Mehanička svojstva jednoslojne ploče iverice od drva vrbe (Salix viminalis) u ovisnosti o sadržaju ljepila i gustoći ploče

The paper presents the results of studies on the mechanical properties of one-layer particleboards made from willow (Salix viminalis). Since the particleboards were to simulate the core layer of typical furniture three-layer particleboards, they were made from coarse particles of the size from 1 to 4 mm using urea-formaldehyde resin as a binder. The effects of board density and resin content were evaluated. Three levels of resin content: 8, 9 and 10 %, and board density: 0.57, 0.60 and 0.63 g/cm3, were assumed. The effects of both factors, for their assumed ranges of variation, on the mechanical properties of particleboard were statistically signifi cant. The modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond (IB) and screw holding strength (SHS) were determined. The effect of board density on MOE and MOR was greater than that of resin content, whereas the effect of board density on IB and SHS was less than that of resin content.U radu su prikazani rezultati istraživanja mehaničkih svojstava jednoslojne ploče iverice izrađene od drva vrbe (Salix viminalis). Kako bi se dobile iverice koje simuliraju srednji sloj tipične troslojne ploče za izradu namještaja, iverice su izrađene od drvnih čestica veličine od 1 do 4 mm, uz primjenu urea-formaldehidnog ljepila kao veziva. Procijenjen je utjecaj gustoće ploče i sadržaja ljepila na mehanička svojstva ploča. Istražene su tri razine sadržaja ljepila: 8, 9 i 10 %, te tri gustoće ploče: 0,57, 0,60 i 0,63 g/cm3. Utjecaj sadržaja ljepila i gustoće na mehanička svojstva ploča statistički je značajan. Istraživana su ova mehanička svojstva ploča: modul elastičnosti (MOE), modul loma (MOR), unutrašnja čvrstoća vezanja (IB) i čvrstoća držanja vijaka (SHS). Gustoća ploče imala je veći utjecaj na MOE i MOR nego sadržaj ljepila, dok je utjecaj gustoće ploče na IB i SHS bio manji od utjecaja sadržaja ljepila

Effects of thyroid hormone imbalance on colorectal cancer carcinogenesis and risk — a systematic review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. The prevalence of colorectal neoplasm is increasing. Many studies have shown that thyroid dysfunction may be connected with the higher risk of pancreatic and breast cancer, but only a few described the role of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid hormone (TH) replacement in the development and risk of CRC. The aim of this study is to summarise all findings and potentially elucidate the connection between TH imbalance and colorectal cancer. The systematic review was conducted according to PICO and PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu, and Cochrane Library databases using the following keywords: “((((thyroid OR hypothyroidism OR hyperthyroidism OR levothyroxine OR hashimoto OR graves OR thyroidectomy)) AND (colon OR colorectal OR CRC)) NOT hashimoto[Author]) NOT graves[Author])”. No filters were used. Of total of 3054 articles identified by the search strategy, 11 met PICO criteria and were included into the review. Four of those were on cell lines and seven were human studies. Analysis of the included studies revealed an elevated risk of CRC in patients with hypothyroidism with aORs ranging from 1.16 (95% CI: 1.08–1.24, p < 0.001) to 1.69 (95% CI: 1.21–2.36, p = 0.002). Moreover, TH replacement therapy has a protective effect for CRC risk with aOR ranging from 0.60 (95% CI: 0.44–0.81, p = 0.001) to 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86–0.98, p = 0.009). THs seem to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Further studies are warranted to define the exact role of thyroid hormone imbalance in prevention and treatment of CRC

Mobile sailing robot for automatic estimation of fish density and monitoring water quality

Introduction: The paper presents the methodology and the algorithm developed to analyze sonar images focused on fish detection in small water bodies and measurement of their parameters: volume, depth and the GPS location. The final results are stored in a table and can be exported to any numerical environment for further analysis.Material and method: The measurement method for estimating the number of fish using the automatic robot is based on a sequential calculation of the number of occurrences of fish on the set trajectory. The data analysis from the sonar concerned automatic recognition of fish using the methods of image analysis and processing.Results: Image analysis algorithm, a mobile robot together with its control in the 2.4 GHz band and full cryptographic communication with the data archiving station was developed as part of this study. For the three model fish ponds where verification of fish catches was carried out (548, 171 and 226 individuals), the measurement error for the described method was not exceeded 8%.Summary: Created robot together with the developed software has features for remote work also in the variety of harsh weather and environmental conditions, is fully automated and can be remotely controlled using Internet. Designed system enables fish spatial location (GPS coordinates and the depth). The purpose of the robot is a non-invasive measurement of the number of fish in water reservoirs and a measurement of the quality of drinking water consumed by humans, especially in situations where local sources of pollution could have a significant impact on the quality of water collected for water treatment for people and when getting to these places is difficult. The systematically used robot equipped with the appropriate sensors, can be part of early warning system against the pollution of water used by humans (drinking water, natural swimming pools) which can be dangerous for their health

