An exploration of perceived stress, burnout syndrome, and self-efficacy in a group of Polish air traffic controllers and maritime navigators : similarities and differences

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of perceived stress and occupational burnout in groups of Polish maritime navigators and air traffic controllers. The study was part of research into occupational groups regarded as equally emotionally burdened. We tested the usability of a model linking occupational burnout, perceived stress, and seniority. Methods: The set of questionnaires, including the link burnout questionnaire, perceived stress scale—10, and generalized self-efficacy scale were distributed to 54 maritime navigators and 88 air traffic controllers (rate of return: 18–56%). Spearman’s rho, χ2 test, the Mann–Whitney U test, Cohen’s d and Hedge’s g coefficients, linear regression, and F statistic were used. Results: The assumption that persons employed in occupations with the special professional requirements as air traffic controllers and maritime navigator with a risk of strong, chronic emotional overload evaluate their life situation as less stressful than other employees was confirmed. A higher level of occupational burnout was observed in groups of controllers and navigators compared to an equally emotionally burdening occupational group of Polish firefighters, but not Polish psychiatrists. The research groups differed regarding the source of stress: fear of helplessness in the air traffic controller group and inefficacy in overcoming adversities in the maritime navigators. Maritime navigators reported a higher level of occupational burnout, deterioration of relations with coworkers, and disappointment with their work compared to the air traffic controllers. Conclusions: The results showed differences in factors linked to workplace demands and the personal predispositions of employees, and the role these may play in mutual relations between occupational burnout, life situation evaluation, and personal resources. We postulate that the level of perceived stress should be taken into account in the studies of occupational burnout syndrome

Dipropyl annelated xanthines derivatives as A2B adenosine receptor ligands.

W rozdziale wstępnym omówiono budowę, funkcje oraz potencjalne możliwości terapeutyczne receptora A2B adenozynowego oraz jego ligandów. Zaprezentowano antagonistów tego receptora. Wskazano ich istotne modyfikacje, które umożliwiły poprawę selektywności oraz powinowactwa do receptora A2B adenozynowego. Badania własne obejmowały metody syntezy amidowych pochodnych kwasu 2-(4-(2-(2,4-dioksa-1,3-dipropylo-1,2,3,4,7,8-heksahydropirymido[2,1-f]puryn-9(6H)-ylo)etylo)fenoksy)octowego jako potencjalnych antagonistów receptora A2B adenozynowgo. Ponadto przeprowadzono symulacje właściwości fizykochemicznych otrzymanych związków oraz przeanalizowano otrzymane widma 1H NMR, IR, UV. Podsumowaniem tego rozdziału było omówienie wyników powinowactwa do receptorów A1 i A2A adenozynowych zsyntetyzowanych związków oraz dyskusja struktura-aktywność.W celu otrzymania amidowych pochodnych trójcyklicznych ksantyn o budowie pirymido[2,1-f]purynodionów wykonano szereg syntez. W pierwszej kolejności w procesie kondensacji dipropylomocznika i kwasu cyjanooctowgo otrzymano 1,3-dipropylo-6-aminouracyl, który nitrozowano w pozycji 5 uracylu. Produktem reakcji był 1,3-dipropylo-6-amino-5-nitrozouracyl, który poddano redukcji otrzymując 1,3-dipropylo-5,6-diaminouracyl. Następnie przeprowadzono reakcję cyklizacji, której produktem była 1,3- dipropyloksantyna. Kolejno przeprowadzono reakcję oksydatywnego bromowania i otrzymano 8-bromo-1,3-dipropyloksantynę, którą N-alkilowano 1-bromo-3-chloropropanem. Uzyskaną 7-γ-chloropropylo-8-bromo-1,3-dipropyloksantynę poddano reakcji kondensacji z tyraminą. Produktem reakcji był 1,3-dipropylo-9-(4-hydroksyfenyloetylo)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropirymido[2,1-f]puryno-2,4(1H,3H)-dion, który O-alkilowano bromooctanem metylu. Otrzymano ester metylowy kwasu 2-(4-(2-(2,4-dioksa-1,3-dipropylo-1,2,3,4,7,8-heksahydropirymido[2,1-f]puryn-9(6H)-ylo)etylo)fenoksy)octowego, który w ostatnim etapie syntezy stapiano z odpowiednią aminą przy użyciu mikrofal. Uzyskano szereg amidowych pochodnych kwasu 2-(4-(2-(2,4-dioksa-1,3-dipropylo-1,2,3,4,7,8-heksahydropirymido[2,1-f]puryn-9(6H)-ylo)etylo)fenoksy)octowego.Tożsamość oraz czystość potwierdzono na podstawie zbadanej temperatury topnienia, chromatografii cienkowarstwowej TLC, analizy widm 1H NMR, IR, UV, analizy elementarnej i analizy LC-MS. W ramach programu stypendialnego ERASMUS w Instytucie Farmaceutycznym Reńskiego Uniwersytetu Fryderyka Wilhelma w Bonn zapoznano się z metodami syntezy zawiązku MSX-2, który wykazuje antagonistyczne działanie do receptora A2A adenozynowego o wysokim powinowactwie i selektywności. Następnie przeprowadzono syntezę tego związku według metody opracowanej przez zespół badawczy pod kierownictwem prof. dr hab. Christy Müller. W części wstępnej umieszczono również krótką charakterystykę receptora A2A adenozynowego oraz jego antagonistów o budowie 8-styryloksantyny.In the preliminary chapter the structure, function and therapeutic potential of adenosine A2B receptor and its ligands were presented. The main characterization of A2B receptors antagonists included the most important structure modifications enhancing selectivity and affinity for the adenosine A2B receptor.The experimental part includes the methods of synthesis of amide derivatives of 2-(4-(2-(2,4-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-1,2,3,4,7,8-hexahydropyrimido[2,1-f]purin-9(6H)-yl)ethyl)phenoxy)acetic acid, which potentially might act as A2B receptor antagonist. In addition, a simulation of the physicochemical properties of the obtained compounds and theirs 1H NMR, IR , UV spectra analysis were done. The discussion of new compounds affinity for adenosine A1 and A2A receptors and the structure - activity relationships summarized this chapter.The series of synthesis was accomplished to obtain amide derivatives of tricyclic xanthines of structure pyrimido[2,1-f]purine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione,. Firstly, 6-amino-1,3-dipropylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione was synthesized by the condensation with 1,3-dipropylurea and 2-cyanoacetic acid. The product was nitrosated in the 5-position of uracil, obtaining 6-amino-5-nitroso-1,3-dipropylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, which was reduced to 5,6-diamino-1,3-dipropylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione. The cyclization reaction was then carried out, the product was 1,3-dipropyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione. Subsequently oxidative bromination reaction was carried out to obtain 8-bromo-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione. The next step was the N - alkylation with 1-bromo-3-chloropropane to receive 8-bromo-7-(3-chloropropyl)-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione, which was subjected to a condensation reaction with tyramine. The product was 9-(4-hydroxyphenethyl)-1,3-dipropyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrimido[2,1-f]purine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, which was O - alkylated with methyl 2-bromoacetate. Methyl 2-(4-(2-(2,4-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-1,2,3,4,7,8-hexahydropyrimido[2,1-f]purin-9(6H)-yl)ethyl)phenoxy)acetate was synthesized and used in the final step of the synthesis with the corresponding amine. The mixture was melted using microwave radiation. In the last phase the number of amide derivatives of 2-(4-(2-(2,4-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-1,2,3,4,7,8-hexahydropyrimido[2,1-f]purin-9(6H)-yl)ethyl)phenoxy)acetic acid were obtained.The identity and purity of received compounds were confirmed by melting point examined, TLC, 1 H NMR, IR , UV and LC - MS analysis .The synthesis’ methods of MSX-2 which has an antagonistic effect of adenosine A2A receptor with high affinity and selectivity, were acquainted while the ERASMUS scholarship program at the Pharmaceutical Institute of University of Bonn. Subsequently the synthesis of this compound was performed by the method developed by a research team led by Prof. Dr Christa Müller. A brief characterization of the adenosine A2A receptor and its 8-styryloxanthine-derivieted antagonists was presented in the preamble

