Quantum Rotational Spectra and Classical Rotors

We consider the generalized rotor Hamiltonians capable of describing quantum systems invariant with respect to symmetry point-groups that go beyond the usual D_2-symmetry of a tri-axial rotor. We discuss the canonical de-quantisation procedure to obtain the classical analogs of the original quantum Hamiltonians. Classical and quantum solutions to the Hamiltonians relevant in the nuclear physics applications are illustrated and compared using the 'usual' (D_2) and an 'exotic' (T_d) symmetries.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figure

Criteria of geotourism valorization specified for various recipients // Kryteria waloryzacji geoturystycznej na potrzeby różnego rodzaju odbiorców

The following paper presents methodology of valorization of geotourism objects adapted to meet the expectations and needs of various groups of potential recipients: tourists (casual, witting, hobbyist), educators (school teachers, academic staff, guides, organizers) and investors (owners, managers). Any geotourism object can be valorized using four principal categories of criteria: visual, cognitive, functional and investing. Each category is evaluated separately and selection of particular criteria depends on the needs of given recipient. //W artykule zaproponowano sposób waloryzacji obiektów geoturystycznych uwzględniający potrzeby potencjalnych odbiorców: turystów (przypadkowy, świadomy, pasjonat), edukatorów (nauczyciel szkolny i akademicki, przewodnik, organizator turystyki specjalistycznej), inwestorów (właściciel, zarządca). Na ocenę obiektu składają się cztery główne kryteria: wartość wizualna, wartość poznawcza, wartość użytkowa oraz warunki i potrzeby inwestycyjne. Każde z kryteriów oceniane jest osobno, a o ważności i doborze kryterium decyduje samodzielnie odbiorca waloryzacji

Influence of dietary components on the risk of gallstone formation

Gallbladder disease is a common condition in the population that has a negative impact on quality of life. The development of gallstones is influenced by both non-modifiable factors such as genetics, age, gender and modifiable risk factors including physical activity, body weight, diet. Dietary factors affecting the occurrence of the disease are difficult to capture in clinical studies, but the effect of certain substances on the development of gallstones has been proven. Positive risk factors include a high-calorie diet, obesity, increased intake of carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, small amounts of fiber ingested. Moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of gallstones. Coffee may reduce the risk of the disease, but results are inconclusive. Inverse risk factors include consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, consumption of nuts, olive oil, n-3 PUFA found in fish oil, vitamin C supplementation. No clear effect of consuming large amounts of dietary cholesterol can be established. The type of protein consumed also matters - vegetable protein reduces the risk of gallstones, animal protein has no such effect. Better understanding of dietary risks of cholelithiasis may help in future disease prevention

Rhinophyma - the end-stage of rosacea

Rhinophyma is defined as a progressive, deforming, nodular enlargement of the sebaceous glands caused by hypertrophy of the sebaceous follicles. It is assumed to be the final phase of chronic rosacea occurring mainly in Caucasian men. This disease negatively affects the quality of life of patients due to decreased self-esteem and depressive disorders. Nasal deformation by narrowing the nostrils impairs the physical performance of patients and even leads to the development of sleep apnea. Treatment is mainly based on surgery to remove pathological tissue. The literature also provides the possibility of therapy using ablative techniques and laser therapy. &nbsp

GO-QOL — kwestionariusz oceny jakości życia pacjentów z orbitopatią tarczycową

  The main goal of therapy for Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is to restore visual function and to improve quality of life (QOL); therefore, the idea of self-assessment of eye changes by the patient has been developed. We developed a validated Polish version of the GO-QOL questionnaire (GO-QOLpl). As an original version we used the English version of GO-QOL, which consists of 15 questions summarised in two subscales. GO-QOLpl was translated and validated in accordance with standard principles for translation of patient-reported outcomes (PRO). GO-QOLpl is a linguistically validated version of the original GO-QOL questionnaire, which is recommended by the European Group of Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO). We strongly support the use of GO-QOLpl for the assessment of QOL among Polish patients with GO in clinical practice. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (4): 362–366)    Głównym celem terapeutycznym w orbitopatii tarczycowej jest zarówno przywrócenie funkcji wzrokowych, jak i poprawa jakości życia. Przeprowadzono walidowane tłumaczenie kwestionariusza GO-QOL na język polski z wersji anglojęzycznej, która składa się z 15 pytań zgrupowanych w dwóch podskalach. Tłumaczenie GO-QOL przeprowadzono zgodnie z regułami translacyjnymi oceny pacjentów. Autorzy zalecają użycie GO-QOLpl do ewaluacji jakości życia wśród polskich pacjentów z orbitopatią tarczycową. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (4): 362–366)

