Recent publications
The aquatic environment is a major pathway for the spread of antibiotic resistance (AR) among microorganisms. Among these, Klebsiella pneumoniae reveals high genome plasticity, adaptability, and the ability to colonize humans, animals, and the natural environment, awarding it a significant role in the spread of AR. This work presents an in-depth analysis of the whole sequences of 149 K. pneumoniae genomes isolated from surface waters available in databases. The sequences were obtained from 20 countries in five continents. The analyses showed a high genomic diversity of isolates, classifying them into 94 unique sequence types. The isolates carried numerous virulence and drug resistance determinants in their genomes, including genes for carbapenem and colistin resistance. The critical resistance genes were located on plasmids, indicating their high mobility and ease of access in water environments. Sublineage 258 members, in particular ST11, have been identified as important carriers of both important drug resistance determinants and key virulence factors, thus posing a substantial threat to human health. Our analysis revealed the direct transmission of drug-resistant and virulent clinical strains to the natural environment, highlighting the role of K. pneumoniae in the dissemination of drug resistance within the "One Health" framework. Surface waters represent an environment conducive to the spread and evolution of drug resistance, and K. pneumoniae plays a significant role in this process by providing clinically-significant antibiotic resistance genes to environmental recipients.
- Jan Sienicki
- Wojciech Ziemowit Świeciak
- Łukasz Klepacki
Introduction
Middle clinoid process (MCP) is a very important structure in surgeries performed on the parasellar and sellar regions. MCP is a bony eminence located on the body of the sphenoid, posteriorly to the anterior clinoid process and anteriorly to the posterior clinoid process. It becomes clinically important when it reaches the height of at least 1.5 mm. It can form many variations, the most common is the caroticoclinoid foramen.
Aim
To evaluate detailed knowledge, profound understanding of MCP and its role during parasellar region operations.
Case study
During studies at Department of Anatomy, a dry skull specimen projecting bilaterally clinically important MCP was found. This skull belonged to a 60 years old Caucasian male.
Results and discussion
It becomes clinically important when it reaches the height of at least 1.5 mm. The mean height measures 2.59 mm. MCP occurs in about 40% of the population. It can project either unilaterally or bilaterally. No significant differences between age or sex were observed.
Conclusions
Recognition of MCP or its variations on preoperative imaging is crucial for planning endonasal approach in treatment of paraclinoidal ICA aneurysm, pituitary adenomas or clinoidectomies.
The geodetic community commonly challenges the composite hypotheses in the statistical testing of mathematical models. Since the composite hypotheses are not specified as opposed to their simple counterparts, they require a prior estimation of the model parameters. However, if the mathematical models are ill-conditioned, the regularized estimation is often applied for the parameters of interest. Due to the biased property, the regularized estimation does not rigorously originate in the principle of maximum likelihood (ML) estimation, which was the base for developing the theory of the generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) test. Since the regularized estimator of the parameters of interest is consequently inconsistent with the ML one, one cannot construct the GLR test, which is the uniformly most powerful invariant (UMPI) test. So far, only the bias correction approach has been suggested to solve this problem. In this contribution, an implicit representation of the regularized mathematical model is proposed. It eliminates the complete impact of regularized estimation on a mathematical model and delivers the misclosures analytically free from the influence of regularization. Thus, one can construct the GLR test, which belongs to the UMPI family, and then formulate the test statistic in terms of misclosures.
The GRHL2 gene, encoding the Grainyhead-like 2 transcription factor, is essential for various biological processes. While GRHL2 has a complex role in cancer biology, its genetic variants have been also implicated in different forms of hearing loss (HL), including autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (DFNA28). Here, we report a novel c.1061C>T, p.(Ala354Val) mutation within the DNA binding domain (DBD) of GRHL2 that was identified in a three-generation HL family using a targeted multi-gene panel covering 237 HL-related genes. Unlike the previously reported DFNA28-causing variants that result in protein truncation, the impact of the p.(Ala354Val) missense change cannot be attributed to GRHL2 transcript level or composition, but to an alteration in protein function. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed destabilization of the p.(Ala354Val) mutant GRHL2 dimer interface and an altered DNA binding dynamics, leading to chaotic interaction patterns despite increased binding affinity to DNA. Functional assays demonstrated that the p.(Ala354Val) mutation and other DFNA28-related mutations in the DBD lead to loss of GRHL2 transcriptional transactivation activity, while the p.(Arg537Profs*11) mutation in the dimerization domain results in a gain-of-function effect. The findings indicate that both GRHL2 haploinsufficiency and gain-of-function contribute to HL and underscore the complex regulatory role of GRHL2 in maintaining proper function of the auditory system. Our study emphasizes the need to consider structural and functional aspects of gene variants to better understand their pathogenic potential. As GRHL2 is involved in a multitude of cellular processes, the data gathered here can be also applicable to other conditions.
