University of Opole

This study is a post-hoc analysis of a previously published observational study. The aim is to characterize the epidemiology, etiology and antibiotic practices in KTRs admitted due to urosepsis (US) and urinary tract infection (UTI) to a tertiary transplantation center between the period 2014–2019.The two study groups consisted of 101 KTRs with a primary episode of US and 100 randomly selected KTRs hospitalized for UTI as a control group. A post-hoc analysis of clinical and microbiological data was performed, and a local microbiological map was created.The estimated yearly incidence of US in the study population was 21.1 (95% CI: 15.3–26.9) cases per 1000 KTRs per year. Urosepsis accounted for 85% of all sepsis cases. The most common causative pathogen in both groups was Escherichia coli. In 46% and 11% of US and UTI cases, initial empiric antibiotic therapy had to be escalated until day 3 due to lack of clinical response or proven bacterial resistance. This delay in appropriate antibiotic treatment in the US group was significantly associated with mortality (OR = 10.1 with p = 0.021), need for acute renal replacement therapy (OR = 4.73 with p = 0.012) and non-recovery from AKI (OR = 3.18 with p = 0.031). After discharge from hospital, almost 60% of all study subjects received a prophylactic antibiotic course for prevention of UTI recurrence, which did not translate into a lower frequency of readmission due to UTI in a multivariable analysis.US is a common insult that contributes to graft failure in KTRs. We recommend adjusting US and UTI treatments to center-specific microbiological maps in order to optimize treatment outcomes, reduce development of antibiotic resistance, and avoid unnecessary exposure to nephrotoxic antimicrobial drugs.

Background Caffeine (CAF) intake is measured in absolute daily amounts or doses per kilogram of body weight. However, both methods are not entirely appropriate. The activity of liver enzymes that metabolise caffeine may be reduced in obese individuals, and plasma caffeine concentrations may vary depending on the fat-to-free-fat mass ratio. This study investigates the relationship between, between body fat percentage and the plasma concentrations of caffeine and its metabolites in women. Methods This experimental study with a between-group comparison design included 38 women (age 25.5 ± 2.7 years; body weight 66.5 ± 15.3 kg). Body fat percentage was measured using bioimpedance analysis (mBCA 515 SECA analyzer), and participants were categorized as non-obese (≤30% body fat, n = 14) or obese (>30% body fat, n = 24). Both groups received a dose of 6 mg/kg body weight of caffeine. Blood samples were taken 60 min after caffeine ingestion, and the concentrations of caffeine and its metabolites in plasma were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The Mann-Whitney U test assessed CAF, paraxanthine (PX), and theobromine (TB) concentrations, while Spearman’s correlation analyzed variable relationships. General linear model (GLM) compared caffeine metabolite levels, and GPower determined the required sample size (44) for large effects. Results The results showed that the obese group had significantly higher caffeine (Mdn = 10.64 vs . Mdn = 2.32) and PX concentrations (Mdn = 1.73 vs . Mdn = 0.85) compared to the non-obese group, with significant differences ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). However, no significant difference in TB concentration was observed (p = 0.486). A linear model revealed that group membership significantly influenced CAF concentration ( p < 0.001), explaining 56.8% of its variance. PX and TB concentrations showed poor model fits, with minimal explanatory power from group, age, fat mass, and body mass index (BMI). Correlation analysis found strong associations between CAF concentration and fat mass (rho = 0.689). Conclusions Higher body fat percentage is associated with increased plasma caffeine and paraxanthine concentrations following a weight-based caffeine dose. These findings suggest that body fat percentage may be a more relevant factor than total body weight in caffeine metabolism, with potential implications for personalized caffeine dosing guidelines.

Introduction and objective: Public knowledge of the disease is an important factor in both prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of stroke and cardiovascular risk factors in Polish society. Materials and methods: The study used the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method with an anonymous survey created using Google Forms. Results: The study involved a total of 222 participants. The average age of respondents was 33 years (SD = 12.94, age range from 18 to 79 years). The average number of correctly listed risk factors was 2.24 ± 2. The most frequently mentioned risk factors were hypertension (31.53%), smoking (22.97%), use of stimulants including alcohol (21.17%), high cholesterol (20.72%), obesity (20.72%), and heart disease (20.27%). The average number of listed symptoms of stroke was 2.43 ± 1.58. The most common were speech disorders (53.60%), limb weakness (49.55%), and drooping corner of the mouth (33.33%). In the event of a suspected stroke, most respondents would call an ambulance (91.89%). Statistically significantly higher knowledge was demonstrated by respondents with secondary or higher education, those living in the city, healthcare professionals, and individuals with a positive family history of stroke. However, neither age nor professional activity status, nor a personal history of stroke, had a statistically significant effect on the survey results. Conclusions: The knowledge of stroke among Polish people remains inadequate and requires ongoing improvement. It is important that educational programmes expanding knowledge about the prevention and early treatment of stroke target the widest possible group of recipients, with particular emphasis on rural residents and those with lower levels of education.

