Global Cortical Atrophy Is Associated with an Unfavorable Outcome in Stroke Patients on Oral Anticoagulation.

INTRODUCTION Measures of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cerebral microbleeds (CMB), are associated with an unfavorable clinical course in stroke patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Here, we investigated whether similar findings can be observed for global cortical atrophy (GCA). METHODS Registry-based prospective observational study of 320 patients treated with OAC following AF stroke. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowing assessment of GCA. Using the simplified visual Pasquier scale, the severity of GCA was categorized as follows: 0: no atrophy, 1: mild atrophy; 2: moderate atrophy, and 3: severe atrophy. Using adjusted logistic and Cox regression analysis, we investigated the association of GCA using a composite outcome measure, comprising: (i) recurrent acute ischemic stroke (IS); (ii) intracranial hemorrhage (ICH); and (iii) death. RESULTS In our time to event analysis after adjusting for potential confounders (i.e., WMH, CMB, age, sex, diabetes, arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and antiplatelet use), GCA was associated with an increased risk for the composite outcome in all three degrees of atrophy (grade 1: aHR 3.95, 95% CI 1.34-11.63, p = 0.013; grade 2: aHR 3.89, 95% CI 1.23-12.30, p = 0.021; grade 3: aHR 4.16, 95% CI 1.17-14.84, p = 0.028). CONCLUSION GCA was associated with our composite outcome also after adjusting for other cSVD markers (i.e., CMB, WMH) and age, indicating that GCA may potentially serve as a prognostic marker for stroke patients with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation

The European Reference Genome Atlas: piloting a decentralised approach to equitable biodiversity genomics.

ABSTRACT: A global genome database of all of Earth’s species diversity could be a treasure trove of scientific discoveries. However, regardless of the major advances in genome sequencing technologies, only a tiny fraction of species have genomic information available. To contribute to a more complete planetary genomic database, scientists and institutions across the world have united under the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), which plans to sequence and assemble high-quality reference genomes for all ∼1.5 million recognized eukaryotic species through a stepwise phased approach. As the initiative transitions into Phase II, where 150,000 species are to be sequenced in just four years, worldwide participation in the project will be fundamental to success. As the European node of the EBP, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) seeks to implement a new decentralised, accessible, equitable and inclusive model for producing high-quality reference genomes, which will inform EBP as it scales. To embark on this mission, ERGA launched a Pilot Project to establish a network across Europe to develop and test the first infrastructure of its kind for the coordinated and distributed reference genome production on 98 European eukaryotic species from sample providers across 33 European countries. Here we outline the process and challenges faced during the development of a pilot infrastructure for the production of reference genome resources, and explore the effectiveness of this approach in terms of high-quality reference genome production, considering also equity and inclusion. The outcomes and lessons learned during this pilot provide a solid foundation for ERGA while offering key learnings to other transnational and national genomic resource projects.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Environmental management at naturally valuable areas illustrated with an example of Sieraków Landscape Park

Wydział Nauk Geograficznych i Geologicznych: IGFiKŚP/Zakład Ekologii KrajobrazuCelem głównym podjętego problemu badawczego jest ocena gospodarowania i stanu środowiska przyrodniczego Sierakowskiego Parku Krajobrazowego w oparciu o metodę przyczynowo-skutkową D-P-S-I-R, wielkoskalową mapę sozologiczną oraz opracowanie modelu systemu wspomagania gospodarowania środowiskiem na obszarach cennych przyrodniczo. Zakres czasowy badań obejmuje lata 1996-2013 dla danych statystycznych, wykorzystanych do obliczenia wskaźników diagnostycznych oraz lata 2011-2013, w których została przeprowadzona inwentaryzacja przyrodnicza połączona z kartowaniem terenowym oraz badania ankietowe wśród społeczności lokalnej Sierakowskiego Parku Krajobrazowego. Zakres tematyczny został ujęty w ośmiu rozdziałach, a ich zawartość wynika z przyjętego schematu postępowania badawczego. Za Bródką (2010) przyjęto 5-etapowy schemat procedury badawczej. Podsumowując, otrzymane wyniki badań potwierdziły, że sposób gospodarowania środowiskiem na obszarach cennych przyrodniczo wpływa znacząco na stan i funkcjonowanie tego środowiska. Zgodnie z przyjętym schematem postępowania badawczego, oraz przy stwierdzonych w czasie jego realizacji ograniczeniach wynikających z dostępności materiałów źródłowych oraz przyjętego zakresu czasowego badań terenowych, osiągnięto główny cel rozprawy doktorskiej.The major objective of the research problem addressed is to assess the environmental management and the condition of Sieraków Landscape Park environment based on the D-P-S-I-R cause-effect method, large-scale sozological map and the elaboration of the environmental management support system at naturally valuable areas. The time frame of research comprises the years 1996-2013 for statistical data, used for the calculation of diagnostic indexes, and the years 2011-2013 when the environmental survey combined with field mapping and questionnaire survey among the local community of Sieraków Landscape Park were performed. The theme scope was included in eight chapters and their contents results from the adopted research procedure scheme. After Bródka (2010) a 5-stage research procedure scheme was adopted. To conclude, the obtained research results confirmed that the method of environmental management at naturally valuable areas has a substantial impact on the condition and functioning of the environment. In accordance with the adopted research procedure scheme and in view of the restrictions resulting from the availability of source materials found during the implementation of the scheme as well as in view of the adopted time frame of the field research, the major objective of the doctoral dissertation was achieved

