Biochar-assisted phytoremediation potential of sewage sludge contaminated soil /

Environmental pollution caused by increasing levels of heavy metals (HM) is a pressing problem throughout the world. Phytoremediation is considered a prospective remediation approach for HM-contaminated soil, but more research is required to enhance remediation efficiency. Biochar is a promising bio-residue material that can be used for the sustainable remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar from different bio-substrates (digestate, waste of biodiesel production from rapeseed, corn stalk) on HM (Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) accumulation in buckwheat and white mustard cultivated in sewage sludge-contaminated soil. The total amount of HM in soil, plant above- and below-ground biomass, leachate, and bioconcentration and translocation factors were studied to explore the mechanism of how the different bio-substrates’ biochar affects HM accumulation in selected plants. It was observed that rapeseed biochar showed the greatest significant effect in reducing the HM content in soil, plant biomass, and lysimetric water. Meanwhile, the incorporation of digestate biochar significantly increased the HM content in all the soil-plant systems and affected the HM leaching from the soil. The concentration of HM in the leachate decreased from 2.5 to 10 times. It was determined that phytostabilization is the core process of HM accumulation in buckwheat, in contrast to mustard, where the mechanism is phytoextraction. This study confirmed that biochar addition enhances the phytoremediation efficiency in soil, which can potentially improve the development of ecofriendly in-situ bioremediation technology for HM-contaminated sites

Air pollution in the port city of Lithuania: characteristics of the distribution of nitrogen dioxide and solid particles when assessing the demographic distribution of the population /

This research addresses a gap in localized air quality assessments by measuring pollution levels in Klaipeda, a Baltic port city, using passive solid particle collectors and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) diffusion tubes. Passive sampling techniques were employed due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment, allowing for practical monitoring over short-term periods. By targeting diverse functional zones, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of air pollution patterns and seasonal variations in the region. Air pollution, primarily from NO2 and particulate matter (PM), poses significant risks to public health, especially in densely populated urban areas. Air quality was assessed by measuring total suspended particulates (TSP) and NO2 concentrations across 19 strategically chosen sites, covering key functional zones, such as industrial areas, green spaces, residential neighborhoods, transport hubs, and the port. Results show elevated pollution levels near major roads and the port area, likely driven by heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and port activities. These patterns correlate with areas of higher population density, highlighting the intersection of air quality challenges with human health risks in urbanized zones. Seasonal data reveal a notable peak in NO2 concentrations during winter, likely due to increased heating demand and reduced atmospheric dispersion. These findings suggest that air quality management strategies should be adaptive to seasonal fluctuations, particularly by addressing emissions from heating sources in colder months. The study underscores the necessity of integrating sustainable urban planning with targeted air quality interventions. Expanding green spaces, enhancing traffic regulation, and establishing protective zones near industrial areas are critical strategies for mitigating pollution. These insights are essential for guiding both urban development and public health policies in Klaipeda and other coastal cities facing similar environmental challenges

Central retinal artery occlusion or retinal stroke: a neurosonologist’s perspective /

In central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) or retinal stroke, which is usually a vision-threatening condition, timely diagnosis is imperative to improve the chances of retinal preservation and to establish adequate secondary prevention measures. Even though retinal strokes have been traditionally assigned to the field of ophthalmology, while considering reperfusion therapy as the only way to avoid permanent vision loss, we suggest prompt evaluation of CRAO causes (primarily related to cardiovascular risk factors) performed by a well-organized interdisciplinary team (ophthalmologist and neurologist) in a neurovascular center with stroke expertise. Therefore, the most suitable adjunct method for rapidly diagnosing non-arteritic CRAO could be target transorbital ultrasound, performed by an experienced neurologist/neurosonologist in the stroke unit. Consequently, after an ophthalmological assessment, a final decision on thrombolytic therapy could be made. We accept that further research is obviously needed to determine whether transorbital ultrasound could replace ophthalmological investigation in the case of a suspected acute retinal stroke. We assert that retinal stroke requires interdisciplinary treatment in cooperation with neurologists and ophthalmologists, with an additive value for each to achieve the best results for the patient

