Photoelectrochemical properties of annealed anodic TiO2TiO_2 layers covered with CuOxCuO_x

In this work, we present a systematic study on the influence of Cu(2+) ion concentration in the impregnation solution on the morphology, structure, optical, semiconducting, and photoelectrochemical properties of anodic CuO(x)-TiO(2) materials. Studied materials were prepared by immersion in solutions with different concentrations of (CH(3)COO)(2)Cu and subjected to air-annealing at 400 °C, 500 °C, or 600 °C for 2 h. The complex characterization of all studied samples was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), reflectance measurements, Mott–Schottky analyses, and photocurrent measurements. It was found that band gap engineering based on coupling CuO with TiO(2) (E(g)~3.3 eV) is an effective strategy to increase the absorption in visible light due to band gap narrowing (CuO(x)-TiO(2) materials had E(g)~2.4 eV). Although the photoactivity of CuO-TiO(2) materials decreased in the UV range due to the deposition of CuO on the TiO(2) surface, in the Vis range increased up to 600 nm at the same time

Navigating the landscape of Postpartum Depression: a comprehensive review

Introduction and purpose: The joyous occasion of childbirth is often overshadowed by the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD), a complex mental health condition affecting mothers globally. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on PPD, exploring its frequency, risk factors, pathogenesis, symptoms, and impact on maternal and child health. Description of the State of Knowledge: Recent studies indicate an alarming increase in PPD rates, with notable racial and socioeconomic disparities. Symptoms of PPD, ranging from mild to severe include mood disturbances, cognitive impairments, and self-harm ideation. The repercussions extend beyond the postpartum period, affecting long-term child development, breastfeeding practices, and the mother-infant bond. Advancements in screening tools, particularly the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), have facilitated early detection. However, creating an environment conducive to open communication about mental health remains a significant challenge. Interventions for PPD include psychotherapeutic approaches, pharmacological interventions, and complementary therapies. Brexanolone, the first FDA-approved drug for PPD, represents a significant breakthrough. Community-based and peer support programs, alongside a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals and support networks, have shown promise in alleviating PPD symptoms. Summary: In conclusion, PPD remains a substantial public health concern. Increased awareness of its multifaceted nature has led to improved screening, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. Ongoing dialogue, supportive environments, and refined treatments are essential for enhancing the well-being of both mothers and their infants in the postpartum period

Influence of omalizumab therapy on airway remodeling assessed with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in severe allergic asthma patients

Introduction: Airway remodeling is an important factor in persistent obstruction in severe asthma. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is an effective method of detecting changes in airway structure. Our aim was to use HRCT to assess changes in airway remodeling in patients with severe allergic asthma who are treated with omalizumab. Material and methods: In 12 patients with severe allergic asthma, HRCT was performed before and after treatment with omalizumab. In selected bronchi airways, parameters were calculated: bronchial wall area (BA), also corrected for body surface area (BSA); percentage of wall area (WA%); and the ratio of luminal area to total bronchial area (Ai/Ao). Clinical response to treatment was assessed using an asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ), and number of exacerbations per year. Assessment included spirometry and blood eosinophilia. Results: Treatment resulted in significant improvement in ACQ (p = 0.035) and AQLQ (p = 0.001). We observed significant reduction in exacerbations per year (p = 0.002) and reduction of daily systemic steroid dose (p = 0.032). FEV1 and peripheral blood eospinophilia did not change (p = 0.846 and p = 0.221). Airway dimensions (Ai/Ao) of particular bronchi were consistent with the mean of the parameters calculated for all bronchi measured. Although we observed a significant decrease in WA (p = 0.002) and WA/BSA (p = 0.002), WA% and Ai/Ao did not improve (p = 0.39 and p = 0.49). We found no correlations between changes in airways and changes in spirometry or clinical parameters. Conclusion: Despite clinical effectiveness of omalizumab, its effect on airway remodeling may be limited

Influence of omalizumab therapy on airway remodeling assessed with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in severe allergic asthma patients