This study fills an important gap in the use of group V cation complexes - Nb(V), Ta(V), V(IV) - as versatile catalysts that can be used both in the polymerisation...

Despite recent reports, the fossil record of pathologies in vertebrates is still patchy in terms of phylogeny, geological age and paleogeography. Here, we report several cases of pathological vertebrae in several specimens of the Late Triassic temnospondyl Metoposaurus krasiejowensis from Krasiejów. The presence of cervical block vertebrae (atlas-axis complex) is the oldest such case reported for any fossil tetrapod and the first such case reported in temnospondyls. Spinal arthropathy (or spinal arthritis) is the first such case for a non-amniote. Based on different levels of fusion among the centra in the three specimens, this pathology revealed different stages of disease development. Finally, hemivertebra (congenital scoliosis) have been noted previously; however, this is the first example of scoliosis caused by hemivertebra in the genus Metoposaurus. These findings from the Upper Triassic site in Krasiejów allow for a better characterization of vertebral diseases in the fossil record. This was possible because of the very rich material of vertebrae from the Krasiejów Konzentrat Lagerstätte.

The pelvic elements are among the least histologically studied skeletal elements of Temnospondyli, despite the fact that their histological framework can provide a lot of information about skeletochronology and function. One of the best histologically known taxon is Metoposaurus krasiejowensis from the Late Triassic of Krasiejów. To complete the histological studies of that taxon and obtain information about the intraskeletal variability, three ilia representing different ontogenetical stages and one ischium were sectioned. Microanatomically, all pelvic elements are porous, with a thin cortex, except for the midpart of the dorsal blade of the ilium. The dominating matrix type is coarse parallel-fibred bone, and growth marks are represented by thick zones and unusually thick annuli, always hosting few rest lines. Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs) are not present. Sharpey’s fibers are dense, especially laterally in the ilia. Typical for the ischium is a preservation of calcified cartilage. The histological framework is comparable to that known from long bones of the same taxon from the same size class representing similar growth patterns. The extended presence of calcified cartilage has already been described for intercentra indicating the slow ossification of the endochondral domain. Low compactness of all pelvic elements may suggest the reduced function of the pelvic girdle and hind limbs in locomotion of Metoposaurus.

The primary objective of the present chapter is to examine the theoretical foundations of developmental dyslexia, discuss its etymology, and contrast the general definitions of dyslexia. This will facilitate comprehension of the concept of developmental dyslexia and investigation of the underlying factors. Furthermore, this chapter presents typologies of developmental dyslexia, followed by a discussion of dyslexia symptoms in younger children and older individuals. Subsequently, this chapter investigates developmental dyslexia and its diagnosis, with an emphasis on the role of IQ tests as dyslexia assessment instruments. Finally, the assessment of processes related to reading and writing difficulties is discussed.

The objective of this chapter is to present the empirical findings of the study described in this monograph. The principal aim of the study is to examine the impact of multisensory instruction (MSL) on self-efficacy (SE) in students with developmental dyslexia. The initial subchapter presents the rationale for conducting the current research. Subsequently, the methodology is discussed, wherein the participants of the study are described. The instruments employed include the statements from the psychological-pedagogical dispensaries, the interviews with the participants’ parents, the self-efficacy questionnaires, the interviews with the participants, the pre-and post-study language tests, and the researcher’s field notes. Furthermore, the findings regarding the self-efficacy questionnaires and the case study are presented which is followed by a discussion of the limitations of the study.

The main purpose of the following chapter is to present the theoretical underpinnings of self-efficacy which aim is to enable the reader to recognize the affective processes that have an impact on school success. Firstly, the origins of self-efficacy; definitions; its sources with mastery and vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and affective states are examined. Subsequently, the theories covering human and social agency, control beliefs, the self-efficacy strength model, and self-regulation in self-efficacy are discussed. Moreover, cognitive, motivational, affective, and selection processes are explained which is followed by a discussion of the concept of self-regulation deriving from cognitive-social theory. Due to the fact that this monograph deals with teaching a foreign language, the topics of self-efficacy in a school context and performance relationship are also explored. Finally, selected empirical studies on self-efficacy in students with and without dyslexia is presented.