Unlocking the potential of DNA-based tagging: current market solutions and expanding horizons

The commercialization of DNA tagging is a growing trend that demonstrates the increasing practicality of this novel approach. This interdisciplinary technology is based on the distinctive characteristics of DNA as a molecule that can remain stable in varying environmental conditions and store data following appropriate preparation. Moreover, newly developed technologies could simplify DNA synthesis and the encoding of data within DNA. The implementation of DNA tagging presents distinctive benefits in comparison to conventional labelling techniques, including universal product code (UPC) barcoding, radio-frequency identification (RFID), quick response (QR) codes, and Bluetooth technologies, by surmounting the limitations encountered by these systems. The discourse pertains to extant DNA-tagging mechanisms along with prospective implementations in a wide range of domains, including but not limited to art, the metaverse, forensics, wildlife monitoring, and the military. The potential of DNA labelling in various contexts underscores the importance of continued research and development in this rapidly evolving field

Clusterin as a New Marker of Kidney Injury in Children Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation—A Pilot Study

Background and aims: The markers of renal damage defining subclinical AKI are not widely used in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). The aim of the study was to evaluate serum and urinary clusterin as indices of kidney injury after alloHSCT in relation to damage (kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1) and functional (cystatin C) markers. Material and methods: Serum and urinary clusterin, KIM-1 and cystatin C concentrations were assessed by ELISA in 27 children before alloHSCT, 24 h, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after alloHSCT and in controls. Results: All parameters were significantly higher in HSCT patients compared to controls even before the transplantation. The serum concentrations increased after HSCT and this rising trend was kept until the third (clusterin) or 4th (KIM-1, cystatin C) week. Urinary clusterin and KIM-1 were elevated until the third week and then decreased yet remained higher than before HSCT. Urinary cystatin C has risen from the second week after HSCT and decreased after the third week but was still higher than before alloHSCT. Conclusions: The features of kidney injury are present even before alloHSCT. Clusterin seems useful in the assessment of subclinical AKI and may become a new early marker of sublethal kidney injury in children

The Effect of Calcineurin Inhibitors on MMPs Activity in Heart and Their Side Effects—A Review of Literature

This review focuses on the role of metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of myocardial injury in various disease entities. It reveals how the expression and serum levels of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors change in many disease states. At the same time, the study offers a review of the impact of immunosuppressive treatment on this relationship. Modern immunosuppressive treatment is based mainly on the use of calcineurin inhibitors, including cyclosporine A and tacrolimus. The use of these drugs may carry a number of side effects, specifically to the cardiovascular system. The scale and degree of long-term influence on the organism remains unclear, but a significant risk of complications for transplant recipients who take immunosuppressive drugs as part of their daily treatment is to be expected. Therefore, the knowledge on this subject should be expanded and the negative effects of post-transplant therapy minimized. Immunosuppressive therapy plays an important role in the expression and activation of tissue metalloproteinases and their specific inhibitors, which leads to many tissue changes. The presented study is a collection of research results on the effects of calcineurin inhibitors on the heart, with particular emphasis placed on the participation of MMP-2 and MMP-9. It is also an analysis of the effects of specific heart diseases on myocardial remodeling through inductive or inhibitory effects on matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors

Selected SNPs of FCN2 Associated with Chronic Tonsillitis in the Polish Adult Population

Chronic tonsillitis is a problem related to bacterial and viral infections. Ficolins play a key role in the defence against various pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the associations between the selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the FCN2 gene and chronic tonsillitis in the Polish population. The study included 101 patients with chronic tonsillitis and 101 healthy individuals. The selected SNPs of FCN2 (rs3124953, rs17514136 and rs3124954) were genotyped using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays (Applied Biosystem, Foster City, CA, USA). The analysis of rs17514136 and rs3124953 showed no significant differences in genotype frequencies between the chronic tonsillitis patients and controls (p > 0.01). The CT genotype of rs3124954 was significantly more frequent, while the CC genotype was less frequent in chronic tonsillitis patients (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). The frequency of the A/G/T haplotype (rs17514136/rs3124953/rs3124954) was significantly more common in chronic tonsillitis patients (p = 0.0011). Moreover, the FCN2 CT genotype of rs3124954 was associated with a higher risk of chronic tonsillitis, while the CC genotype of rs3124954 decreased this risk. Our findings demonstrate that FCN2 rs3124954 may be associated with chronic tonsillitis in the Polish adult population