Application of Ionic Liquids in Paper Properties and Preservation

For centuries, paper has been an important medium of information. Currently, the basic risk to the paper collection is “acidic paper” and the action of enzymes secreted by microorganisms on them. In order to ‘prolong life’ of these materials, in recent years, various chemical compounds have been used. In this chapter, ionic liquids (IL) are explored as substances for deacidification of paper and its conservation, including antifungal activity. The use of these substances in the manufacturing of paper is possible, but the ingredients play an important role. Imidazolium IL cause an increase in the pH (deacidification) of historical papers and do not cause worsening of their strength properties, but these compound can cause a colour change. Benzalkonium dl‐lactate and didecyldimethylammonium dl‐lactate and derivatives of 1,2,4‐triazole are used as effective inhibitors of growth of moulds on paper. The best antifungal activity in these ionic liquids is observed in the paper pine at a concentration of 5% and weakest in the samples from the pulp after chemical‐thermomechanical treatment. New paper impregnated with ionic liquids is characterised by an increase in tear resistance, reduction of breaking length and a favourable influence on the paper colour

Integration of seismic and well data for a 3D model of the Balkassar anticline (Potwar sub-basin, Pakistan)

The Potwar sub-basin is an important hydrocarbon producing zone of the Upper Indus basin and has significant oil and gas potential. The Balkassar area is the main oil field of the Potwar sub-basin and oil is mainly produced from Eocene carbonates. The Chorgali Formation is of Eocene age and is the main reservoir rock in this area. Structurally, the Potwar sub-basin is complicated, and surface features often do not reflect subsurface structures. This is due to the presence of detachments at different levels. In such cases, it is necessary to integrate seismic data with geological information for an accurate delineation of subsurface structures. Eleven seismic profiles were interpreted to understand subsurface structural style. To correlate well data with seismic data, a synthetic seismogram has been generated. Time, velocity and depth contour maps have been prepared. A 3D model for the Chorgali Formation has been prepared which confirms that this is a four-way anticlinal structure bounded by faults. It makes this structure more favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation. Moreover, a cross section has been prepared for five wells to show that the Chorgali Formation is spreading. Based on it, to show the relationship between compressional tectonics and basement slope, a 3D structural model has been prepared. In this case study, the Balkassar anticline was interpreted as a four-way closure pop-up structure which provides a structural trap for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. This study will help us understand the accumulation of hydrocarbons in the same type of structural traps in the Potwar sub-basin and in similar kinds of basins. It is also relevant to oil exploration within Pakistan

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma containing the cells of hepatocellular cancer and bile duct cancer

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) is a rare (< 1%) primary liver cancer which contains elements of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and bile duct cancer (CC). On account of the difficulties in reaching preoperative dia­gnosis, it is frequently diagnosed only after resection is performed. A surgical resection of the liver is the treatment of choice, whilst a liver transplant is a rarely implemented option. The prognosis of cHCC-CC tumours is better than in CC but worse than in HCC. This paper presents the case report of a 62-year-old man undergoing a left hemihepa­tectomy for a cHCC-CC liver tumour

The usefulness of ground-penetrating radar images for the research of a large sand-bed braided river: case study from the Vistula River (central Poland)

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys and sedimentological outcrop analyses were combined in order to determine the reflection patterns and internal architecture of terrace deposits of the Vistula River at Kępa Zawadowska in the southern part of Warsaw (central Poland). The sedimentary analyses concerned the granulometric composition and lithofacies analysis. The 34 GPR profiles, which were obtained in two outcrops, using a Malå RAMAC/GPR system with 500-MHz and 250-MHz shielded antennas, were up to 100 m long. The most characteristic ground-penetrating radar profiles are presented; they show a high-resolution data set of radar facies. The GPR data suggest the presence of three geophysically different units, namely with high-angle inclined reflections (radar facies 1), with discontinuous undulating or trough-shaped reflections (radar facies 2), and with low-angle reflections (radar facies 3). The internal structure of the fluvial deposits was obtained by integration of the GPR and sedimentological data, which combination provides a more accurate visualisation of sedimentary units than do reconstructions that are based only on standard lithologic point data

Paleoenvironmental conditions, source and maturation of Neogene organic matter from the siliciclastic deposits of the Orava-Nowy Targ Basin

The Orava-Nowy Targ Basin (ONTB) is an intramontane depression filled with Neogene and Quaternary deposits located at the junction of the Inner and Outer Carpathians. The Neogene infill of the basin consists mainly of siliciclastic rocks with very common lignite intercalations and is mostly of fluvial or lake origin. The organic matter molecular analysis of seventeen Neogene samples confirmed the terrigenous origin of organic matter with a predominance of higher plant input in most samples, based on the distribution of n-alkanes and steranes, as well as the presence of tri- and tetracyclic diterpenoids, and triterpenoids representing oleanane, ursane, lupane, chrysene and picene derivatives. High concentrations of compounds originating from both angiosperms and gymnosperms suggest the presence of mixed forests. Additionally, important input of mosses into the primary organic matter is indicated by the high concentration of n-C23 and presence of hop-17(21)-enes in most samples. A high Average Aromatic Ring and Conifer Wood Degradation Index >0.7 indicate high activity of bacteria and wood-degrading fungi in the sedimentary environment. There was no evidence of weathering and scarce signs of biodegradation were identified. All samples were subjected to water washing. Huminite reflectance and biomarker-based parameters, as well as the presence of unsaturated pentacyclic triterpenoids and steroids indicate an immature organic matter. A trend of decreasing maturation of sediments from east to the west was observed, as was a similarity of thermal maturity between the Podhale Synclinorium and the ONTB, although the latter seems to be coincidental. A thermal gradient value of 35 °C/km was assumed for calculating the maximum thickness of eroded strata, resulting in 1–1.6 km for the SE area and a maximum temperature of the deepest buried samples equal to 45–65 °C

