Four-Loop Anomalous Dimensions for Radiative Flavour-Changing Decays

We evaluate the complete four-loop anomalous dimension matrix that is necessary for determining the effective flavour-changing neutral current couplings qbar-q'-gamma and qbar-q'-g at the next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD. The resulting O(alpha_s^2(mu_b)) correction to the B -> X_s gamma branching ratio amounts to around -2.9% for mu_b = 5 GeV, and -4.4% for mu_b = 2.5 GeVComment: 19 page

Completing the Calculation of BLM corrections to B -> Xs gamma

Perturbative O(alpha_s^2) corrections to BR(B -> Xs gamma) in the BLM approximation receive contributions from two-, three- and four-body final states. While all the two-body results are well established by now, the other ones have remained incomplete for several years. Here, we calculate the last contribution that has been missing to date, namely the one originating from interference of the current-current and gluonic dipole operators (K_18^{(2)beta_0} and K_{28}^{(2)beta_0}). Moreover, we confirm all the previously known results for BLM corrections to the photon energy spectrum that involve the current-current operators (e.g., K_{22}^{(2)beta_0} and K_{27}^{(2)beta_0}). Finally, we also confirm the recent findings of Ferroglia and Haisch on self-interference of the gluonic dipole operator (K_{88}^{(2)beta_0}).Comment: 5 pages, 2 ps figure

Tree-level contributions to B -> Xs gamma

Weak radiative decay B -> X_s gamma is known to be a loop-generated process. However, it does receive tree-level contributions from CKM-suppressed b -> u ubar s gamma transitions. In the present paper, we evaluate such contributions together with similar ones from the QCD penguin operators. For a low value of the photon energy cutoff E_0 ~ m_b/20 that has often been used in the literature, they can enhance the inclusive branching ratio by more than 10%. For E_0 = 1.6 GeV or higher, the effect does not exceed 0.4%, which is due to phase-space suppression. Our perturbative results contain collinear logarithms that depend on the light quark masses m_q (q=u,d,s). We have allowed m_b/m_q to vary from 10 to 50, which corresponds to values of m_q that are typical for the constituent quark masses. Such a rough method of estimation may be improved in the future with the help of fragmentation functions once the considered effects begin to matter in the overall error budget for BR(B -> X_s gamma).Comment: v3: Corrected factors of 2 in the subdominant T_3 contributions. Minor changes in the numerical results (Table II

The frequency of coffee consumption in the Slavic population and its impact on health

Introduction and purpose: There are many articles specifying coffee's influence on the health and behavior of consumers. However, most of the studies are conducted on populations living in the United States, Western Europe or China. We did not find many studies reporting the effects of coffee consumption on the Slavic population. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of coffee consumption in this population and its impact on such health elements as insomnia, body weight, well-being, irritation, hypertension or headache. Material and method: The anonymous survey included questions about the frequency of coffee consumption and selected health effects was created and subsequently distributed through social media (Telegram platform) in August 2023. Results: We collected a total of 89 surveys. The median age of participants was 31 (IQR: 24-38). 27 individuals indicated that they do not consume coffee at all (30.34%). The rest of the group most often choose  the following options: I drink it several times a day - 24 individuals (26.97%)  and 26 individuals drink it once a day (29.21%). We demonstrated a correlation between the amount of coffee consumption and the frequency of insomnia (r=0.39, p=0.028). Additionally, we observed a negative correlation between coffee consumption and body weight (r=0.18, p=0.048). However, we did not find a relationship between coffee consumption and elevated or lowered mood (p>0.05). Conclusions: In the study group, the frequency of coffee consumption was higher than the global average and in some cases led to insomnia. The positive aspects of drinking coffee outweighed the side effects and lead to the conclusion that it is a safe drink in the group of surveyed Slavs

The effectiveness of natural probiotics in food

Introduction and purposeThe term "probiotic" rooted in Latin, signifies 'for life,' reflecting the historical use of fermented products for therapeutic purposes. Defined by the WHO as living microorganisms conferring health benefits when consumed adequately, probiotics, mainly bacteria from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, play a vital role in maintaining gut microbiota balance, regulating digestion, supporting the immune system and influencing mental and cardiovascular health. While browsing many websites devoted to healthy eating or popular science topics, we often came across the topic of probiotic food without any confirmation by scientific research. The aim of this paper is to confirm or exclude the presence of probiotics in popular foods. Material and method In our work, we will look at individual products with an emphasis on verifying whether the microorganisms they contain meet the WHO criteria of probiotics. Results Our review managed to prove the probiotic effect of almost all presented food, except for miso. By reviewing many articles, we shed a lot of uncertainty on the repeated myth about the lack of probiotic effect of cucumbers preserved in vinegar  and what is more, we found scientific assumptions about the probiotic effect of vinegar itself. Conclusion Fermented food contains numerous strains of bacteria that are resistant to acid, bile and temperature in the human digestive tract and can be effectively used as a source of probiotics. What is more, compared with probiotics from the pharmacy, pickles provide not only probiotics, but also nutritional values, valuable fiber and vitamins. They seem to be a versatile supplement for our health

