Evolution of Universe to the present inert phase

We assume that current state of the Universe can be described by the Inert Doublet Model, containing two scalar doublets, one of which is responsible for EWSB and masses of particles and the second one having no couplings to fermions and being responsible for dark matter. We consider possible evolutions of the Universe to this state during cooling down of the Universe after inflation. We found that in the past Universe could pass through phase states having no DM candidate. In the evolution via such states in addition to a possible EWSB phase transition (2-nd order) the Universe sustained one 1-st order phase transition or two phase transitions of the 2-nd order.Comment: 19 pages, 3 figure

Correlations between selected parameters of nasal cavity in neonates and young infants — computed tomography study

  Background: Correlations between selected metric parameters of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in children without atresia may be useful for anticipating probable dimensions of this region in living subjects, in terms of changes with age. Materials and methods: One hundred and eighty children, age range 0–3 years, were divided into five age groups, and measurements of 18 distances between structures of nasal cavity and nosopharynx were performed on computed tomography scans. Correlation coefficients and relations between parameters have been determined. Results: Our study confirmed the existence of statistically significant correlations between linear dimensions within nasal cavity in children. The analysis demon­strated that for the values of following indexes: nasal septum length/piriform aperture width, and maximum length of the nasal septum/posterior nares width no statistically significant differences have been noted between age groups of children. All correlations have been positive. No statistically significant differences have been noted between the maximum width of the vomer and osseous parameters measured, both in the anterior and posterior part of the nasal cavity, and nasal septum length. Conclusions: The size of posterior nares changed with age in children by a constant value. So far, no such an analysis has been carried out assessing potential correlations between linear dimensions for the entire nasal cavity, nasopharynx, length of the nasal septum in children, as well as proportions of individual linear dimensions of the anatomical structures analysed, in various age groups

Rola PF4 (chemokiny CXCL4) w powstawaniu skrzepu

Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is released from platelet α granules during activation process. It takes part in clot formation. Physiological concentration of PF4 is essential not only for thrombus formation but also for the anticoagulant potency of heparin. This review is based on experiments performed by one of coauthors.Czynnik płytkowy 4 (PF4) uwalniany jest z ziarnistości α krwinek plytkowych podczas ich aktywacji. Uczestniczy w powstawaniu skrzepu. Prawidłowe stężenie PF4 warunkuje nie tylko efektywność procesów krzepnięcia krwi, ale również skuteczność terapeutycznych dawek heparyny. Praca niniejsza opiera się w dużej mierze na pracach doświadczalnych jednej z współautorek

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF ORGANIC SOILS IRRIGATED WITH MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER

ABSTRACT Soil irrigation with wastewater (WW) gives the opportunity to solve the problems of its disposal, final purification or reuse. Many studies have examined mineral soils upon continued WW application. The aim of this paper was to examine the properties of organic soils 3 years after WW application was discontinued. Peat-muck soil planted with Populus spp. or Salix spp., and mineral-muck soil under grasses were irrigated for 4 years with municipal WW at a low (comparable with intensive NPK fertilization) and high WW rate (600 and 1200 mm yearly, respectively). Soils were analysed for organic matter (OM), pH, bulk density (BD), water holding capacity (WHC), P 2 O 5 , Fe 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , MnO, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, magnetic susceptibility (MS) and dehydrogenase and catalase activities. The results were compared with control soils which have never received WW. The study showed that only P 2 O 5 , MnO and catalase activity (CA) were significantly affected by former WW application. On average, P 2 O 5 increased by 30 per cent, whereas MnO decreased by 35 per cent with no differences between the two WW rates. CA decreased by 18 per cent at the high WW rate. Most of tested characteristics were determined by soil type. The peat-muck soil showed higher OM, WHC, P 2 O 5 , MnO, Pb and CA than mineral-muck soil and lower BD, MS, Fe 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 and Cr. Soil depth influenced Fe 2 O 3 , MnO, Zn, MS and enzyme activities, while basic soil properties (OM, pH, BD, WHC and P 2 O 5 ) were not changed by soil depth. Heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb) were below upper permissible limits

JAK2 mutation status, hemostatic risk factors and thrombophilic factors in essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients

The recently discovered JAK2 V617F point mutation, found in 50–60% of ET patients, has been reported to be associated with a higher risk of thrombotic events. In this study, we explored if JAK2 V617F mutation, or coexisting thrombophilic and hemostatic risk factors, contributed to these complications. We examined 32 patients with ET, and looked for pathogenetic JAK2 V617F mutation and prothrombotic genes mutations: factor V Leiden, prothrombin and MTHFR. We also evaluated plasma levels of fibrinogen, factors VIII and XII, AT, protein C, protein S and serum level of homocysteine. Urokinase concentration was assessed in patients’ plasma as well as platelet lysates. There was no difference in the number of thrombotic complications between ET patients with and without JAK2 mutation. However, we found a number of thrombophilic and hemostatic risk factors that could contribute to thrombotic complications in ET patients. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 267–271

Orexin receptors exert a neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer's disease (AD) via heterodimerization with GPR103

Orexins are neuropeptides that regulate the sleep-wake cycle and feeding behaviour. QRFP is a newly discovered neuropeptide which exerts similar orexigenic activity, thus playing an important role in energy homeostasis and regulation of appetite. The exact expression and signalling characteristics and physiological actions of QRFP and its receptor GPR103 are poorly understood. Alzheimerâ €™ s disease (AD) patients experience increased nocturnal activity, excessive daytime sleepiness, and weight loss. We hypothesised therefore that orexins and QRFP might be implicated in the pathophysiology of AD. We report that the down-regulation of hippocampal orexin receptors (OXRs) and GPR103 particularly in the cornu ammonis (CA) subfield from AD patients suffering from early onset familial AD (EOFAD) and late onset familial AD (LOAD). Using an in vitro model we demonstrate that this downregulation is due to to Aβ-plaque formation and tau hyper-phosphorylation. Transcriptomics revealed a neuroprotective role for both orexins and QRFP. Finally we provide conclusive evidence using BRET and FRET that OXRs and GPR103 form functional hetero-dimers to exert their effects involving activation of ERK 1/2. Pharmacological intervention directed at the orexigenic system may prove to be an attractive avenue towards the discovery of novel therapeutics for diseases such as AD and improving neuroprotective signalling pathways