Spatiotemporal expression and control of haemoglobin in space

It is now widely recognised that the environment in space activates a diverse set of genes involved in regulating fundamental cellular pathways. This includes the activation of genes associated with blood homeostasis and erythropoiesis, with a particular emphasis on those involved in globin chain production. Haemoglobin biology provides an intriguing model for studying space omics, as it has been extensively explored at multiple -omic levels, spanning DNA, RNA, and protein analyses, in both experimental and clinical contexts. In this study, we examined the developmental expression of haemoglobin over time and space using a unique suite of multi-omic datasets available on NASA GeneLab, from the NASA Twins Study, the JAXA CFE study, and the Inspiration4 mission. Our findings reveal significant variations in globin gene expression corresponding to the distinct spatiotemporal characteristics of the collected samples. This study sheds light on the dynamic nature of globin gene regulation in response to the space environment and provides valuable insights into the broader implications of space omics research.peer-reviewe

The EU internal market in the next decade - quo vadis?

In this chapter, the author analyses how, over time, the European Member States have ceded national sovereignty to the European Union, where particular areas of criminal law are concerned. The progress made in the creation of a quasi-federal Europe for criminal law is the fruit of a struggle between Member States, on the one hand, seeking to retain their national sovereignty, and on the other hand, recognising the need to face reality, this being that European criminality does not stop where national physical territories end, but seeks to take advantage of the borderless Europe. That same borderless European Union requires a system to match to effectively combat criminality and maintain an area of freedom, security and justice in which the European Citizen can prosper.peer-reviewe

The first 55 IUGS heritage stones

The First 55 IUGS Heritage Stones” compiles the work of the Heritage Stones group during the last 10 years. Many cities, iconic monuments and cultures across the world are strongly influenced by a specific stone.peer-reviewe

Aspects of symmetry in petri nets

Symmetry is a fundamental mathematical property applicable to the description of various shapes both geometrical and representational. Symmetry is central to understanding the nature of various objects. It can be used as a simplifying principle when structures are created. Petri nets are widely covered formalisms, useful for modeling different types of computer systems or computer configurations. Different forms of Petri nets exist along with several forms of representation. Petri nets are useful for i) deterministic and ii) non-deterministic modeling. The aspect of symmetry in Petri nets requires in-depth treatment that is often overlooked. Symmetry is a fundamental property found in Petri nets. This work tries to briefly touch on these properties and explain them with simple examples. Hopefully, readers will be inspired to carry out more work in this direction.peer-reviewe

Evolution of determinants of regional development in selected European Union countries

PURPOSE: Regional development can be understood as a complex economic category describing a multidimensional, heterogeneous, and long-term process aimed at enhancing the existing state of a given region based on established criteria. The purpose of this article is to determine whether the significance of the determinants of such development remains constant over time and across different regions.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Weights for the selected nine variables describing regional development were determined using the distance minimization method. The study was conducted on 158 regions across eight European Union countries, using data from 2010 and 2023.FINDINGS: Beyond the challenge of selecting variables that characterize regional development, it is also essential to ascertain the significance of individual indicators by assigning them specific weights. In the literature, there is often a tacit assumption that all selected diagnostic variables are assigned equal weight. However, such an approach overlooks the structure of the object, data quality, and so on.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Precisely determining weight values that reflect the importance of various variables in the context of regional development can be valuable in identifying priority areas to be considered in a range of socio-economic decision making processes.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article presents the potential application of distance-minimization methods to weigh the significance of factors determining regional development.Co-financed by the Minister of Science under the “Regional Excellence Initiative”.peer-reviewe