Thyroid hormones in persons with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is accumulating evidence that individuals with schizophrenia show altered levels of thyroid hormones. However, a qualitative and quantitative synthesis of findings in this field has not been performed so far. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), total thyroxine (tT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and total triiodothyronine (tT3) in multiple-episode schizophrenia (MES) and first-episode psychosis (FEP). Electronic databases were searched from their inception until 30th May 2020 by two independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses were performed. Altogether, 19 studies were included. Persons with FEP had significantly lower TSH levels (5 studies, g = −0.26, 95%CI: −0.47 to −0.06, p = 0.013, I2 = 21.3%), higher fT4 levels (3 studies, g = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.15–1.01, p = 0.008, I2 = 64.6%) and lower tT3 levels (2 studies, g = −0.60, 95%CI: −0.82 to −0.37, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%) compared to controls. Elevated TSH levels were found in persons with MES (13 studies, g = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.02–0.39, p = 0.031, I2 = 50.0%). Our findings imply that the levels of TSH might be decreased in persons with FEP and increased in those with MES. Other alterations need to be confirmed by additional studies. These findings imply the need to monitor the levels of TSH and thyroid hormones from the onset of psychosis

Concentrations of 137Cs^{137}Cs, 40K^{40}K radionuclides and some heavy metals in soil samples of Chochołowska Valley from Tatra National Park

This paper presents the results of determination of artificial $^{137}Cs$ and natural $^{40}K$ activity concentrations and some heavy metals in soil samples from the region of one of the main valleys of Tatra National Park (Chochołowska). Our investigation concentrated on $^{137}Cs$ and heavy metal levels in mountain soil taken from Chochołowska Valley, which revealed great variability in their concentration. The results show considerably small amounts of radionuclides $^{137}Cs$ and $^{40}K$ in the soils. Larger amounts of those elements can be found in the organic surface horizons of the soils. The evaluation of the content of those elements must be based on the bulk density analysis of the soil

Sex Differences in Human Olfaction: A Meta-Analysis

Although the view that women's olfactory abilities outperform men's is taken for granted, some studies involving large samples suggested that male and female olfactory abilities are actually similar. To address this discrepancy, we conducted a meta-analysis of existing studies on olfaction, targeting possible sex differences. The analyzed sample comprised n = 8 848 (5 065 women and 3 783 men) for olfactory threshold (as measured with the Sniffin Sticks Test; SST), n = 8 067 (4 496 women and 3 571 men) for discrimination (SST), n = 13 670 (7 501 women and 6 169 men) for identification (SST), and a total sample of n = 7 154 (3 866 women and 3 288 men) for works using University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). We conducted separate meta-analyses for each aspect of olfaction: identification, discrimination and threshold. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that women generally outperform men in olfactory abilities. What is more, they do so in every aspect of olfaction analyzed in the current study. However, the effect sizes were weak and ranged between g = 0.08 and g = 0.30. We discuss our findings in the context of factors that potentially shape sex differences in olfaction. Nevertheless, although our findings seem to confirm the “common knowledge” on female olfactory superiority, it needs to be emphasized that the effect sizes we observed were notably small

The influence of available oral collagen supplementation on the function of joints and skin

Introduction and purpose:     In our work, we focused on presenting the role of collagen supplementation and its impact on skin and joint health. We considered studies discussing the differences in the effects of collagen from various plant and animal sources. We also examined the influence of the degree of hydrolysis on the absorbability of the supplement. The aim of the paper is to comprehensively summarize knowledge on collagen supplementation, differentiating between its sources and forms.   Material and methods:    In our paper, we endeavored to address the subject of oral collagen supplementation comprehensively. We explored studies about various forms and sources of collagen. We also delved into the collagen supplementation impact on skin and joints health and impact of additives in enhancing the positive effect of collagen .   State of knowledge:    Oral collagen supplementation can be beneficial for skin and joints health. It promote collagen synthesis in human body increasing strength of skin and joints. The higher the degree of collagen hydrolysis, the more easily it is absorbed by the body. Additives in the form of vitamin C and A can enhance collagen synthesis.   Results and conclusions:   This review article indicates a growing interest in oral collagen supplementation and its impact on health. Although there are encouraging findings regarding positive effects, further research is necessary to better understand and determine the optimal conditions for achieving maximum supplementation benefits. This information may be crucial for clinical decisions made by physicians regarding joint reinforcement and anti-aging effects on the skin

The Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency - etiology, symptoms in various organs, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis

Introduction: Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a glycoprotein produced by liver, belonging to the serine protease inhibitor family. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is very common autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by point mutation in SERPINA1 gene. Mutations in the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene lead to production of misfolded AAT resulting in impaired release into the blood. This disorder leads to destruction of connecting tissue especially in lungs and to accumulation of retarded protein in the liver.  Purpose: Most studies addressing AAT deficiency focus on presenting symptoms related to the lungs and liver. We want to take a broader look at this issue, so we have closely examined scientific reports on the presentation of the disease in organs other than the lungs and liver. The goal is to gather holistic knowledge about the disease to enhance awareness and treatment.   Material and methods:    In our paper, we endeavored to address the issue of AAT deficiency comprehensively. We explored symptoms with an emphasis on organs beyond the liver and lungs. We also delved into the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disease.   Discussion:   The clinical symptoms of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency extending beyond the liver and lungs remain inadequately described. We know that AAT deficiency can lead to excessive destruction of connective tissue in any organ, not just the lungs and liver. Unfortunately, this condition continues to go undiagnosed, and the number of scientific publications on symptoms from other organs is too limited. This affects the insufficient attention given by doctors to tissue destruction in organs other than the lungs and liver