Introduction: Airway remodeling is an important factor in persistent obstruction in severe asthma. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is an effective method of detecting changes in airway structure. Our aim was to use HRCT to assess changes in airway remodeling in patients with severe allergic asthma who are treated with omalizumab. Material and methods: In 12 patients with severe allergic asthma, HRCT was performed before and after treatment with omalizumab. In selected bronchial airways, parameters were calculated: bronchial wall area (BA), also corrected for body surface area (BSA); percentage of wall area (WA%); and the ratio of luminal area to total bronchial area (Ai/Ao). Clinical response to treatment was assessed using an asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ), and number of exacerbations per year. Assessment included spirometry and blood eosinophilia. Results: Treatment resulted in significant improvement in ACQ (p = 0.035) and AQLQ (p = 0.001). We observed significant reduction in exacerbations per year (p = 0.002) and reduction of daily systemic steroid dose (p = 0.032). FEV₁ and peripheral blood eospinophilia did not change (p = 0.846 and p = 0.221). Airway dimensions (Ai/Ao) of particular bronchi were consistent with the mean of the parameters calculated for all bronchi measured. Although we observed a significant decrease in WA (p = 0.002) and WA/BSA (p = 0.002), WA% and Ai/Ao did not improve (p = 0.39 and p = 0.49). We found no correlations between changes in airways and changes in spirometry or clinical parameters. Conclusion: Despite clinical effectiveness of omalizumab, its effect on airway remodeling may be limited

Onychocryptosis: A review of epidemiology, risk factors, classification, complications and effective therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: Ingrown toenails, clinically known as onychocryptosis, represent a prevalent nail pathology. The clinical manifestation involves symptoms typical for a foreign body reaction and in severe cases, tissue hypertrophy with complications may occur.  Key risk factors include improper nail care, trauma, obesity, tight footwear, poor foot hygiene, and genetic predisposition. The condition predominantly affects individuals between the first and the third decades of life and older adults, with a predilection for the great toe, especially the lateral skin fold. The Heifetz and Scholz classifications delineate the stages of ingrown toenails based on severity. Therapeutic approaches range from conservative procedures, such as taping, dental floss, gutter treatment, cotton nail cast, braces and super elastic wire to surgical interventions like partial or total nail avulsion, matricectomy and advanced techniques like the Vandebos procedure or the Winograd procedure. Although many studies have analysed available treatment methods, there is no consensus among specialists regarding the best therapeutic strategy. Complications include paronychia, infection, and scarring. A comprehensive therapeutic approach should consider clinical severity, patient preferences, and both conservative and surgical interventions, emphasizing the importance of larger randomized clinical trials to establish definitive guidelines

Navigating the landscape of Postpartum Depression: a comprehensive review

Introduction and purpose: The joyous occasion of childbirth is often overshadowed by the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD), a complex mental health condition affecting mothers globally. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on PPD, exploring its frequency, risk factors, pathogenesis, symptoms, and impact on maternal and child health. Description of the State of Knowledge: Recent studies indicate an alarming increase in PPD rates, with notable racial and socioeconomic disparities. Symptoms of PPD, ranging from mild to severe include mood disturbances, cognitive impairments, and self-harm ideation. The repercussions extend beyond the postpartum period, affecting long-term child development, breastfeeding practices, and the mother-infant bond. Advancements in screening tools, particularly the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), have facilitated early detection. However, creating an environment conducive to open communication about mental health remains a significant challenge. Interventions for PPD include psychotherapeutic approaches, pharmacological interventions, and complementary therapies. Brexanolone, the first FDA-approved drug for PPD, represents a significant breakthrough. Community-based and peer support programs, alongside a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals and support networks, have shown promise in alleviating PPD symptoms. Summary: In conclusion, PPD remains a substantial public health concern. Increased awareness of its multifaceted nature has led to improved screening, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. Ongoing dialogue, supportive environments, and refined treatments are essential for enhancing the well-being of both mothers and their infants in the postpartum period

Wpływ leczenia omalizumabem na remodeling dróg oddechowych oceniony za pomocą tomografii komputerowej wysokiej rozdzielczości (TKWR) u chorych na ciężką astmę alergiczną