Biomolecular evidence reveals mares and long-distance imported horses sacrificed by the last pagans in temperate Europe /

Horse sacrifice and deposition are enigmatic features of funerary rituals identified across prehistoric Europe that persisted in the eastern Baltic. Genetic and isotopic analysis of horses in Balt cemeteries [1st to 13th centuries CE (Common Era)] dismantle prevailing narratives that locally procured stallions were exclusively selected. Strontium isotope analysis provides direct evidence for long-distance (~300 to 1500 kilometers) maritime transport of Fennoscandian horses to the eastern Baltic in the Late Viking Age (11th to 13th centuries CE). Genetic analysis proves that horses of both sexes were sacrificed with 34% identified as mares. Results transform the understanding of selection criteria, disprove sex-based selection, and elevate prestige value as a more crucial factor. These findings also provide evidence that the continued interaction between pagans and their newly Christianized neighbors sustained the performance of funerary horse sacrifice until the medieval transition. We also present a reference 87Sr/86Sr isoscape for the southeastern Baltic, releasing the potential of future mobility studies in the region

Розвиток ринку е-комерції у Польщі в умовах активізації міграційних процесів.

The impact of the war in Ukraine and migration has affected the ecommerce markets of the recipient countries, presenting both opportunities, in the form of an increased consumer base, and challenges, such as the lack of a clear development vision. This paper aims to investigate the influence of migration processes on the development of e -commerce in Poland and examine the feasibility of using forecasting methods by e -commerce companies under these conditions for future activity planning. To fulfill the research objective, the following tasks were addressed: investigating the current state of e -commerce development influenced by migration processes; exploring modern migration processes and their impact on global economies; assessing the impact of migration from Ukraine on the Polish market; and analyzing a Polish online store to develop a model for forecasting data and planning activities under the influence of migration processes. To achieve this goal, three models were constructed: a multiple regression model to assess the level of migration processes' influence on e -commerce; a neural network to forecast sales for a Polish e -commerce store; and cluster analysis to identify clusters of goods most affected by migration processes. The study analyzed the nuances of modern migration processes and assessed the reverse effect of migration as a driver of e -commerce development. Migration stimulates e -commerce by altering consumer behavior and logistics routes, increasing exports and imports, and fostering the spread of digital entrepreneurship. Using data from a Polish online store, the study modeled the impact of market changes on the company's operations and identified the most significant factors. Thus, the analysis explored the impact of migration on ebusiness in Poland through constructed models. Regression analysis revealed that migration processes have contributed to the development of the Polish online store's sales, thanks to the increase in migrant consumers and rising price levels. A neural network was developed with machine learning, incorporating macroeconomic and demographic factors into its forecasting typology. Cluster analysis was employed to examine the online store's assortment, identifying clusters by sales volume and migrants' influence. The analysis determined that, following the onset of the migration movement, categories experiencing a surge in demand from refugees, such as baby food products, appliances, telephones, furniture, and communication devices, saw the most significant growth

Dviguba prieskydinių liaukų adenoma kaip vienas darinys: atvejo pristatymas.

Background and Objectives: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrinological condition, which is usually caused by solitary parathyroid adenoma. The aim of this article is to present a case of double adenoma presenting as one and literature review on this topic. Case presentation: 56 years old female suffering from generalized fatigue, bone pain, unstable body weight and palpitations was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism. Further investigation revealed elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), ionized and total calcium levels. Imaging showed two adenomas merging into one. Parathyroidectomy was performed and final intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) decreased by 71.6%. Parathyroid adenoma measuring 40 mm x 15 mm x 11 mm and weighing 1 g 483 mg was excised. 7 weeks after surgery patient was feeling well but her PTH level was elevated again. Conclusions: As far as we know, the double parathyroid adenoma presented in this case report is the largest reported in the Northern Europe and the first one that presents as one mass within the region. Double adenoma increases the risk of recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and requires more careful and longer follow up after surgery than solitary adenomas. Final IOPTH must decrease by at least 50% within 10 minutes. This case shows that despite final IOPTH drop by more than 50%, after few weeks normocalcemic elevated parathyroid hormone (NCePTH) phenomenon was noticed. This phenomenon does not indicate surgical failure