The primary objective of the present chapter is to demonstrate the purpose of this monograph and to present the principal conclusions from both the theoretical and empirical parts. Subsequently, the chapter examines implications for further research, with a particular focus on identifying viable directions and methodologies for studies within the subject area. Finally, the chapter offers recommendations for the EFL classroom, including suggestions for both, students and foreign language teachers.

The aim of this chapter is to investigate the influence of developmental dyslexia on the acquisition of foreign languages. Since the English language presents a considerable challenge for students with dyslexia, in the initial section, the English language specificity is discussed which is followed by a discussion of the impact of language difficulties on multilingual language development. Moreover, the concept of inclusion is explained together with the rights of dyslexic students. Subsequently, the notion of universal design is examined. Then the multisensory structured teaching instruction, and finally, the selected empirical research on dyslexia symptoms, teaching instruction relevant to teaching students with dyslexia, and inclusive foreign language practices are discussed.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is the most common cause of death worldwide. Despite decades of research into lifestyle factors and medications, we still cannot effectively prevent the occurrence of ASCVD or the many incident CVD events and their complications. Yet, in most countries, only a small percentage of the healthcare budget is allocated to (primary) prevention, and only a few nations have introduced effective integrated (coordinated) programmes in primary prevention to promote health education, invest in health as early as possible, and prevent adverse CVD events. The International Lipid Expert Panel SiMple tIps for the heaLthy hEart (ILEP-SMILE) responds to this significant ineffectiveness by offering the most comprehensive population approach, including early, effective education, improvement of all recognised risk factors, alongside those that remain frequently unmeasured, such as lipoprotein(a), factors which are often overlooked such as sleep disturbances and alcohol consumption, and the challenging aspect of stress, and its effect on cardiovascular health. Finally, ILEP-SMILE places considerable emphasis on adherence as a result of education; without it, even efficient lifestyle changes and the most innovative drugs may not yield the expected outcomes. This is also a loud call to action and international collaboration to jointly address the lifetime burden of cardiovascular disease.

C2 pars interarticularis length (C2PIL) required for pars screws has not been thoroughly studied in subjects with high-riding vertebral artery (HRVA). We aimed to measure C2PIL specifically on the sides with HRVA, define short pars, optimal pars screw length, and incorporate C2PIL into HRVA clusters using machine learning algorithms. A clinical anatomical study based on cervical CT was conducted with STROBE-compliant case–control design. HRVA was defined as accepted. Interobserver, intraobserver, and inter-software agreement coefficients for HRVA were adopted from our previous study. Sample size was estimated with pwr package and C2PIL was measured. Cut-off value and predictive statistics of C2PIL for HRVA were computed with cutpointr package. Unsupervised machine learning clustering was applied with all three pars parameters. 345 potential screw insertion sites (PSIS) were grouped as HRVA (143 PSIS in 110 subjects) or controls (202 PSIS in 101 subjects). 68% participants were females. The median C2PIL in HRVA group was 13.7 mm with interquartile range (IQR) of 1.7, whereas in controls it was 19.8 mm (IQR = 2.7). The optimal cut-off value of C2PIL discriminating HRVA was 16.06 mm with sensitivity of 96.5% and specificity of 99.3%. Therefore, clinically important short pars was defined as ≤ 16 mm rounding to the nearest screw length. Two clusters were created incorportating three parameters of pars interarticularis. In preoperative planning, the identified C2PIL cut-off of ≤ 16 mm may assist surgeons in early recognition of HRVA. The average screw lengths of 14 mm for bicortical and 12 mm for safer unicortical purchase in HRVA cases may serve as practical intraoperative reference points, particularly in situations requiring rapid decision-making or when navigation systems are unavailable. Moreover, C2PIL complements the classic HRVA parameters within the dichotomized clustering framework.

