The role of crisis management in organisations functioning in COVID-19 pandemic conditions

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the influence of crisis management on job performance as well as indicate a mechanism, which supports such influence. The theoretical model was proposed based on a literature review, showing the role of organisational trust, organisational communication, knowledge sharing, job security and openness to change in shaping job performance by crisis management among organisations operating under COVID-19 pandemic conditions. The model was empirically verified based on a sample of 1,160 organisations operating in Poland, Italy and the USA during an active wave of the pandemic in 2021. The obtained results allow to confirm that crisis management significantly positively influences the job performance of employees in organisations operating under the dynamic and turbulent COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Moreover, such influence was proven to be mediated by organisational trust, organisational communication, knowledge sharing, job security and finally – openness to change. The performed analysis fills in the existing research gap and constitutes and important contribution to the field of crisis management. The results show that in order for crisis management to bring benefits to the entire organisation, employees need to go beyond the routines of their behavior and efficiently adapt to the changed conditions of the organisation. The openness to change becomes a de facto enabler of that. The obtained results also have practical implications, showing the mechanism through which crisis management impacts individual employees, allowing organisations to stimulate each factor and contributing to the possibility of ensuring more benefits coming from implementing crisis management

Influence of Intra-Organizational Trust on Organizational Outcomes

Nowadays, trust is perceived as one of the key factors that can build an organization's competitive advantage, increase the efficiency of its functioning and ability to develop. It can be expected that shaping trust in an organisation will lead to improvements in various aspects of its functioning, especially effectiveness. This issue has not yet been the object of comprehensive scientific research. Hence, this study tackles the issue of the impact of trust on an organization's outcomes. At the same time, two basic categories of trust are distinguished: global (attitudinal/affective) trust (regarding the belief that people in general are trustworthy) and specific (situational/cognitive) trust (modified by an individual's experience). In the latter category, we may distinguish between vertical trust (concerning superior-subordinate relations) and lateral trust (concerning relations between co-workers). The relation between the level of trust and organizational outcomes is examined for each of these categories of trust. The research covers organisations functioning in Poland and is based on a questionnaire. (original abstract

Release of bioactive substances from formulations containing "Arthrospira Platensis (Spirulina Platensis)"

Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) is a well-known microalga and has been utilized as a medicinal agent and foodstuff by humans since at least 16th century. The aim o f this study was to determine zinc content as well as determine phenolic and indole compounds from commercial preparations containing Arthrospira platensis (lyophilizate, tablets, and capsules) before and after extraction with methanol and incubation with artificial digestive juices. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of these preparations. The samples were incubated in artificial stomach juice and in intestinal juice. The samples were mineralized and their zinc(II) ions content was estimated using flame absorption atomic spectroscopy (F-AAS). The maximum zinc(II) ions content released into the digestive juices was found to be up to 1.6 mg/100 g of the preparation. Phenolic compounds identified in the examined extracts are as follows: gallic acid; protocatechuic acid; 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid; p-hydroxybenzoic acid; syringic acid; cinnamic acid; and quercetin. Furthermore, indole compounds identified were 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, 5-methyl-L-tryptophan, L-tryptophan, tryptamine, and 5-methyltryptamine. Consequently, it was also found that the distributed Arthrospira platensis in the form of tablets does not disintegrate in the artificial digestive juices. Among the examined preparations, only hard capsules met the requirements of the European Pharmacopeia 8th ed

Bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, lutein, and bioelements of preparations containing Chlorella vulgaris in artificial digestive juices

Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck is a spherical, green alga belonging to the genus Chlorella and family Chlorellaceae. It has high nutritional value and shows multiple biological effects. Dietary supplements that contain extracts of C. vulgaris are sold in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, and aqueous solutions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the content of bioelements (zinc, iron, and magnesium), phenolic compounds, and lutein before and after incubation with artificial digestive juices from preparations containing C. vulgaris. In this study, we used commercial preparations in the form of powder and tablets. The samples were incubated in artificial gastric juice and then in artificial intestinal juice for 30 and 90 min. The contents of bioelements were determined by using the flame atomic absorption spectrometric method. Lutein and phenolic compounds were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. We also aimed to evaluate the quality of chlorellacontaining formulations by using the methods described in the European Pharmacopoeia 8th edition. According to the results, the preparations containing C. vulgaris demonstrated the presence of phenolic compounds and lutein. Therefore, daily supplementation of preparations containing C. vulgaris substantiates its usefulness for humans. The qualitative composition of the examined organic substances and bioelements was found to be in accordance with the manufacturer's declarations on the packaging containing C. vulgaris compared with the control samples; however, the contents of bioelements were found to be negligible after incubation with artificial digestive juices. This shows that the examined preparations containing C. vulgaris are not good sources of bioelements such as zinc, iron, or magnesium