The genus Riccia is the most speciose of the Marchantiopsida, the complex thalloid liverworts. In contrast to the predicted ancestral liverwort and the majority of extant liverworts that are dioicous, most Riccia species are monoicous. Both the gametophyte and the sporophyte generations have undergone regressive evolution in Riccia, with the sporophyte lacking many adaptations for spore dispersal.
Phylogenetic reconstructions suggest multiple transitions between dioicy and monoicy, and vice versa, within the Riccia. We analysed the genomes of two Riccia species and the transcriptomes of two additional Riccia species to explore the evolution of sexual systems and investigate genomic signatures of regressive evolution.
Genomic analyses suggest a transition from dioicy to monoicy at the base of the Riccia clade and a subsequent reversion to dioicy with the concomitant evolution of a new sex chromosome, followed by further transitions back to monoicy. Additionally, Riccia species exhibit significant losses of transcription factors known to control aspects of sporophyte and gametophyte development.
Comparisons with the monotypic sister genus, Ricciocarpos, suggest independent evolutions to both monoicy and reductive morphologies in the two genera. The reductive morphology has facilitated their colonization of extreme habitats but has perhaps canalized them to remain there.
The resolution of the panel of seven judges of the Polish Supreme Court of November 20, 2024 (case file no. III CZP 20/23) is of utmost importance for legal practice. In the resolution, the Polish Supreme Court assumes that failure to adopt a resolution due to the lack of a majority vote by property owners in favor of the resolution cannot justify granting a claim based on Article 25(1) of the Act of June 24, 1994, on the Ownership of Premises. Another important resolution of the Polish Supreme Court is the resolution of the panel of seven judges of November 6, 2024 (case file no. III CZP 27/24). As the Polish Supreme Court indicates, the owner of a property whose value has decreased as a result of the establishment of a restricted-use area is entitled to compensation under Article 129(2) of the Environmental Protection Law, even if the decrease is unrelated to the restrictions specified in Article 135(3a) of that Act. In the resolution of October 16, 2024 (case file no. III CZP 24/24), the Polish Supreme Court states that it is not permissible to encumber land covered by inland flowing waters with a transmission easement.
A normalized analytic function f defined on the unit disk is Ma–Minda starlike (with respect to ) if the quantity is subordinate to the function . The radius of starlikeness and parabolic starlikeness of the class of univalent functions on the unit disk are well-known. In this paper, we determine the radii of functions in to belong to several well-known classes of Ma–Minda starlike functions.
Property market delineation or determination of areas signifying property market consistency has been a subject of scientific investigation by a variety of researchers from different perspectives. Some explored it for the purposes of decision-making support systems, others for, for example, zoning or housing policy. The theory of property valuation also did not remain indifferent for spatial extraction of homogenous market areas. The following paper constitutes a several-year study within that area. Following the trace of thought formulated by John Maxwell that “every step back is a chance to look at your goals from a different perspective”, the study being based on, amongst others, the method of historic research and critical analysis, ultimately organizes and complements the author’s contribution to the scientific discussion, and in that scope is one of the substantial issues included in the concept of spatial management. It contributes to the current state of the art discussion by introducing the definition of property market tessellation, utilizing it for the purposes of original HAD ² methodology implementation.
Smartphones with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors are increasingly used for engineering measurements. Although the processing of the acquired point clouds seems similar to the processing of point clouds measured with, for example, a terrestrial laser scanner, processing data from a smartphone requires a special approach, first of all, when it comes to methods of obtaining and registering point clouds to obtain one complete metric point cloud. The research consisted of comparing various scenarios of measuring using a smartphone with a LiDAR sensor (a smartphone held in hand, a smartphone on a selfie stick, and a smartphone mounted on a gimbal), two acquisition strategies (one direction and zigzag) and two registration methods (point to point and cloud to cloud). The aim of the study was to find the best solution for registering the obtained point cloud with referenced terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point cloud. It turns out that how we obtain field data using a smartphone with a LiDAR sensor is important and affects the accuracy of point cloud integration. The results showed that the use of additional devices such as a gimbal supports the data acquisition process and has an impact on the point cloud registration. In the analysed case, the RMSE registration error was the smallest and amounted to 0.012 m and 0.019 m, while the largest registration error was 0.060 m and 0.065 m, for object 1 and object 2, respectively. The result obtained using the proposed methodology can be considered satisfactory.
