Evaluation of the quality of life in subjects with a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to the Hymenoptera venom

Introduction: Sensitization to the Hymenoptera venom is one of the main causes of anaphylaxis in Poland. Venom immunotherapy is the only effective treatment in such cases. Comprehensive patient care includes also education. The aim of our study was to assess the state of knowledge and to evaluate the quality of life and the anxiety level in patients allergic to the Hymenoptera venom after anaphylactic reaction. Material and methods: The survey was carried out in the period of the insects flight in 61 adult subjects (35 wasp and 26 bee allergic), using a validated Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (VQLQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and subjective assessment of anxiety level. The majority of respondents received venom immunotherapy. Results: Sensitized to the wasp venom had significantly impaired quality of life (VQLQ score) as compared to the bee venom allergic (p = 0.014). The intensity of anxiety decreased with the duration of immunotherapy (p = 0.01). The majority of subjects knew how to recognize and treat anaphylaxis, but only 8% employed an identification card and about 50% implemented rules of the pre-exposition prophylaxis. Conclusions: History of a severe anaphylaxis to the Hymenoptera venom affected the quality of life. Venom immunotherapy reduced anxiety. We hope that presented surveys and their results might be useful in qualifying for immunotherapy in clinically uncertain cases

The Mechanism of Phase Transfer Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using a Fatty Amine as Extractant/Phase Transfer Agent

The paper presents the research results on synthesizing silver nanoparticles in aqueous solutions and their extraction into the organic phase. Studies have shown that it is best to perform the extraction process using n-hexane > cyclohexane > toluene > chloroform > ethyl acetate. The results show a correlation between the dielectric constant of the organic phase and its ability to extract nanoparticles. The lower the dielectric constant is, the higher the extractability. The hydrodynamic radius of the silver nanoparticles changes after transfer to the organic phase, depending greatly on the organic phase used. The extraction mechanism is complex and multi-step. As the first step, the Ag nanoparticles are transferred to the phase boundary. As the second step, the octadecylamine (ODA) molecules adsorb on the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) surface. The change in particle shape was also noted. This suggests that the interfacial processes are more complex than previously reported. Below the initial concentration of ODA 2 × 10−4 M, the formation of a third phase has been observed. In a one-stage experiment, the concentration of silver nanoparticles after transferring to the organic phase was increased 500 times in about 10 s. The role of the concentration of ODA, therefore, is not only a measure of the extraction efficiency and productivity but functions as an enabler to maintain favorable biphasic processing, which underlines the role of the solvent again

The mechanism of phase transfer synthesis of silver nanoparticles using a fatty amine as extractant/phase transfer agent

The paper presents the research results on synthesizing silver nanoparticles in aqueous solutions and their extraction into the organic phase. Studies have shown that it is best to perform the extraction process using n-hexane > cyclohexane > toluene > chloroform > ethyl acetate. The results show a correlation between the dielectric constant of the organic phase and its ability to extract nanoparticles. The lower the dielectric constant is, the higher the extractability. The hydrodynamic radius of the silver nanoparticles changes after transfer to the organic phase, depending greatly on the organic phase used. The extraction mechanism is complex and multi-step. As the first step, the Ag nanoparticles are transferred to the phase boundary. As the second step, the octadecylamine (ODA) molecules adsorb on the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) surface. The change in particle shape was also noted. This suggests that the interfacial processes are more complex than previously reported. Below the initial concentration of ODA 2 × 10−4 M, the formation of a third phase has been observed. In a one-stage experiment, the concentration of silver nanoparticles after transferring to the organic phase was increased 500 times in about 10 s. The role of the concentration of ODA, therefore, is not only a measure of the extraction efficiency and productivity but functions as an enabler to maintain favorable biphasic processing, which underlines the role of the solvent again

Circular solid state reduction process of fine copper powder synthesis with life cycle assessment for photovoltaics application

This paper presents the process of synthesis of copper powders obtained by the pyrometallurgical method without the participation of the liquid phase. This method is based on the simultaneous decomposition and reduction of copper (II) carbonate. Hydrogen was used as a reducing agent. Due to the strongly exothermic thermal effect of the reduction reaction, a mixture of inert gas and hydrogen was used to better control the parameters. Studies have shown that the carbonate method enables the synthesis of copper powders with a narrow distribution and controlled size. The size is controlled by the grinding time of the copper (II) carbonate. An life cycle assessment and circularity study evaluate the sustainability of the new process, and focus is given to the energy efficiency

A standardized and reproducible method to measure decision-making in mice.