Ultrasonographic analysis of cesarean scars features in nonpregnant uterus

Abstract Objectives: To define and assess the new ultrasonographic parameters of cesarean hysterotomy scars and to analyze their variation depending on the number of cesarean sections. Material and methods: Transvaginal ultrasound was carried out among 109 patients after cesarean section in the lower uterine segment with single-layer uterine closure. The following cesarean hysterectomy scar parameters were assessed: angle of the apex (K), basis (P) and height (W) of the anechoic triangle, the thickness of the knit tissue scar segment (G), G/P index and G/W index. Results: Transvaginal ultrasound detected the cesarean hysterectomy scar in 100% of the examined woman. In 5,5% of cases the completely knit hysterectomy scar tissue was identified. All patients from this group underwent a single cesarean section. In the remaining 94,5% of women, the ultrasound detected a presence of the anechoic triangle, defined as scar defect. No difference of statistical importance considering assessed scar parameters was observed between the groups of patients after one and two cesarean sections. The decrease of the thickness of the knit tissue scar segment (G) in the group of patients after three cesarean, sections in comparison to the group of patients after single (1,3 mm vs 6,7 mm, p=0,0134) and two (1,3 mm vs 7,4 mm, p=0,0366) abdominal deliveries, was found, as well as statistically important decrease in G/P index value in the group of patients after three cesarean sections in comparison to the patients after one (0,3 vs 1,3, p=0,0263) and two cesarean sections (0,3 vs 1,2, p=0,0138). Conclusions: The new ultrasonographic parameters to assess the cesarean hysterectomy scar in nonpregnant uterus were introduced. Statistically important decrease in the thickness of the knit tissue scar segment (G) and G/P index value in the group of patients after three cesarean sections in comparison to the group of patients after single and two abdominal deliveries was revealed

Perinatal outcome according to chorionicity in twins — a Polish multicenter study

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the perinatal outcome of twin gestations and estimate the influence of chorionicity on the outcome in a large cohort of twin pregnancies in Poland. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 465 twin deliveries in 6 Polish centers in 2012 was conducted. Baseline characteristics, the course of pregnancy and labor, as well as the neonatal outcome were analyzed in the study group and according to chorionicity. Results: A total of 356 twin pregnancies were dichorionic (DC group) (76.6%), and 109 were monochorionic (MC group) (23.4%). There were no differences in the occurrence of pregnancy complications according to chorionicity, except for IUGR of at least one fetus (MC 43.1% vs. DC 34.6%; p = 0.003). 66.5% of the women delivered preterm, significantly more in the MC group (78% vs. 62.9%; p = 0.004). Cesarean delivery was performed in 432 patients (92.9%). Mean neonatal birthweight was statistically lower in the MC group (2074 g vs. 2370 g; p < 0.001). Perinatal mortality of at least one twin was 4.3% (2.8% in the DC group vs. 9.2% in the MC group; p = 0.004). Neonatal complications, including NICU admission, respiratory disorders, and infections requiring antibiotic therapy, were significantly more often observed among the MC twins. Conclusions: The overall perinatal outcome in the presented subpopulation of Polish twins and its dependence on cho­rionicity is similar to the reports in the literature. Nevertheless, the rates of preterm and cesarean deliveries remain higher. It seems that proper counselling of pregnant women and education of obstetricians may result in reduction of these rates

Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians Recommendations on diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction

Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians Recommendations on  diagnosis and management of fetal growth restrictio

Interactive and Single Effects of Ectomycorrhiza Formation and Bacillus cereus on Metallothionein MT1 Expression and Phytoextraction of Cd and Zn by Willows

Single and joint ectomycorrhizal (+ Hebeloma mesophaeum) and bacterial (+ Bacillus cereus) inoculations of willows (Salix viminalis) were investigated for their potential and mode of action in the promotion of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) phytoextraction. Dual fungal and bacterial inoculations promoted the biomass production of willows in contaminated soil. Single inoculations either had no effect on the plant growth or inhibited it. All inoculated willows showed increased concentrations of nutritional elements (N, P, K and Zn) and decreased concentrations of Cd in the shoots. The lowest biomass production and concentration of Cd in the willows (+ B. cereus) were combined with the strongest expression of metallothioneins. It seems that biotic stress from bacterial invasion increased the synthesis of these stress proteins, which responded in decreased Cd concentrations. Contents of Cd and Zn in the stems of willows were combination-specific, but were always increased in dual inoculated plants. In conclusion, single inoculations with former mycorrhiza-associated B. cereus strains decreased the phytoextraction efficiency of willows by causing biotic stress. However, their joint inoculation with an ectomycorrhizal fungus is a very promising method for promoting the phytoextraction of Cd and Zn through combined physiological effects on the plant