Control of Vibrio vulnificus proliferation in the Baltic Sea through eutrophication and algal bloom management /

Due to climate change the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio vulnificus proliferates along brackish coastlines, posing risks to public health, tourism, and aquaculture. Here we investigated previously suggested regulation measures to reduce the prevalence of V. vulnificus, locally through seagrass and regionally through the reduction of eutrophication and consequential formation of algal blooms. Field samples collected in the summer of 2021 covered the salinity and eutrophication gradients of the Baltic Sea, one of the largest brackish areas worldwide. Physico-, biological- and hydrochemical parameters were measured and variables explaining V. vulnificus occurrence were identified by machine learning. The best V. vulnificus predictors were eutrophication-related features, such as particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, as well as occurrence of potential phytoplankton blooms and associated species. V. vulnificus abundance did not vary significantly between vegetated and non-vegetated areas. Thus, reducing nutrient inputs could be an effective method to control V. vulnificus populations in eutrophied brackish coasts

Patients' preoperative awareness of anesthesia.

Research methods:systematic literature analysis and qualitative research –semi-structured interview. The sample of the qualitative research is 16 respondents. The data was analyzed using the method of qualitative content analysis. Conclusions.1. Patients know what anesthesia is and for what purpose it is performed, most patients follow the preoperative preparation recom-mendations. Before the operation, patients want to be informed and know about the course of the operation, anesthesia, pre-operative requirements, risks and threats of complications, the postoperative period, rehabilitation. Patients emphasize that communication with healthcare professionals (doctors and nurses) before surgery is very necessary for them. The information provided to some patients was insufficient, there was a lack of communication. Patients prefer an individual conversation and written or visual information about pre-operative preparation, anesthesia in a language they understand, without difficult medical terms. 2. Nursing roles emerged as important factors in patients' preoperative period. It has been estab-lished that the communication of health care professionals, including nurses, and the time devoted to patients in meeting their needs have a signifi-cant impact on patient awareness

Leisure-time physical activity improves happiness, health, and mood profile better than work-related physical activity /

Background In an online survey of Lithuanian adults (n = 1140) aged 18 to 64 years, we sought to better understand the factors influencing the structure of physical activity (PA). We hypothesised that the PA paradox (i.e. the benefits of PA will be much greater during leisure-time than work-related or household moderate to vigorous PA) occurs more subjectively for psychological well-being indicators, than physiological well-being indicators, and should not depend on age or gender. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed as to potential participants through the Facebook social networking website within the period May 2021 to December 2021. PA was assessed using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Mood responses were assessed using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS-LTU). Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSREIT). Perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive analysis, a two-way analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis were used to interpret the data. Results The results revealed that a PA paradox occurred in women and men in terms of health, happiness, vigour and perceived stress, and only in women according to morbidity and overeating. According to the regression analysis, women’s and men’s subjective health (β = 0.135; p < 0.001), happiness (β = 0.084; p = 0.018) and vigour (β = 0.169; p < 0.001) were significantly positively, and perceived stress (β = -0.088; p = 0.009) negatively correlated (regardless of age) only with leisure-time moderate to vigorous PA. ‘Healthy’, i.e. the amount of leisure-time PA in men decreases with age, while it does not change in women. Conclusions We believe that this study has expanded a clearer understanding of the PA paradox and its possible application to improving the health of individuals of different age groups