneaction originates...
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Activity of isavuconazole and other triazole derivatives against clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus
PublicationAspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent pathogen of the genus Asperillus, which is highly susceptible to triazole derivatives, especially to isavuconazole and voriconazole. Many countries face a growing problem of infections due to A. fumigatus showing acquired resistance to one or several triazoles. In medical centres, monitoring the susceptibility of isolated Aspergillus spp. is recommended. The aim of this study was to collect...
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Honey antibacterial activity: A neglected aspect of honey quality assurance as functional food
PublicationBackground Honey is considered as a functional food with health-promoting properties. Its potent antibacterial and antibiofilm effects are the major attributes of so called ‘medical-grade honey’ which is topically used for the treatment of burns, wounds and skin disorders. Nevertheless, the current set of honey quality parameters adopted in the European Union do not include its biological properties. Furthermore, in light of the...
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Soil contamination with geohelminths in children’s play areas in Szczecin, Poland
PublicationThe presence of invasive forms of parasites in the soil represents a potential threat to public health, especially for children. The aim of the study was to determine the degree of contamination with geohelminth eggs of soil samples collected from sandpits and playgrounds in the Szczecin area. The findings showed overall prevalence of soil samples contaminated with geohelminth eggs in the soil and sand...
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Inhibiting activity of HIV-1: protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase all together by novel compounds using computational approaches (flexible and rigid docking)
PublicationAcquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, is one of the most challenging diseases in recent decades. Nevertheless the shortcomings of chemical drugs such as toxicity, lack of curative effects, the search for more potent anti-HIV agents have been focused in our study. In current study, novel scaffold was designed having a benzyl and imidazole in it which are very...
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Occurrence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in environment and the statistical analysis of this phenomenon
PublicationIntroduction: In this study the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance patterns among fecal indicators (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.) was analyzed in water and wastewater samples. The trends in antimicrobial resistance were analyzed using basic statistical methods. Methods: Samples were obtained from two local watercourses (Oliwski Stream and Reda River) as well as from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) Gdansk - Wschod....
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Seasonal Patterns and Trends in Dermatoses in Poland
PublicationThe amount of data available online is constantly increasing, including search behavior and tracking trends in domains such as Google. Analyzing the data helps to predict patient needs and epidemiological events more accurately. Our study aimed to identify dermatology-related terms that occur seasonally and any search anomalies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: The data were gathered using Google Trends, with 69 entries...
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Selected anionic and cationic surface active agents: case study on the Kłodnica sediments
PublicationSurface active agents (surfactants) are a group of chemical compounds, which are used as ingredients of detergents, cleaning products, cosmetics and functional products. After use, wastes containing surfactants or their degradation products are discharged to wastewater treatment plants or directly into surface waters. Due to their specific properties of SAAs, compounds are able to migrate between different environmental compartments...
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The Sonocatalytic Activation of Persulfates on Iron Nanoparticle Decorated Zeolite for the Degradation of 1,4-Dioxane in Aquatic Environments
PublicationIn the chemical industry, 1,4-diethylene dioxide, commonly called dioxane, is widely used as a solvent as well as a stabilizing agent for chlorinated solvents. Due to its high miscibility, dioxane is a ubiquitous water contaminant. This study investigates the effectiveness of catalyst- and ultrasound (US)-assisted persulfate (PS) activation with regard to degrading dioxane. As a first step, a composite catalyst was prepared using...
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Analytical methodologies for determination of artificial sweeteners in foodstuffs- a review
PublicationArtificial high-intensity sweeteners are more and more frequently used for food production. Food industry tends to highlight beneficial aspects of their use, such as tooth-friendliness, rising-up quality of life of those suffering from different forms of diabetes and possibility of weight control without sacrificing favorite unhealthy drinks or snacks. On the other hand some of the consumers are deeply concerned about safety of...
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Highly Visible-Light-Photoactive Heterojunction Based on TiO2 Nanotubes Decorated by Pt Nanoparticles and Bi2S3 Quantum Dots
PublicationA heterojunction with excellent visible light response and stability based on titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 NTs), bismuth sulfide quantum dots (Bi2S3 QDs), and platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) is proposed. Both Pt NPs (3.0 ± 0.2 nm) and Bi2S3 QDs (3.50 ± 0.20 nm) are well distributed on the (i) top parts, (ii) inner walls, and (iii) outer walls of the TiO2 NTs. Visible-light-induced photoreaction was initialized by excitation...
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Current Source Inverter Fed Drive
PublicationThis book covers three-phase and multiphase (more than three-phase) motor drives including their control and practical problems faced in the field (e.g., adding LC filters in the output of a feeding converter), are considered. The new edition contains links to Matlab®/Simulink models and PowerPoint slides ideal for teaching and understanding the material contained within the book. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A...