E-selectin in vascular pathophysiology

Selectins are a group of Ca2+-dependent, transmembrane type I glycoproteins which attract cell adhesion and migration. E-selectin is exclusively expressed in endothelial cells, and its expression is strongly enhanced upon activation by pro-inflammatory cytokines. The interaction of E-selectin with its ligands on circulating leukocytes captures and slows them down, further facilitating integrin activation, firm adhesion to endothelial cells and transmigration to tissues. Oxidative stress induces endothelial cell injury, leading to aberrant expression of E-selectin. In addition, the elevated level of E-selectin is positively related to high risk of inflammation. Dysregulation of E-selectin has been found in several pathological conditions including acute kidney injury (AKI), pulmonary diseases, hepatic pathology, Venous thromboembolism (VTE). Deletion of the E-selectin gene in mice somewhat ameliorates these complications. In this review, we describe the mechanisms regulating E-selectin expression, the interaction of E-selectin with its ligands, the E-selectin physiological and pathophysiological roles, and the therapeutical potential of targeting E-selectin.peer-reviewe

Influence of smoking on changes in indicators of bronchitis, asthma and lung cancer : comparison on the example of Poland, Malta and other European Union countries

Introduction. Smoking is associated with respiratory diseases. Despite declining smoking rates, asthma and chronic bronchitis cases rose between 2014 and 2019. Quitting smoking is vital for managing asthma and reducing the risks of bronchitis and lung cancer. Aim. A correlational study of smoking prevalence and its association with asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer in people from Malta, Poland and the EU in 2008/2014/2019. Materials and methods. Integration and comparison of statistical data from EUROSTAT – (EHIS) 2008/2014/2019, ISAAC; ESPAD, 2014/2015, ECIS 2020. Results. Smoking habits exhibit notable gender disparities, with 24% of Polish men and 23% of Maltese men being regular smokers, compared to women (Poland – 15%, Malta – 16%). While male smoking rates have declined, especially in Poland, female rates persist. In 2019, asthma affected 5.6% of the EU adult population, with Poland at 4.1% and Malta at 6%. Chronic bronchitis is more prevalent in Poland (3%) than Malta (1%). In 2020, lung cancer rates among men varied slightly between Poland and Malta (120.0; 100.3 per 100.000). However, the incidence among women is twice as high in Poland (53.1; 23.9 per 100.000). Conclusions. Malta’s elevated asthma rate, despite comparable smoking rates, hints at additional risk factors like traffic. Po land’s increased bronchitis rate likely stems from higher historical smoking. The doubled lung cancer incidence in Polish women suggests a passive smoking connection. The burden of bronchitis intensifies due to high smoking rates in men over 50. Addressing smoking rates can potentially address respiratory disease rates, but other risk factors should also be identified and managed.peer-reviewe

The impact of artificial intelligence on accounting professions

PURPOSE: The objective of this article is to analyze how modern accounting practices have been shaped in response to the technological revolution including process of automation and Artificial Intelligence. Emphasis is placed on how these new phenomena were incorporated into the daily functions and responsibilities of accountants. In addition, identified will be emerging opportunities and challenges that may either encourage a positive attitude toward automation and AI or, conversely, act as deterrents. As well, to identify strategies for accounting professionals to adapt to and collaborate with AI technologies, ensuring a balanced and effective integration.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This article formulates the following research problem: How and to what extend does an Artificial Intelligence impact contemporary accounting practices? Will AI overtake the accounting sector completely, leaving accountants jobless? Corresponding to this research problem the research hypothesis was formulated: implementation of AI in accounting result in the efficiency gains for accounting practices and its professionals. AI will reform traditional business models in the accounting world. However, implementing AI in accounting carries as well certain risks. Further analyses and research aim to confirm this hypothesis. The study employs a detailed analysis of existing scientific literature, norms, and standards related to accounting field. The analyzed sources include books and scientific articles aimed at understanding the theoretical foundations of automation and AI in finance and accounting , as well as identifying best practices and challenges in this field.FINDINGS: An integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in world of finance is expected to significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the field of accounting, although it is improbable that AI will fully replace human accountants. It's difficult to replace accounting experts by new technologies at least current stage of it’s development. In accounting is needed human judgement, strategic interpretation, and the ability to draw from personal experience, in decision making, particularly in difficult complex accounting tasks.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study’s findings can provide management of the companies with crucial information regarding the effectiveness, positive aspects of AI in accounting, but as well make them sensitive on some issues connected with threats incorporated in implementation of new technologies. However, for impact of AI on finance and accounting to be extend further analyses and studies are necessary. Particular attention should be paid to the data protection problems.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article presents a comprehensive approach to relatively new phenomenon of Artificial Intelligence in Finance and accounting with particular emphasis on changing role of accountants in contemporary organizations. It discusses key problems, tools and best practices that can support organizations in effective implementation of new technologies in area of accounting.peer-reviewe