Landscape Diversity and the Directions of Its Protection in Poland Illustrated with an Example of Wielkopolskie Voivodeship

As part of the implementation of the provisions of the European Landscape Convention, a landscape audit of the provinces has been underway in Poland for a few years. The main objectives of the audit are the delimitation of landscape units, assessment of their values, and identification of the priority of landscapes to be protected. This study presents the results of research on the landscape division of the Wielkopolskie voivodeship and a geostatistical analysis of the differentiation of ecological units. With reference to legal regulations in force in Poland, the landscape diversity of the province was characterized using two divisions: geophysical regionalization and landscape typology. In the case of regional division, the meso- and microregions of physical and geographical rank are referenced. The proposed microregional division is the first example in Poland of such a detailed landscape analysis completed for the area of the voivodeship. In the case of typological division, the study conducted in cooperation with the Wielkopolska Bureau of Spatial Planning in Poznań was used. The statistical analysis included metrics to quantitatively characterize landscape composition, including the landscape division index (DIVISION), Shannon’s diversity index (SHDI), and Simpson’s diversity index (SIDI). The results of the study were then compared with the distribution of areas associated with different forms of landscape protection such as national parks, landscape parks, and protected landscape areas. The applied methodology and the results obtained indicate the important role of physical and geographical microregions in the complex analyses of landscape diversity and their broad application in procedures connected with landscape planning and environmental protection

Biodegradable polycaprolactone-titania nanocomposites: Preparation, characterization and antimicrobial properties

Nanocomposites obtained from the incorporation of synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles (≈10 nm average primary particle size) in different amounts, ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, into a biodegradable polycaprolactone matrix are achieved via a straightforward and commercial melting processing. The resulting nanocomposites have been structurally and thermally characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide/small angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS/SAXS, respectively) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TEM evaluation provides evidence of an excellent nanometric dispersion of the oxide component in the polymeric matrix, with aggregates having an average size well below 100 nm. Presence of these TiO2 nanoparticles induces a nucleant effect during polymer crystallization. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites has been tested using both UV and visible light against Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The bactericidal behavior has been explained through the analysis of the material optical properties, with a key role played by the creation of new electronic states within the polymer-based nanocomposites.Peer Reviewe

Italy vs. Poland: A Comparative Analysis of Regional Planning System Attitudes toward Adaptation to Climate Changes and Green Infrastructures

European spatial planners deal with two major concerns: adaptation to climate changes (ACC) and the design and management of green infrastructures (GIs). ACC calls for the renewal of spatial planning with constant appeals to the need to adequately prepare for extreme climate events. GIs deliver ecosystem services (ES), which consist of beneficial functions to living beings in terms of, for example, helping people adapt to climate change. An effective implementation of adaptation measures at the regional and sub-regional scale is based on an efficient and prompt spatial planning system and GIs management. In this paper, we aim at comparing the attitudes of Italian and Polish spatial planning systems with respect to the integration of concepts related to ACC and GIs. We describe commonalities and differences between the two spatial planning frameworks by scrutinizing regional plans adopted in Sardinia (Italy) and Wielkopolska (Poland). We found out a scarce consideration of both ACC and GIs planning and management. The findings suggest that the regional spatial planning tools need to be updated to be fully satisfactory in terms of ACC and GIs concepts

Role of TiO2 morphological characteristics in EVOH-TiO 2 nanocomposite films: Self-degradation and self-cleaning properties

The role of TiO2 morphological characteristics in the ultimate performance of advanced, light-triggered EVOH–TiO2 nanocomposite films is analyzed using four different inorganic anatase-TiO2 materials obtained from the same initial solid precursor. Morphological variations in the inorganic component lead to differences in the inorganic–organic interface, described here through a detailed structural investigation using wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS), Raman and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopies together with microscopy tools. Two significant properties of these composite films induced by light absorption were studied: a) the self-degradation of the films under sunlight and b) their self-cleaning or disinfection properties against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria upon UV excitation. The analysis of results provides evidence that, within the series of samples studied, the optimization of these two light-induced properties is related to specific morphological aspects of the oxide component. The different charge carrier species involved in the two processes allow rationalizing the self-degradation as a main function of primary particle size of the oxide component while the self-cleaning properties seem to be related to a more complex root on oxide morphological features, likely associated with particle–particle networking details.Financial support (CTQ2010-14872/BQU, PLE2009-0037, PRIPIBJP-2011-0914, MAT2010-17016, MAT2010-19883) is fully acknowledged. The research leading to some of these results has also received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement no. 253445. K.C.C. and A.K. thank, respectively the Marie Curie (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF-253445) and MINECO program ‘‘Ramo´n y Cajal’’ for postdoctoral fellowships.Peer Reviewe