Time perspective and experience of depression, stress, and loneliness among adolescents in youth educational centres

Time perspective is of key significance in overcoming an identity crisis in adolescence. Re-search using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) was conducted on a group of 311 adolescents (aged 13-18) in several youth educational centres in south-eastern Poland. The research was designed to identify the significance of time perspective when it comes to levels of depression, stress and loneliness experienced in conditions of institutional rehabilitation and education. Linear regression analysis demonstrated the following: a positive past focus reduces the intensity of anxiety and depression; a positive past and future focus results in reduced depression, loneliness and stress; the experience of stress combined with depression enhances the significance of time perspective for the feeling of loneliness; and a low level of family loneliness reduces depression

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cardioembolic Stroke : From Background to Complications

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases participating in physiological processes of the brain, maintaining the blood–brain barrier integrity and playing a critical role in cerebral ischemia. In the acute phase of stroke activity, the expression of MMPs increase and is associated with adverse effects, but in the post-stroke phase, MMPs contribute to the process of healing by remodeling tissue lesions. The imbalance between MMPs and their inhibitors results in excessive fibrosis associated with the enhanced risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), which is the main cause of cardioembolic strokes. MMPs activity disturbances were observed in the development of hypertension, diabetes, heart failure and vascular disease enclosed in CHA2DS2VASc score, the scale commonly used to evaluate the risk of thromboembolic complications risk in AF patients. MMPs involved in hemorrhagic complications of stroke and activated by reperfusion therapy may also worsen the stroke outcome. In the present review, we briefly summarize the role of MMPs in the ischemic stroke with particular consideration of the cardioembolic stroke and its complications. Moreover, we discuss the genetic background, regulation pathways, clinical risk factors and impact of MMPs on the clinical outcome

The level of knowledge of high school students from lubelskie voivodeship about performing first aid

Introduction First aid plays a key role in saving human life. It not only prevents the deterioration of the victim's health, but also determines survival. Every year, thousands of people die of various injuries, car accidents and other critical situations. This figure could be significantly lower if the accident witnesses provided first aid to the victims. Material and method Diagnostic survey was selected as the research method, and the research tool was an authorial questionnaire, examining the level of students' knowledge about first aid. It was based on the guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council 2015. The questionnaire consisted of 20 closed single-choice questions and only one of the 4 answers was correct. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using STATISTICA 12 software (StatSoft Polska). For the correlation study the χ2 test was used, and the significance level was taken as

Total antioxidant status (TAS) in childhood cancer survivors

Total antioxidant status (TAS), and the influence of treatment and correlation between TAS and parametersinvolved in metabolic syndrome (MS) in pediatric cancer survivors were evaluated. One hundred childrenand adolescents were studied. Twenty-five survivors received radiotherapy, 12 were obese or overweight.Additionally, we analyzed TAS in eight children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at diagnosis andduring treatment after remission induction. The control group consisted of 22 healthy children. Serum concentrationsof TAS, glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen and insulin were measured. Incancer survivors, independently of diagnosis and kind of treatment (radiotherapy anthracyclines administration),the mean serum TAS did not differ significantly from the control group. No correlations were observedwith age at the time of diagnosis or interval after the end of treatment. TAS values did not correlate with traits ofthe metabolic syndrome. In a group of eight patients with ALL at diagnosis and after induction of remission,TAS values were lower than in the control and cancer survivor groups. Antioxidant status was not found to bedeteriorated in children after anticancer treatment, irrespective of diagnosis or kind of treatment, which mightindicate sufficient antioxidant prevention. However, the possibility of the development of MS and cardiovasculardisease in adulthood indicates the need for future studies.Total antioxidant status (TAS), and the influence of treatment and correlation between TAS and parametersinvolved in metabolic syndrome (MS) in pediatric cancer survivors were evaluated. One hundred childrenand adolescents were studied. Twenty-five survivors received radiotherapy, 12 were obese or overweight.Additionally, we analyzed TAS in eight children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at diagnosis andduring treatment after remission induction. The control group consisted of 22 healthy children. Serum concentrationsof TAS, glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen and insulin were measured. Incancer survivors, independently of diagnosis and kind of treatment (radiotherapy anthracyclines administration),the mean serum TAS did not differ significantly from the control group. No correlations were observedwith age at the time of diagnosis or interval after the end of treatment. TAS values did not correlate with traits ofthe metabolic syndrome. In a group of eight patients with ALL at diagnosis and after induction of remission,TAS values were lower than in the control and cancer survivor groups. Antioxidant status was not found to bedeteriorated in children after anticancer treatment, irrespective of diagnosis or kind of treatment, which mightindicate sufficient antioxidant prevention. However, the possibility of the development of MS and cardiovasculardisease in adulthood indicates the need for future studies