Abstract Progress in neuroscience is hindered by poor reproducibility of mouse behavior. Here we show that in a visual decision making task, reproducibility can be achieved by automating the training protocol and by standardizing experimental hardware, software, and procedures. We trained 101 mice in this task across seven laboratories at six different research institutions in three countries, and obtained 3 million mouse choices. In trained mice, variability in behavior between labs was indistinguishable from variability within labs. Psychometric curves showed no significant differences in visual threshold, bias, or lapse rates across labs. Moreover, mice across laboratories adopted similar strategies when stimulus location had asymmetrical probability that changed over time. We provide detailed instructions and open-source tools to set up and implement our method in other laboratories. These results establish a new standard for reproducibility of rodent behavior and provide accessible tools for the study of decision making in mice

”You know homophobia is so 2008, right? Totes passé” : A qualitative content analysis of the represention of LGBTQ-characters in teenageseries on Netflix.

A well rounded representation of identities in media has proven essential for the development of peoples identities in general but certainly in the case of young LGBTQ-adults since the media often act as their first source of information and identification. The popular culture found in media today is said to strive for universal appeal and plays an important role for the identities in subordinate groups, as the LGBTQ-community. Earlier studies of the representation of LGBTQ-people in the media has discovered not only a lack of representation but also a miseducated one, revolving around one dimensional stereotypes leading to discrimination, heterosexism, homo- and transphobia. The proven results could be deemed as alarming in general but especially with the undertaking of The Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities in mind.With the recognition of the troublesome results of previous investigations of the representation of LGBTQ-identities aswell as the comprehended importance of well rounded LGBTQ-representation, this study aims to conduct a study of the prevailing representation of LGBTQ-characters in one of the most expanded platforms for streaming services online, Netflix. With the assistance of a qualitative content analysis and the perspectives of queer theory and representation theory this study examines four LGBTQ-characters in four seperate series for teenagers on Netflix.The results presented in the completed study show that tendencies according to the earlier critics still remain, but also register potential cases of more modern and well formed LGBTQ-representations. This implies that in a considerable number of instances a representation of the different LGBTQ-identities is defined by restricted stereotypes which leaves them with a restricted character development focused on their LGBTQ-identity. There are also signs of underrepresentation as well as the making invisible of LGBTQ-subgroups and overall upkeep of the heteronorm. In few cases characters can be registered to break free from the former established representations and evolve beyond them, offering a broader complexity and over all more well rounded representation of LGBTQ-identities

”You know homophobia is so 2008, right? Totes passé” : A qualitative content analysis of the represention of LGBTQ-characters in teenageseries on Netflix.

A well rounded representation of identities in media has proven essential for the development of peoples identities in general but certainly in the case of young LGBTQ-adults since the media often act as their first source of information and identification. The popular culture found in media today is said to strive for universal appeal and plays an important role for the identities in subordinate groups, as the LGBTQ-community. Earlier studies of the representation of LGBTQ-people in the media has discovered not only a lack of representation but also a miseducated one, revolving around one dimensional stereotypes leading to discrimination, heterosexism, homo- and transphobia. The proven results could be deemed as alarming in general but especially with the undertaking of The Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities in mind.With the recognition of the troublesome results of previous investigations of the representation of LGBTQ-identities aswell as the comprehended importance of well rounded LGBTQ-representation, this study aims to conduct a study of the prevailing representation of LGBTQ-characters in one of the most expanded platforms for streaming services online, Netflix. With the assistance of a qualitative content analysis and the perspectives of queer theory and representation theory this study examines four LGBTQ-characters in four seperate series for teenagers on Netflix.The results presented in the completed study show that tendencies according to the earlier critics still remain, but also register potential cases of more modern and well formed LGBTQ-representations. This implies that in a considerable number of instances a representation of the different LGBTQ-identities is defined by restricted stereotypes which leaves them with a restricted character development focused on their LGBTQ-identity. There are also signs of underrepresentation as well as the making invisible of LGBTQ-subgroups and overall upkeep of the heteronorm. In few cases characters can be registered to break free from the former established representations and evolve beyond them, offering a broader complexity and over all more well rounded representation of LGBTQ-identities