Strategiczni myśliciele w świetle przeglądu literatury i studiów biograficznych

The main goal of the research was to present fundamental conceptualisations of strategic thinking and strategic thinkers. A thorough literature review led to conceptual conclusions with regards to the understanding of strategic thinking definitions and strategic thinkers’ place in the organisation, as well as characteristics differentiating them from other types of leaders. In the manuscript we also present how strategists vary, forming specific types of strategic thinkers. This led to the identification of a research gap and a goal of strategic thinkers’ typology development. Thanks to biographic studies all strategic thinker types have been illustrated with examples of well-known business leaders. // Celem podjętych badań było przedstawienie podstaw teoretycznych koncepcji myślenia strategicznego i myślicieli strategicznych, a także cech różnicujących strategów. Pogłębiona analiza literatury pozwoliła ustalić, jak najczęściej rozumiane jest myślenie strategiczne i co stanowi jego istotę, a także kim jest myśliciel strategiczny, za co w organizacji odpowiada i jakie cechy wyróżniają go wśród innych liderów. W rozdziale wskazano także na różnice występujące pomiędzy myślicielami strategicznymi, identyfikując tym samym lukę badawczą dotyczącą typologii strategów (strategic thinkers). Dzięki przeprowadzonym studiom biograficznym poszczególne typy myślicieli strategicznych zostały zilustrowane przykładami znanych postaci ze świata biznesu

Assessment of the usefulness of ultrasound screening in fetal ovarian cysts

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of ultrasound in management and prognosis in fetal ovarian cysts. Material and methods: The study included 38 fetuses with cyst in abdominal cavity, who, between 1995 and 2006, underwent an ultrasound examination in our unit at the Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital in Lodz , The Department for Diagnosis and Prevention of Birth Defects. Results: In all 38 fetuses with cyst in abdominal cavity we have diagnosed 27 (74%) cases of ovarian cyst. In 14 (74%) fetuses cysts regressed spontaneously, including all cysts ≤40mm (n=7). In 3 cases with cysts >40mm needle aspiration has been successfully performed, without any further complications. Surgical neonatal treatment has been performed in 5 cases in prenatal cysts >40mm without prenatal aspiration. In 3 cases cysts >40mm regressed spontaneously. Ovarian cysts in 22 (81%) cases were an isolated malformation; in 5 (19%) cases other malformations were present. Conclusions: 1. Fetal ovarian cysts ≤40mm required only ultrasound assessment and, in majority of cases, revealed the tendency to spontaneous regression. 2. Cysts >40mm in maximal diameter have signaled complications more often and required surgical procedure after birth. 3. In utero, aspiration of fetal ovarian cyst >40mm may lead to cyst regression, making the surgery after birth unnecessary

Fetal echocardiography in fetal ovarian cysts

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of fetuses with ovarian cysts in relation to fetal echocardiography. Material and methods: In the Department for Diagnosis and Prophylaxis of Birth Defects at the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital in Lodz fetal echocardiography was performed in 21 fetuses with ovarian cysts between the years 1995-2006. Outcomes: In 18 out of 21 (86%) fetuses we have found normal heart anatomy (NHA) and in 3 fetuses congenital heart defect (CHD). In 7 out of 18 (39%) fetuses with NHA there were functional anomalies, including 5 fetuses with hypertrophy. Four neonates with hypertrophy required surgical procedures after the delivery. Prenatal hypertrophy was not observed in case of only one neonate which was operated after the delivery. Conclusions: 1. Fetal echocardiography studies were very often abnormal in fetus with ovarian cysts (mainly as functional anomalies). 2. Functional anomalies detected in fetal echocardiography more often resulted in surgical procedures after the birth, whereas normal heart study was more often connected with spontaneous regression of ovarian cyst (p=0,0265)

Ancestors of domestic cats in Neolithic Central Europe : isotopic evidence of a synanthropic diet