Peptidyl nitroalkene inhibitors of main protease rationalized by computational and crystallographic investigations as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2

16 p.-10 fig.-2 tab.The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to represent a global public health issue. The viral main protease (Mpro) represents one of the most attractive targets for the development of antiviral drugs. Herein we report peptidyl nitroalkenes exhibiting enzyme inhibitory activity against Mpro (Ki: 1–10 μM) good anti-SARS-CoV-2 infection activity in the low micromolar range (EC50: 1–12 μM) without significant toxicity. Additional kinetic studies of compounds FGA145, FGA146 and FGA147 show that all three compounds inhibit cathepsin L, denoting a possible multitarget effect of these compounds in the antiviral activity. Structural analysis shows the binding mode of FGA146 and FGA147 to the active site of the protein. Furthermore, our results illustrate that peptidyl nitroalkenes are effective covalent reversible inhibitors of the Mpro and cathepsin L, and that inhibitors FGA145, FGA146 and FGA147 prevent infection against SARS-CoV-2.This research was funded by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, grant number PIE-202020E224, the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (ref. PID2021-123332OB-C21 and PID2019-107098RJ-I00), the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO with ref. CIPROM/2021/079, and SEJI/2020/007), Universitat Jaume I (UJI-B2020-03, UJI-B2021-71 and SomUJIcontracovid crowdfunding campaign). K.Ś. thanks to Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and Fondo Social Europeo for a Ramon y Cajal contract (Ref. RYC2020-030596-I). The authors wish to thank the staff of beamlines ID30B (ESRF Synchrotron) and BL13-XALOC (ALBA Synchrotron) for their generous and much appreciated support, and the Serveis Centrals d’Instrumentació Científica of Universitat Jaume I for technical support. The work was also supported by a Research Grant of the University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg (UKGM, to C.M.), the von Behring-Röntgen-Stiftung (project 71_0016, to C.M.) the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaſt (DFG, project 530813989, to C.M.). Finally, the authors acknowledge the computer resources at Mare Nostrum of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (QH-2022-2-0004 and QH-2022-3-0008), as well as the local computational resources founded by Generalitat Valenciana - European Regional Development Fund (REF: IDIFEDER/2021/02).Peer reviewe

Pre-Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Nanoemulsion-Based Hepatitis B Mucosal Vaccine

Hepatitis B virus infection remains an important global health concern despite the availability of safe and effective prophylactic vaccines. Limitations to these vaccines include requirement for refrigeration and three immunizations thereby restricting use in the developing world. A new nasal hepatitis B vaccine composed of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a novel nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant (HBsAg-NE) could be effective with fewer administrations.Physical characterization indicated that HBsAg-NE consists of uniform lipid droplets (349+/-17 nm) associated with HBsAg through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Immunogenicity of HBsAg-NE vaccine was evaluated in mice, rats and guinea pigs. Animals immunized intranasally developed robust and sustained systemic IgG, mucosal IgA and strong antigen-specific cellular immune responses. Serum IgG reached > or = 10(6) titers and was comparable to intramuscular vaccination with alum-adjuvanted vaccine (HBsAg-Alu). Normalization showed that HBsAg-NE vaccination correlates with a protective immunity equivalent or greater than 1000 IU/ml. Th1 polarized immune response was indicated by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha cytokine production and elevated levels of IgG(2) subclass of HBsAg-specific antibodies. The vaccine retains full immunogenicity for a year at 4 degrees C, 6 months at 25 degrees C and 6 weeks at 40 degrees C. Comprehensive pre-clinical toxicology evaluation demonstrated that HBsAg-NE vaccine is safe and well tolerated in multiple animal models.Our results suggest that needle-free nasal immunization with HBsAg-NE could be a safe and effective hepatitis B vaccine, or provide an alternative booster administration for the parenteral hepatitis B vaccines. This vaccine induces a Th1 associated cellular immunity and also may provide therapeutic benefit to patients with chronic hepatitis B infection who lack cellular immune responses to adequately control viral replication. Long-term stability of this vaccine formulation at elevated temperatures suggests a direct advantage in the field, since potential excursions from cold chain maintenance could be tolerated without a loss in therapeutic efficacy