Starch is the most important component of potato tubers, the structure and composition of which play a key role in their utilization as well as processing and storage. Potato seed treatment may play the biggest role in ensuring proper plant growth and development. Isolated starch from tubers of different potato varieties for food processing was evaluated immediately after harvesting and after long-term storage with consideration of different products for potato seed treatment. The quality of starch was evaluated in terms of starch grain size, total starch content, pH, starch stability after freezing, gelatinization temperature as well as phosphorus and amylose content. The varieties differed significantly in starch content and quality. The Beo variety had the highest starch content in dry tuber weight (77.8%) and the best starch quality characteristics (the lowest starch stability after freezing − 18.0% and highest gelatinization temperature − 64.0 ℃ onset and 68.4 ℃ end). Simultaneous treatment of tubers with Supporter and Moncut 460 SC contributed to the highest starch content in tubers (77.6% d. m.) as well as increasing its stability after freezing (20.8%) and decreasing its gelatinization temperatures (61.7 ℃ onset and 66.0 ℃ end). This may be due to the increased proportion of large starch grains and higher amylose and phosphorus content. A slight decrease in starch quality traits was shown after long-term storage of tubers. Maintaining constant conditions during storage along with the applied treatments contributed to this. It is recommended to use products for potato seed treatment in the production technology of potato for consumption and for starch production.
The main objective of this study was to investigate boar-to-boar variations in the quality characteristics of sperm from the sperm-rich fractions (SRFs) and whole ejaculates (WEs) following freezing–thawing. Several sperm attributes, such as motility patterns analyzed by the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, mitochondrial function, membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation were used to compare the cryo-survival of sperm from SRFs and WEs from boars with good and poor semen freezability (GSF and PSF, respectively). In this study, boars with post-thaw total motility (TMOT) more than 30% (>30%) were classified as having GSF, while those with post-thaw TMOT less than 30% (<30%) were classified as having PSF. Principal component analysis 1 (PCA1), which is the main component of the sample variation, explained approximately 75% of the variance between the GSF and PSF groups, reaffirming the reliability of post-thaw TMOT as a reliable criterion used to classify the animals. Most of the post-thaw sperm parameters of the SRFs and WEs were positively correlated. Furthermore, scatter plot analyses show stronger relationships between the analyzed post-thaw parameters of the frozen–thawed (FT) sperm of SRFs than those of WEs. Individual boar variations or the sperm source had marked effects on the quality characteristics of FT sperm. The higher TMOT, velocity straight line (VSL), and velocity average path (VAP) of FT sperm were more enhanced in the SRFs compared with the WEs of the PSF group. Furthermore, the mitochondrial function, membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation of FT sperm were markedly higher in the SRFs than in the WEs, particularly for the poor freezability boars. We suggest that the freezability potential of sperm of the GSF group does not differ significantly between the SRFs and WEs, reaffirming that boar variability is an important factor that affects the cryo-survival of sperm.
Introduction: Cardiovascular comorbidities are highly prevalent in patients who suffer from cerebrovascular disease. Peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak) is a well-established, independent predictor of cardiovascular health and premature mortality. Dyslipidemia also contributes significantly to cardiovascular disease risk. Although previous studies have demonstrated improvements in these parameters with any exercise, the evidence remains inconclusive regarding which exercise intensity offers the greatest benefit. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of high-intensity training (HIT) with other exercise intensities, including moderate intensity (MIT) and usual activity (UA).
Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases for studies comparing HIT with MIT or UA in stroke patients. We evaluated changes from baseline in VO 2 peak, serum LDL, and HDL levels. Additionally, a separate analysis comparing HIT with MIT and UA was conducted for VO 2 peak.
Results: A total of eight studies, involving 338 patients, were included in our analysis, with 163 (48%) of these patients undergoing HIT. The pooled analysis revealed that VO 2 peak was significantly higher in the control group compared to the HIT group, with a mean difference (MD) of 2.01 ml/kg/min (95% CI: 0.85-3.18, p < 0.01). Further analysis of four studies comparing HIT with MIT and three studies comparing HIT with UA showed that VO 2 peak was significantly higher following MIT (MD 2.03; 95% CI: 0.70-3.35; p < 0.01) and UA (MD 3.73; 95% CI: 0.87-6.59; p = 0.01). A separate analysis of three studies involving 148 patients showed no significant difference in serum LDL levels (MD 0.51; 95% CI: -0.46-1.49; p = 0.30) or serum HDL levels (MD -0.02; 95% CI: -0.16-0.13; p = 0.83).
Conclusion: High-intensity training, based on a moderate sized pooled sample, does not offer superior advantages in changes from baseline in cardiopulmonary parameters compared to different exercise intensities. Future well-structured randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate different exercise intensities and durations for more definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, the early data seems to indicate that there are no differences between exercise modalities.
