Kilka uwag o kalendarzowych aspektach topografii kręgów kamiennych w Odrach

Zadanie pt. „Digitalizacja i udostępnienie w Cyfrowym Repozytorium Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego kolekcji czasopism naukowych wydawanych przez Uniwersytet Łódzki” nr 885/P-DUN/2014 dofinansowane zostało ze środków MNiSW w ramach działalności upowszechniającej naukę

Absolute properties of the main-sequence eclipsing binary FM Leo

First spectroscopic and new photometric observations of the eclipsing binary FM Leo are presented. The main aims were to determine orbital and stellar parameters of two components and their evolutionary stage. First spectroscopic observations of the system were obtained with DDO and PST spectrographs. The results of the orbital solution from radial velocity curves are combined with those derived from the light-curve analysis (ASAS-3 photometry and supplementary observations of eclipses with 1 m and 0.35 m telescopes) to derive orbital and stellar parameters. JKTEBOP, Wilson-Devinney binary modelling codes and a two-dimensional cross-correlation (TODCOR) method were applied for the analysis. We find the masses to be M_1 = 1.318 $\pm$ 0.007 and M_2 = 1.287 $\pm$ 0.007 M_sun, the radii to be R_1 = 1.648 $\pm$ 0.043 and R_2 = 1.511 $\pm$ 0.049 R_sun for primary and secondary stars, respectively. The evolutionary stage of the system is briefly discussed by comparing physical parameters with current stellar evolution models. We find the components are located at the main sequence, with an age of about 3 Gyr.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, to appear in MNRA

The optimal strength of shear pins: Requirements in point run-throughs

In this study, a mathematical modelling work has been carried out to investigate the potential of the use of shear pins within London Underground Switch and Crossing electric point machine drives to protect against run-through derailments. The review is based on a need to minimise the risks of derailment and to better understand the risks associated with run-through. The study has been accomplished in two stages: analytical modelling to establish the stiffness of the switch blade followed by vehicle dynamics modelling to analyse the wheel climb-out events and the resultant loadings on the shear pins. A range of shear pin strengths and vehicle-track parameters has been considered. A post-processing routine has been developed to enable a thorough study on the relationship between vehicle-track parameters, strength of shear pins, failure rates and the risk of vehicle derailment. A good agreement between the modelling results and the current shear pin’s ability to protect against derailments has been found. Ultimately, the potential to increase the strength of shear pins has been analysed in order to protect the vehicles against fatigue failure

Tracking down the lizards from Gravenhorst's collection at the University of Wrocław: type specimens of Callopistes maculatus Gravenhorst, 1838 and three Liolaemus species rediscovered

Johann Ludwig Christian Gravenhorst’s herpetological collection at the Museum of Natural History, University of Wrocław included numerous important specimens of amphibians and reptiles. The majority, if not the entirety, of this collection has long been thought to be lost. However, we were able to rediscover some type specimens of lizards. The rediscovered specimens include the holotypes of Liolaemus conspersus and L. hieroglyphicus, one syntype of Callopistes maculatus (here designated as the lectotype) and two syntypes of L. lineatus (one of which is herein designated as the lectotype). Reexamination of these specimens indicates that previous synonymies proposed for L. conspersus and two syntypes of L. hieroglyphicus are problematic; furthermore, more complex taxonomic work is needed to resolve this issue. Two rediscovered syntypes of L. lineatus differ in several scalation traits and are possibly not conspecific. The type specimens of several other species of lizards from Gravenhorst’s collection (Liolaemus marmoratus, L. unicolor and two other syntypes of L. lineatus, Leiocephalus schreibersii and Chalcides viridanus) were not found and are probably lost