Novel star‐shaped derivatives of indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole (ICz) are obtained and thoroughly studied. They incorporate large chromophores, specifically fluorene(ICz‐A), carbazole(ICz‐B), phenothiazine(ICz‐C), and phenothiazine‐carbaldehyde(ICz‐D), all with long alkyl chains attached to the ICz core via acetylene linkages. The impact of different donor‐acceptor substituents on optical, thermal, electrochemical, and electroluminescent properties of ICz derivatives has been systematically investigated and compared with the quantum chemical calculations. ICz derivatives in DCM solution exhibit photoluminescence across a spectrum, from deep blue to green. In the solid state, bathochromic shifts of the emission maxima were observed for all compounds, indicating interactions between molecules in the condensed phase. The ICz‐D exhibits the highest emission efficiency in the solid state, accompanied by the reduction in the FWHM of the emission peak, attributed to the distorted plane of this molecule. The presence of “butterfly” phenothiazine rings and the aldehyde groups prevents electron transfer through intermolecular channels by acting as efficient blockers. For all compounds, their ability for light emission under external voltage was tested, based on devices with a neat compound (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ICz/Al) and with guest–host configuration (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PVK:PBD:ICz/Al). In the electroluminescence spectra of all diodes, one emission band in the 450–800 nm range was detected. Moreover, some of them exhibited voltage‐dependent color variation.

Sense of coherence (SOC) is a global orientation that represents a core concept of the salutogenic model of health. No Polish version of the SOC questionnaire currently exists that has been validated on a representative sample. The aim of this study was to validate the Polish adaptation of the SOC-13 Scale, and to determine the role of sociodemographic variables and health situation on SOC. The study was cross-sectional with a longitudinal component. The sample comprised 1053 individuals and was representative of the Polish population with respect to age and sex. Confirmatory factor analysis and measurement equivalence analysis were conducted. The total group was divided into subgroups according to sex, age, marital status, occupational status, place of residence, and chronic condition for the sake of comparison. The time stability of the measurement was established using the test-retest method. The three-factor, nine-item version of the SOC-9-PL was found to exhibit the best psychometric properties. The analyses support the metric invariance of the scale structure across sex, age, education, and marital status. The SOC-9-PL achieves full measurement invariance across employment status, place of residence, time of measurement, and the presence of chronic disease. The overall measure is reliable (α = 0.82) and demonstrates high stability over a three-month interval (r = .69, p < .001). There is a positive correlation between SOC and age (r = .30, p < .001). Men have slightly stronger SOC than women (pdifference = 0.007, Cohen’s d = 0.16), employed persons exhibited stronger SOC than unemployed persons (pdifference = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 0.42), single persons declared weaker SOC than other marital groups (pdifference < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.62). When controlling for the age and sex of respondents, presence of chronic disease (β = − 0.12, p < .001) and single status (β = − 0.15, p < .001) were negatively correlated with SOC. The SOC-9-PL scale is a valid and reliable method for measuring sense of coherence. It can be used in the adult population, including both healthy individuals and those with chronic illnesses, and it can be applicable regardless of the sociodemographic status. The application of calculated for sex- and age-specific sten norms can be useful in the interpretation of results.

Background: Harmful alcohol use and nicotine dependence are major public health concerns. One group particularly at risk may be medical students, who might resort to substance use as a coping mechanism for stress. Various factors may influence these behaviors, either positively or negatively—among them, dietary knowledge and eating habits. Methods: In this study, we used the KOMPAN questionnaire to assess dietary habits and nutrition knowledge, the AUDIT questionnaire to evaluate problematic alcohol consumption, and the Fagerström Test to assess nicotine dependence. A total of 2801 medical students participated in this study, including 2374 alcohol users and 379 smokers. Results: Smoking students demonstrated significantly lower dietary quality (p < 0.0001) and nutrition knowledge (p = 0.0004). Among alcohol users, lower levels of problematic alcohol consumption were observed in individuals with better dietary quality (p = 0.0006) and higher nutrition knowledge (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Future research should explore additional factors contributing to the clustering of unhealthy behaviors and the underlying causes of alcohol consumption and poor dietary habits among healthcare professionals.

Camphor, a crystalline white substance with diverse biological benefits, faces limitations in human health applications due to its volatile and hydrophobic nature, which impedes its solubility and stability. This study addresses these challenges by investigating the encapsulation of camphor within various cyclodextrins (CDs), particularly focusing on α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), to enhance its solubility and protect it from environmental degradation. The formation of camphor-CD inclusion complexes was confirmed through a combination of infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Among the CDs tested, α-CD demonstrated the highest efficiency, achieving a solubility coefficient of 23.38 M⁻¹ and inclusion efficiencies of 24.37% and 34.63% for 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometries, respectively. Biological evaluations revealed that the Camphor/α-CD complex exhibited significant preservative effects on sperm motility at low concentrations while demonstrating a toxic effect on red blood cells. Additionally, the complex showed promising radical scavenging activity as assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. These findings suggest that camphor, when complexed with α-CD, holds considerable potential for novel applications in drug delivery and cryopreservation technologies.