WSTĘP: Remodeling dróg oddechowych jest istotną składową utrwalonej obturacji w ciężkiej astmie. Tomografia komputerowa wysokiej rozdzielczości (TKWR) to skuteczna metoda wykrywania zmian w strukturze dróg oddechowych. Celem pracy jest wykorzystanie TKWR do oceny zmian w remodelingu dróg oddechowych u pacjentów z ciężką astmą alergiczną leczonych biologicznie omalizumabem. MATERIAŁ I METODY: U 12 pacjentów z ciężką astmą alergiczną, wykonano TKWR klatki piersiowej przed i po leczeniu omalizumabem. W wybranych oskrzelach obliczono następujące parametry: pole powierzchni ściany oskrzela (BA, bronchial wall area), również skorygowane o powierzchnię ciała (BSA, body surface area); procent powierzchni ściany oskrzela (WA%, wall area); i stosunek powierzchni światła do całkowitej powierzchni oskrzela (Ai / Ao). Odpowiedź kliniczną na leczenie oceniano za pomocą kwestionariusza kontroli astmy (ACQ, asthma control questionnaire), kwestionariusza jakości życia w astmie (AQLQ, asthma quality of life questionnaire) i liczby zaostrzeń w ciągu roku. Ocena obejmowała również spirometrię i eozynofilię krwi obwodowej. WYNIKI: Leczenie spowodowało istotną poprawę ACQ (p = 0,035) i AQLQ (p = 0,001). Zaobserwowano istotną redukcję zaostrzeń w ciągu roku (p = 0,002) i zmniejszenie dziennej dawki steroidu sytemowego (p = 0,032). Natężona objętość wydechowa pierwszosekundowa (FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second) i eozynofilia krwi obwodowej nie uległy zmianie (p = 0,846 i p = 0,221). Wymiary dróg oddechowych (Ai/Ao) poszczególnych oskrzeli były zgodne ze średnią parametrów obliczonych dla wszystkich zmierzonych oskrzeli. Chociaż zaobserwowano znaczny spadek WA (p = 0,002) i WA/BSA (p = 0,002), WA% i Ai/ /Ao nie uległy poprawie (p = 0,39 i p = 0,49). Nie stwierdzono korelacji między zmianami w drogach oddechowych a zmianami w spirometrii lub parametrach klinicznych. WNIOSEK: Pomimo skuteczności klinicznej omalizumabu, jego wpływ na remodeling dróg oddechowych może być ograniczony.WSTĘP: Remodeling dróg oddechowych jest istotną składową utrwalonej obturacji w ciężkiej astmie. Tomografia komputerowa wysokiej rozdzielczości (TKWR) to skuteczna metoda wykrywania zmian w strukturze dróg oddechowych. Celem pracy jest wykorzystanie TKWR do oceny zmian w remodelingu dróg oddechowych u pacjentów z ciężką astmą alergiczną leczonych biologicznie omalizumabem. MATERIAŁ I METODY: U 12 pacjentów z ciężką astmą alergiczną, wykonano TKWR klatki piersiowej przed i po leczeniu omalizumabem. W wybranych oskrzelach obliczono następujące parametry: pole powierzchni ściany oskrzela (BA, bronchial wall area), również skorygowane o powierzchnię ciała (BSA, body surface area); procent powierzchni ściany oskrzela (WA%, wall area); i stosunek powierzchni światła do całkowitej powierzchni oskrzela (Ai / Ao). Odpowiedź kliniczną na leczenie oceniano za pomocą kwestionariusza kontroli astmy (ACQ, asthma control questionnaire), kwestionariusza jakości życia w astmie (AQLQ, asthma quality of life questionnaire) i liczby zaostrzeń w ciągu roku. Ocena obejmowała również spirometrię i eozynofilię krwi obwodowej. WYNIKI: Leczenie spowodowało istotną poprawę ACQ (p = 0,035) i AQLQ (p = 0,001). Zaobserwowano istotną redukcję zaostrzeń w ciągu roku (p = 0,002) i zmniejszenie dziennej dawki steroidu sytemowego (p = 0,032). Natężona objętość wydechowa pierwszosekundowa (FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second) i eozynofilia krwi obwodowej nie uległy zmianie (p = 0,846 i p = 0,221). Wymiary dróg oddechowych (Ai/Ao) poszczególnych oskrzeli były zgodne ze średnią parametrów obliczonych dla wszystkich zmierzonych oskrzeli. Chociaż zaobserwowano znaczny spadek WA (p = 0,002) i WA/BSA (p = 0,002), WA% i Ai/ /Ao nie uległy poprawie (p = 0,39 i p = 0,49). Nie stwierdzono korelacji między zmianami w drogach oddechowych a zmianami w spirometrii lub parametrach klinicznych. WNIOSEK: Pomimo skuteczności klinicznej omalizumabu, jego wpływ na remodeling dróg oddechowych może być ograniczony