Cat remains from Poland dated to 4,200 to 2,300 y BCE are currently the earliest evidence for the migration of the Near Eastern cat (NE cat), the ancestor of domestic cats, into Central Europe. This early immigration preceded the known establishment of housecat populations in the region by around 3,000 y. One hypothesis assumed that NE cats followed the migration of early farmers as synanthropes. In this study, we analyze the stable isotopes in six samples of Late Neolithic NE cat bones and further 34 of the associated fauna, including the European wildcat. We approximate the diet and trophic ecology of Late Neolithic felids in a broad context of contemporary wild and domestic animals and humans. In addition, we compared the ecology of Late Neolithic NE cats with the earliest domestic cats known from the territory of Poland, dating to the Roman Period. Our results reveal that human agricultural activity during the Late Neolithic had already impacted the isotopic signature of rodents in the ecosystem. These synanthropic pests constituted a significant proportion of the NE cat’s diet. Our interpretation is that Late Neolithic NE cats were opportunistic synanthropes, most probably free-living individuals (i.e., not directly relying on a human food supply). We explore niche partitioning between studied NE cats and the contemporary native European wildcats. We find only minor differences between the isotopic ecology of both these taxa. We conclude that, after the appearance of the NE cat, both felid taxa shared the ecological niches

Tracing ephemeral human occupation through archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and molecular proxies at Łabajowa Cave

Confirming ephemeral human occupation is a crucial issue in cave archaeology. The project ‘Tracing human presence in caves of Polish Jura’ focuses on the application of molecular methods to decode the history of past human activities in cave sediments in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The results will be compared with archaeological and palaeoecological proxies

Wpływ kwasu retinowego na komórki pheochromocytoma

Introduction: Retinoic acid is a regulator of gene expression which, by binding to its nuclear receptor, determines the degree of differentiation in multiple cancer cell types. On the basis of this capability it was introduced, e.g. in the therapy of neuroblastoma. In cells derived from neural crest, such as neuroblastoma cells, retinoic acid initiates differentiation into neurons. This substance acts in a similar way on a rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12. The aim of our work was to examine the influence of retinoic acid on the phenotype of human pheochromocytoma cells in primary culture. Material and methods: Observations were made on two primary cultures isolated from human pheochromocytoma. Cells were grown in RPMI1640 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum. Subsequently, the cultures were treated with 100 mMol retinoic acid for three-days. An evaluation of the phenotype change was performed by estimating the expression levels of F-actin, MAP-2 protein, and chromogranin, with the use of a confocal microscopy. Results: The introduction of retinoic acid into the culture caused an increase in the F-actin level and its redistribution in the form of stress fibers. Simultaneously, the cells changed their shape, generating more processes. No change was detected in the expression level of neuroendocrine markers: MAP-2 and chromogranin. Conclusions: Retinoic acid appears to have an influence on some phenotype parameters of human pheochromocytoma cells. Further work is needed to determine the molecular mechanisms of this process, and to evaluate thoroughly the benefits of introducing retinoic acid into therapy of pheochromocytoma tumors.Wstęp: Kwas retinowy jest regulatorem ekspresji genów, który działając poprzez receptor jądrowy, wpływa na stopień zróżnicowania wielu typów komórek nowotworowych. Właściwości te stały się podstawą zastosowania go w onkologii, m.in. w terapii neuroblastoma. W komórkach pochodzących z grzebienia nerwowego, takich jak komórki neuroblastoma, kwas retinowy uruchamia proces różnicowania w kierunku neuronów. Substancja ta działa w sposób zbliżony również na komórki szczurzej linii pheochromocytoma (PC12). Celem pracy było zbadanie wpływu kwasu retinowego na cechy fenotypowe ludzkich komórek pheochromocytoma w warunkach hodowli pierwotnej. Materiał i metody: Badania przeprowadzono na dwóch hodowlach pierwotnych wyprowadzonych z ludzkich guzów pheochromocytoma. Komórki hodowano w pożywce RPMI1640 z dodatkiem 10-procentowej surowicy bydlęcej, a następnie poddane działaniu kwasu retinowego, w stężeniu 100 mM przez 3 dni. Oceny fenotypu dokonano poprzez badanie ekspresji F-aktyny, białka MAP-2 (microtubule-associated protein-2, marker neuronalny), i chromograniny (marker neuroendokrynny), z detekcją przy u¿yciu mikroskopu konfokalnego. Wyniki: Działanie kwasem retinowym spowodowało zwiększenie zawartości F-aktyny i jej redystrybucję w formie włókien naprężeniowych, co znalazło odzwierciedlenie w zmianie kształtu komórek, które utworzyły więcej wypustek. Nie stwierdzono zmian w poziomie ekspresji markerów neuroendokrynnych: MAP-2 i chromograniny. Wnioski: Kwas retinowy prawdopodobnie wpływa na niektóre parametry fenotypowe ludzkich komórek pheochromocytoma. Konieczne jest przeprowadzenie dalszych badań w celu wyjaśnienia mechanizmów molekularnych tego zjawiska oraz głębszej oceny perspektyw zastosowania kwasu retinowego w leczeniu guza chromochłonnego