Introduction: Cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and reduced serum BDNF levels are common in stroke patients. Previous studies suggest that aerobic exercise improves these outcomes by enhancing oxygenation. Herein, the authors compare the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with low (LIT) and moderate (MIT) intensities and usual activity (UA) in stroke patients.
Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases for studies comparing HIIT with LIT, MIT, or UA in stroke patients. We evaluated change from baseline in cognitive improvement, mood disorders including anxiety and depression, and serum BDNF levels. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on stroke onset and exercise intensity, and separate analyses compared HIIT with each control group to assess cognitive improvement at different intensity levels.
Results: A total of ten non-randomized and randomized studies were included in the analysis. Seven studies involving 373 patients showed no statistically significant difference in cognitive improvement between HIIT and the control group (std. MD 0.09; 95% CI -0.13 to 0.30; p=0.43). Separate analyses also revealed no significant differences between HIIT and LIT (std. MD -0.06; 95% CI -0.54 to 0.41; p=0.60), HIIT and MIT (std. MD 0.03; 95% CI -0.30 to 0.37; p=0.85), and HIIT and UA (std. MD 0.20; 95% CI -0.13 to 0.53; p=0.23). Subgroup analysis for chronic stroke did not show significant differences either (std. MD 0.07; 95% CI -0.19 to 0.34; p=0.58). Additionally, an analysis of four studies involving 281 patients found no significant difference in mood disorders (std. MD -0.21; 95% CI -0.62 to 0.21; p=0.33). A separate analysis of four studies with 130 patients also revealed no significant difference in serum BDNF levels between the two groups (std. MD 3.65; 95% CI -0.37 to 7.67; p=0.08). However, subgroup analysis indicated that serum BDNF levels were 3.32 ng/mL higher in the MIT group compared to the HIIT group.
Conclusion: High-intensity-interval training does not demonstrate a significant advantage in cognitive improvement, mood disorders, or serum BDNF levels when compared to different exercise intensities. However, MIT is associated with increased serum BDNF levels compared to HIIT. Future robust RCTs are needed to compare different exercise intensities and durations to provide more conclusive results.
Introduction: Stroke patients often experience varying degrees of locomotor deficits. Research has shown that physical rehabilitation can help improve these deficits to different extents. Our analysis aims to compare functional outcomes in stroke patients after high-intensity training (HIT) with those achieved through various other exercise intensities.
Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases were performed for studies comparing HIT with low and moderate intensity training (LIT, MIT), or usual activity (UA) in stroke patients. We evaluated changes from baseline in the 6-minute walking test (6MWT), fastest speed, and comfortable speed. Subgroup analyses were performed by exercise intensity and stroke onset, as well as separate analyses according to follow-up periods.
Results: 12 studies were included, encompassing 1,019 patients, with 54% undergoing HIT. An analysis of ten studies with 860 patients showed that control group had a 49m greater improvement in 6MWT than HIT group (95%CI 21.62-76.38; p<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed a 44m and 59m greater improvement in subacute (95%CI 3.55-86.37; p=0.03) and chronic stroke (95%CI 2.57-116.58; p=0.04) in control, respectively. MIT and UA also showed a 28.7m (95%CI 16.04-41.43; p<0.01) and 63m (95%CI 21.55-104.76; p<0.01) greater improvement in 6MWT compared to HIT. A separate analysis of three studies showed that chronic stroke patients in control group achieved greater improvement in 6MWT (MD 29.34m;95%CI 4.57-54.11;p=0.02) with follow-up periods of less than three months. Analysis of eight studies involving 414 patients found significantly higher fastest speed (MD 0.16m/s;95%CI 0.08-0.23;p<0.01) and comfortable speed (MD 0.11m/s; 95%CI 0.07-0.15; p<0.01) in control group compared to HIT group. Subgroup analysis indicated MIT (MD 0.16m/s;95%CI 0.07-0.26;p<0.01) and UA (MD 0.25m/s; 95%CI 0.10-0.39; p<0.01) significantly increased fastest speed compared to HIT. Additionally, comfortable speed showed a significant increase after LIT (MD 0.13m/s;95%CI 0.03-0.24;p=0.02), MIT (MD 0.10m/s;95%CI 0.04-0.15;p<0.01), and UA (MD 0.16m/s;95%CI 0.04-0.28;p=0.01).
Conclusion: Moderate-intensity training and usual activity yield better functional outcomes than high-intensity training in stroke patients, particularly benefiting chronic stroke patients within three months. Further studies should determine the impact levels and optimal daily duration for long-term benefits.
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