Onychocryptosis: A review of epidemiology, risk factors, classification, complications and effective therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: Ingrown toenails, clinically known as onychocryptosis, represent a prevalent nail pathology. The clinical manifestation involves symptoms typical for a foreign body reaction and in severe cases, tissue hypertrophy with complications may occur.  Key risk factors include improper nail care, trauma, obesity, tight footwear, poor foot hygiene, and genetic predisposition. The condition predominantly affects individuals between the first and the third decades of life and older adults, with a predilection for the great toe, especially the lateral skin fold. The Heifetz and Scholz classifications delineate the stages of ingrown toenails based on severity. Therapeutic approaches range from conservative procedures, such as taping, dental floss, gutter treatment, cotton nail cast, braces and super elastic wire to surgical interventions like partial or total nail avulsion, matricectomy and advanced techniques like the Vandebos procedure or the Winograd procedure. Although many studies have analysed available treatment methods, there is no consensus among specialists regarding the best therapeutic strategy. Complications include paronychia, infection, and scarring. A comprehensive therapeutic approach should consider clinical severity, patient preferences, and both conservative and surgical interventions, emphasizing the importance of larger randomized clinical trials to establish definitive guidelines

Temperature Effects Explain Continental Scale Distribution of Cyanobacterial Toxins

Insight into how environmental change determines the production and distribution of cyanobacterial toxins is necessary for risk assessment. Management guidelines currently focus on hepatotoxins (microcystins). Increasing attention is given to other classes, such as neurotoxins (e.g., anatoxin-a) and cytotoxins (e.g., cylindrospermopsin) due to their potency. Most studies examine the relationship between individual toxin variants and environmental factors, such as nutrients, temperature and light. In summer 2015, we collected samples across Europe to investigate the effect of nutrient and temperature gradients on the variability of toxin production at a continental scale. Direct and indirect effects of temperature were the main drivers of the spatial distribution in the toxins produced by the cyanobacterial community, the toxin concentrations and toxin quota. Generalized linear models showed that a Toxin Diversity Index (TDI) increased with latitude, while it decreased with water stability. Increases in TDI were explained through a significant increase in toxin variants such as MC-YR, anatoxin and cylindrospermopsin, accompanied by a decreasing presence of MC-LR. While global warming continues, the direct and indirect effects of increased lake temperatures will drive changes in the distribution of cyanobacterial toxins in Europe, potentially promoting selection of a few highly toxic species or strains.Peer reviewe

Synthesis and characterization of anodic tungsten-doped titanium (IV) oxide

W niniejszej pracy przedstawiono szereg badań, których celem było otrzymanie wysokouporządkowanych warstw anodowego tlenku tytanu(IV) domieszkowanego wolframem w trakcie elektrochemicznego utleniania (in situ) oraz przez elektroosadzanie. Pierwszym etapem była optymalizacja warunków anodyzacji, gdzie zmieniano czas, przyłożony potencjał, a także skład elektrolitu na bazie glikolu etylenowego, który zawierał różne stężenia kwasu fosforowolframowego (ang. phosphotungstic acid, PTA) oraz ilość wody. W celu zbadania morfologii i składu uzyskanych materiałów tlenkowych wykorzystano skaningowy mikroskop elektronowy SEM z analizą EDS, rentgenowską spektroskopię fotoelektronów (XPS) oraz dyfrakcję rentgenowską (XRD). Natomiast za pomocą spektrofotometru UV-Vis-NIR (PerkinElmer, LAMBDA 950), spektrometru fotoelektrycznego (Instytut Fotonowy), oświetlacza solarnego (Instytut Fotonowy) oraz analiz Mott-Schottky’ego zbadano właściwości fotoelektrochemiczne oraz półprzewodnikowe otrzymanych materiałów anodowego tlenku tytanu(IV) (ang. Anodic Titanium Oxide, ATO) niemodyfikowanych i modyfikowanych. Udowodniono, że w badanych materiałach znajduje się wolfram jako WO3 (200) oraz W (110), a także, że domieszkując anodowy TiO2 wolframem poprawiamy jego właściwości fotoelektrochemiczne w świetle widzialnym.The work presents the research aimed at obtaining highly ordered anodic tungsten-doped titanium(IV) oxide layers formed in situ during electrochemical oxidation and by electrodeposition. The first step was to optimize the anodization conditions, where the time, applied potential, and the composition of the ethylene glycol-based electrolyte, which contained different concentrations of phosphotungstic acid (PTA) and the amount of water, were changed. Scanning electron microscope SEM with EDS analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray-gene diffraction (XRD) were used to study the morphology of the obtained oxide materials. Meanwhile, the photoelectrochemical and semiconductor properties of the obtained unmodified and modified anodic titanium oxide (IV) (ATO) materials were investigated using a UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer (PerkinElmer, LAMBDA 950), photoelectric spectrometer (Instytut Fotonowy), a solar illuminator (Instytut Fotonowy) and Mott-Schottky analyses. It was proved that tungsten is present in the materials studied in the form of WO3 (200) and W (110), and that doping of anodic TiO2 with tungsten improves its photoelectrochemical properties under visible light