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDK) and Their Role in Diseases Development–Review

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are involved in many crucial processes, such as cell cycle and transcription, as well as communication, metabolism, and apoptosis. The kinases are organized in a pathway to ensure that, during cell division, each cell accurately replicates its DNA, and ensure its segregation equally between the two daughter cells. Deregulation of any of the stages of the cell cycle or transcription leads to apoptosis but, if uncorrected, can result in a series of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease), and stroke. This review presents the current state of knowledge about the characteristics of cyclin-dependent kinases as potential pharmacological targets

Evaluation of biomass quality of selected woody species depending on the soil enrichment practice

Perennial energy crops are a source of the biomass used to generate energy. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical and thermophysical parameters of short rotation woody crops (black locust, poplar and willow), depending on soil enrichment practice (mineral fertilisation, lignin and mycorrhiza), in three- and four-year harvest cycles. In the study, the thermophysical properties and elemental composition of the biomass were determined. All analyses were performed in triplicate according to the standards. The fresh black locust biomass had the lowest moisture content, which resulted in the best lower heating value (10.16 MJ kg-1, on average) in the four-year harvest cycle. The poplar biomass had the greatest higher heating value, fixed carbon, carbon and ash content, the highest concentrations of which were found in the biomass in which lignin was applied (2.00% d.m.). On the other hand, the willow biomass contained the lowest concentrations of ash and fixed carbon. Soil enrichment significantly differentiated the quality parameters of black locust, poplar and willow. This effect is of particular importance to those who grow and use biomass as a fuel

The Characterization of 10 Spring Camelina Genotypes Grown in Environmental Conditions in North-Eastern Poland