Genetic variants in myostatin and its receptors promote elite athlete status

Background While product of the myostatin gene (MSTN) is an important factor influencing muscle growth, which is well confirmed in nonhuman species, it has not been clearly confirmed whether MSTN expression influences interindividual differences in skeletal muscle mass, affects posttraining changes, or plays a role in the age-related loss of muscle mass and function in humans. Although the inconclusive results are usually explained by ethnic differences and the low frequency of some alleles, it is possible that the role of receptors (ACVR2A and ACVR2B) that affect the biological activity of myostatin is crucial. Therefore, we investigated the sequences of the MSTN, ACVR2A, and ACVR2B genes and determined the interaction between allelic variants and athletic performance and competition level in the Caucasian population. One hundred-two athletes were recruited for the sequencing study, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed. Second, 330 athletes and 365 controls were included, and real-time PCR was performed.Results The sequence analysis revealed two polymorphisms relatively common in the athlete cohort, and the alternate allele showed overrepresentation in athletes: MSTN rs11333758 and ACVR2A rs3764955. Regarding the polymorphic site MSTN rs11333758, there was a significant overrepresentation of the -/- genotype in all high-elite and mixed-sport high-elite athletes. Carriers of the ACVR2A rs3764955 CC and GG genotypes were more likely to be elite and high-elite athletes. In addition, carriers of the CC genotype were more likely to be in the mixed-sport subelite group. The gene-gene interaction analysis revealed that mixed-sport high elite athletes showed significant underrepresentation of the ACVR2A rs3764955 GC - MSTN rs11333758 AA genotype combination. In the same group, we observed a significant overrepresentation of the ACVR2A rs3764955 GC - MSTN rs11333758 -/- and the ACVR2A rs3764955 CC - MSTN rs11333758 -/- genotype combinations.Conclusions We showed that the specific genotypes of the MSTN rs11333758 and ACVR2A rs3764955, either individually or in gene-gene combination, are significantly associated with athletes' competition level in the Polish population, especially in the mixed-sports athlete group. Thus, although further research is required, these polymorphisms, alone or in combination with other polymorphisms, are among the numerous candidates that could explain individual variations in muscle phenotypes

SIBO - the present knowledge within the contekst of clinical dependencies and therapy

Introduction: The gut microbiome is an integral part of the body, and the eubiosis conditio significantly  influences homeostasis. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is connected with an increased numer of bacteria, it causes gastrointestinal symptoms. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. SIBO correlates with the occurrence of other chronic diseases. The basis of treatment are antibiotics. There are also scientific reports on supplementing pharmacological therapy with dietary management. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. Particular attention took notice of to the relationship  between SIBO and other chronic diseases as well as potential and applied treatments. Material and methods: The review includes publications published in 2020-2023 and certain works published earlier, in the years 2008-2017. Data were collected using PubMed, ScienceDirect i Google Scholar. Results: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is heterogeneous disorder. Its symptoms are nonspecific. SIBO is related to several different diseases and corresponds with them. Empirical treatment consists in administration of antibiotics. Supplementing therapy with alternative methods for example probiotic and diet therapy  promotes success in treating. Conclusions: The lack of standarized therapeutic menagment and focused on bacterial eradication only approach makes, SIBO is recurrent ailment. More research is needed. The important thing is holistic approach on etiology, pathogenesis and therapy

Clinical manifestations of neuroborreliosis in children – review of literature

Introduction: The most common tick-borne disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi is Lyme disease. It is characterized by a variety of disorders: dermatological, rheumatological, cardiological and neurological. Neuroborreliosis is defined as an involvement of the nervous system, and it is the second most common form of infection in children (10-15% of those infected). The aim of the study: To review the available materials and presentation of the current state of knowledge on the various manifestations of neuroborreliosis in children. Material and method: Databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were searched. Literature was searched using the keywords: Lyme disease, neuroborreliosis, borreliosis, facial nerve paralysis, and pediatric population. The materials obtained in this way were analyzed in terms of compliance with the subject of the work. Results: Typical clinical manifestations of neuroborreliosis in children are facial nerve palsy and meningitis. Neuroborreliosis is the cause of 50% of all cases of bilateral facial nerve palsy in children. Multiple cranial and peripheral neuritis, myelitis, cerebral vasculitis and, consequently, the formation of intracranial aneurysms are less common manifestations of infection. Conclusions: The symptoms of neuroborreliosis are non-specific. This makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Even if no information on tick bite or erythema migrans has been obtained from the clinical history, neuroborreliosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in Lyme-endemic areas

CRP – a valuable source of information or just a laboratory test?

Background and Purpose: Laboratory tests are an inseparable element in modern medicine. They provide us with valuable clues for making a diagnosis or monitoring treatment. One of the most frequently ordered biochemical tests is the determination of the level of CRP in the blood. The aim of the study is to present the clinical usefulness of this study and to present knowledge about C-reactive protein.   Current state of knowledge: It is produced mainly by the liver, but the latest reports confirm local synthesis, among others, in arterial endothelial cells. The most common reason for the increase in the level of CRP is the appearance of infection, during which time its concentration may increase by up to 1000 times. Elderly patients have a weaker immune system response than younger patients, therefore the rise in CRP may be less pronounced. Other reasons are autoimmune diseases, cancer, or acute or chronic inflammation. As a result of cel damage, pro-inflammatory cytokines are secreted, which stimulate the production of CRP. Most scientific sources consider CRP ≥ 10 mg/L to be significant. Values of 3-10mg/L are considered a slight increase in CRP levels. Such CRP values were found in about 1/3 of the American population. Conclusions:  The CRP level should not be interpreted as an isolated medical parameter, but in conjunction with other tests and the patient's current state of health. Based on the amount of CRP in the blood and changes in its concentration over time, we can check the response to treatment and predict the course of some diseases