[Book review] Bringing women to light. The task of women’s history. Discovering women’s history in Malta

Full bibliographic record: Yosanne Vella (ed.) (2024). Bringing Women to Light. The Task of Women’s History. Discovering Women’s History in Malta. Malta University Press. ISBN: 978-9918-0-0732-5.What is it to encounter women who have long been gone and to hear of their stories and of their actions? It is to imagine where they lived, what they did, what was going through their minds and perhaps, at times even understand them. For although their contexts of life are blurred by the distance of time, one can feel their anxieties, frustrations, successes and joy and at times feel for them, and for the injustices they suffered. This is possible because the authors of chapters in the book Discovering Women’s History in Malta, edited by Prof. Yosanne Vella, bring the accounts about these women to light. They bring them alive through their scholarly works that give meaning to women’s past lives in Malta, while identifying the various discourses and conditions that shaped their lives as feminine subjects. The hard labour of the authors of this book in searching for documents seem to match the arduous labour of the women protagonists of history, who through their sometimes unexpected and subversive actions, show us who they are. [excerpt]peer-reviewe

Pharmacist prescribing in community pharmacy practice

Background: In a community pharmacy setting, pharmacists are key players in the healthcare ecosystem, ensuring equitable access to appropriate, quality, and safe medication use that specifically meets the individual patient's needs. Pharmacist prescribing, within a collaborative practice context, facilitates t imely patient access to healthcare services while ensuring the safe and rational use of medicines. Purpose: To investigate concerns and benefits of pharmacist prescribing by analysing different pharmacist interventions within the community and identifying scenarios in which pharmacist prescribing should occur. Method: Patients were recruited within a community pharmacy and divided into two groups based on the presenting complaint. Group A patients were given a pharmacist intervention and/or a pharmacist-recommended non-prescription medication. Group B patients were referred to a general practitioner (GP), and the resulting intervention was compared to clinical decision and hypothetical pharmacist-recommended medication if the pharmacist could have prescribing rights. All patients were followed up after at least a week through a telephone interview, where the therapeutic outcome was determined. Results: One hundred patients (49F; 51M) with an age range between 25 to 34 years were included in the study: 56 patients (Group A) accepted a pharmacist-recommended medication, and 44 patients (Group B) were referred to a GP. Of the Group A patients, 46 reported symptomatic relief within the week. Of the ten patients without symptomatic relief, 7 requested a doctor's appointment, while three opted not to follow up. Following the doctor's recommendation, twenty-seven patients from Group B reported symptomatic relief. Of the 17 patients with unresolved presenting symptoms, 12 patients opted for a specialist consultation, three were admitted to the hospital, and two opted not to follow up. In 29 cases out of the 44 Group B patients, the pharmacist would have prescribed the same medication as t hat prescribed by the GP. The 15 cases where prescribing differences between GP and pharmacist occurred consisted of 10 cases where minor ailments were treated with a broad spectrum antibiotic by the medical prescriber, which was not recommended as first-line treatment, 2 cases of contraindications specifically in patients with cardiovascular diseases and 3 cases where a topical glucocorticoid was recommended but had no clinical indication. Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicates concordance in clinical decision-making and pharmacotherapy recommendation for prescription medication in 66% of the cases between the medical prescriber and the community pharmacist. Signals, where pharmacist prescribing frameworks should consider additional patient safeguards, include co-morbidities and risks of medications being recommendedpeer-reviewe