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an alternative oilseed crop that is garnering increasing popularity due to its multiple applications and greater tolerance to adverse environmental conditions than oilseed rape. The study analyzed selected traits of 10 Canadian and Polish spring camelina genotypes grown in a field experiment in north-eastern Poland in 2015–2018. The greatest differences were observed in seed yield where the effect of weather and environmental conditions explained 72.7% of variance, the effect of genotype explained 5.9% of variance, and the effect of the genotype-by-environment interaction explained 5.7% of total variance. In contrast, 1000-seed weight was not affected by environmental conditions, and it was differentiated only by genotype which explained 73.3% of variance. Genotype was responsible for 4.5%–25.3% of the variance in the remaining traits. The genotype-by-environment interaction explained 2.0%–18.8% of variance in the examined traits. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) revealed that genotype 13CS0787-15 was potentially most suited for cultivation in the temperate climate of north-eastern Poland, Central Europe. This genotype was characterized by the highest seed yields and straw yields, as well as the greatest yield stability

Effects of Site, Genotype and Subsequent Harvest Rotation on Willow Productivity

Perennial crops harvested in short rotations provide substantial amounts of biomass. This study determined the survival rate, biometric features and yield of fresh and dry biomass of 15 willow genotypes (including seven varieties and eight clones), cultivated at two different sites in two consecutive three-year harvest rotations. The study revealed the very high impact of the genotype (81% of the total variance) on the willow yield. The harvest rotation, along with the genotype, had a significant impact on the plant survival rate and the number of shoots per stool. Willow biomass was mainly affected by the plant height, its survival rate and shoot diameter. The significantly highest fresh (106 Mg ha−1) and dry biomass yield (54.0 Mg ha−1) was obtained from the Żubr variety of S. viminalis, which distinguished this variety from the other genotypes. The mean yield for the best three and five genotypes was 13% and 17% lower, respectively, and the mean yield for the whole experiment was 37% lower compared to the mean yield of the best variety (Żubr). Therefore, the choice of a willow genotype is of key importance for successful willow production

Willow Biomass as Energy Feedstock: The Effect of Habitat, Genotype and Harvest Rotation on Thermophysical Properties and Elemental Composition

Willow biomass is used as a bioenergy source in various conversion technologies. It is noteworthy that apart from the beneficial environmental impact of a willow plantation, the biomass quality is also very important as it has an impact on the effectiveness of its use and emissions produced in various bioenergy technologies. Therefore, this study analysed the thermophysical properties and elemental composition of 15 genotypes of willow biomass from two plantations situated in the north of Poland, harvested in two consecutive three-year rotations. The differences in the moisture content, ash content and the lower heating value were mainly determined by the genotype, i.e., by genetic factors. In contrast, the content of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and hydrogen was determined by the location (environmental factors), but also by the genotype, and by a combination of these factors. The following were the mean levels of the willow biomass characteristics, regardless of the location, genotype and harvest rotation: 48.9% moisture content, 1.26% d.m. ash content, 19.4% d.m. fixed carbon, 79.4% d.m. volatile matter, 19.53 MJ kg−1 d.m. higher heating value, 8.20 MJ kg−1 lower heating value, 52.90% d.m. carbon, 6.23% d.m. hydrogen, 0.032% d.m. sulphur, 0.42% d.m. nitrogen. The present research has shown that the selection of the willow genotype is important for the quality of biomass as energy feedstock. However, plantation location, as well as successive harvest rotations, can have a significant impact on the biomass elemental composition

Pharmacognostic Evaluation and HPLC–PDA and HS–SPME/GC–MS Metabolomic Profiling of Eleutherococcus senticosus Fruits

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. is a medicinal plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. However, due to the overexploitation, this species is considered to be endangered and is included in the Red List, e.g., in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, a new source of this important plant in Europe is needed. The aim of this study was to develop pharmacognostic and phytochemical parameters of the fruits. The content of polyphenols (eleutherosides B, E, E1) and phenolic acids in the different parts of the fruits, as well as tocopherols, fatty acids in the oil, and volatile constituents were studied by the means of chromatographic techniques [HPLC with Photodiode-Array Detection (PDA), headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS–SPME/GC–MS)]. To the best of our knowledge, no information is available on the content of eleutherosides and phenolic acids in the pericarp and seeds. The highest sum of eleutheroside B and E was detected in the whole fruits (1.4 mg/g), next in the pericarp (1.23 mg/g) and the seeds (0.85 mg/g). Amongst chlorogenic acid derivatives (3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA), 3-CQA was predominant in the whole fruits (1.08 mg/g), next in the pericarp (0.66 mg/g), and the seeds (0.076 mg/g). The oil was rich in linoleic acid (C18:3 (n-3), 18.24%), ursolic acid (35.72 mg/g), and α-tocopherol (8.36 mg/g). The presence of druses and yellow oil droplets in the inner zone of the mesocarp and chromoplasts in the outer zone can be used as anatomical markers. These studies provide a phytochemical proof for accumulation of polyphenols mainly in the pericarp, and these structures may be taken into consideration as their source subjected to extraction to obtain polyphenol-rich extracts