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Experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics Studies on Straight and U-Bend Double Tube Heat Exchangers with Active and Passive Enhancement Methods
PublicationIn this work, the authors wanted to demonstrate the possibility to increase the heat transfer efficiency by using simple wire coil inserts to create turbulent flow in the boundary layer as well as air blowing into the annulus of the pipe. Experimental investigations were carried out for four heat exchanger constructions, i.e., plain double tube, turbulized double tube, plain U-bend double tube, U-tube with turbulator, plain double...
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Green porous benzamide-like nanomembranes for hazardous cations detection, separation, and concentration adjustment
PublicationGreen biomaterials play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases as well as health-related problem-solving. Typically, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical strength are requirements centered on biomaterial engineering. However, in-hospital therapeutics require an elaborated synthesis of hybrid and complex nanomaterials capable of mimicking cellular behavior. Accumulation of hazardous cations like...
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Selective Cytostatic and Cytotoxic Anticancer Effects of Bisfunctional Agents: A Strategy for the Design of DNA Binding Agents
PublicationVarious agents have been synthesized and proved useful for the National Cancer Institute's anticancer testing as potential new drugs, but most agents suffer side effects from their limited selectivity against cancer cells over healthy ones. Therefore, this paper attempts to describe drugs in terms of the level of tumor cell selectivity which they possess to define the features of mols. that are essential for useful cytotoxicity....
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When all we have is not enough: a search for the optimal method of quantifying inflation expectations
PublicationAlthough inflation expectations are pivotal variables for central banks, they are not directly observable. Therefore, central banks use qualitative survey results to proxy consumer expectations, and their quantification in this manner is often criticized. In this study, we investigate and identify an optimal quantification procedure for survey results based on a set of regression and probabilistic models. Specifically, we seek...
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Nadmiarowe zgony podczas pandemii COVID-19 w Polsce i ocena skuteczności szczepień
PublicationZ powodu pandemii COVID-19 zmarły miliony ludzi na całym świecie. Jak wynika z wielu badań, szczepienia przeciw chorobie wywołanej wirusem SARS-CoV-2 okazały się środ-kiem ograniczającym skalę zachorowań i liczbę zgonów. Celem badania omawianego w artyku-le jest pomiar skali pandemii w Polsce za pomocą liczby nadmiarowych zgonów w podregio-nach według klasyfikacji NUTS 3 i w grupach wieku, a następnie określenie zależności pomiędzy...
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White light thermoplasmonic activated gold nanorod arrays enable the photo-thermal disinfection of medical tools from bacterial contamination
PublicationThe outspread of bacterial pathogens causing severe infections and spreading rapidly, especially among hospitalized patients, is worrying and represents a global public health issue. Current disinfection techniques are becoming insufficient to counteract the spread of these pathogens because they carry multiple antibiotic-resistance genes. For this reason, a constant need exists for new technological solutions that rely on physical...
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Molecular identification and genotyping of Staphylococci: genus, species, strains, colnes, lineages, and interspecies exchanges
PublicationStaphylococci are increasingly recognized as etiological agents of many opportunistic human and animal infections, emphasizing the need for a rapid and accurate identification, even to a genotypical level of these bacteria. In the recent years, there has been a significant progress in typing and phylogenetic study of Staphylococcus species. Here, we describe molecular methods used in taxonomy as well as staphylococci characterization....
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Two small RNAs conserved in Enterobacteriaceae provide intrinsic resistance to antibiotics targeting the cell wall biosynthesis enzyme glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase
PublicationFormation of glucosamine-6-phosphate GlcN6P) by enzyme GlcN6P synthase (GlmS) represents the first step in bacterial cell envelope synthesis. In Escherichia coli, expression of glmS is controlled by small RNAs (sRNAs) GlmY and GlmZ. GlmZ activates the glmS mRNA by base-pairing. When not required, GlmZ is bound by adapter protein RapZ and recruited to cleavage by RNase E inactivating the sRNA. The homologous sRNA GlmY activates...
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A new 1-nitro-9-aminoacridine derivative targeting yeast topoisomerase II able to overcome fluconazole-resistance
PublicationFungal resistance remains a significant threat and a leading cause of death worldwide. Thus, overcoming microbial infections have again become a serious clinical problem. Although acridine derivatives are widely analyzed as anticancer agents, only a few reports have demonstrated their antifungal activity. In an effort to develop biologically active antifungals, twelve novel C-857 (9-(2′ -hydroxyethylamino)-1-nitroacridine) and...
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Morphometric evaluation of the delayed cerebral arteries response to acetazolamide test in patients with chronic carotid artery stenosis using computed tomography angiography
PublicationBackground: The evidence accumulates that the response to acetazolamide test is delayed on the ipsilateral side to stenosis. However, the effect of acetazolamide beyond 30 minutes after acetazolamide administration remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the diameters of: anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs), middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) and posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) before and 60 minutes after the acetazolamide...