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In this contribution, we propose a model of Quaternary seismicity in the Outer Western Carpathians. The model presents results of analysis of fractured clasts performed in 268 exposures of Quaternary fluvial gravels within the ca. 5,000 km2 large segment of the Outer Western Carpathians comprising: Outer Carpathian nappes, the innermost part of the Carpathian Foredeep, and two intramontane basins
Background: The period after a child is discharged from hospital is generally described as challenging for the parents. Their satisfaction with the health services received is an important indicator of the quality of care. eHealth devices are increasingly used in health care to support communication with parents. Differences in levels of parental satisfaction by modality of provided care or by par
Anomalous seasonal patterns of precipitation variability over South America (SA) associated with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and non-ENSO (residual) conditions were assessed during 1951–2016. Patterns were obtained from empirical orthogonal functions analysis of total and residual precipitation seasonal anomalies. In austral spring and summer, precipitation variability is dominated by a di
The ligand-binding domain of Fbl (the fibrinogen binding protein from Staphylococcus lugdunensis) shares 60% sequence identity with ClfA (clumping factor A) of Staphylococcus aureus. Recombinant Fbl corresponding to the minimum fibrinogen-binding region (subdomains N2N3) was compared with ClfA for binding to fibrinogen. Fbl and ClfA had very similar affinities for fibrinogen by surface plasmon res
Clinical reports on early immune dysregulation in acute pancreatitis (AP) are scarce. Herein we investigate the initial temporal development of selected biomarkers. Blood samples were taken at 0–24 and 25–48 h after onsets of AP were acquired. Mean values and temporal intermediate difference (delta-values) of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α were calculated. Differences between sev
The Brassica Information Portal (BIP) is a centralised repository for brassica phenotypic data. The site hosts trait data associated with brassica research and breeding experiments conducted on brassica crops, that are used as oilseeds, vegetables, livestock forage and fodder and for biofuels. A key feature is the explicit management of meta-data describing the provenance and relationships between
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) may reduce certain biochemical blood factors but the efficacy of this plant on blood pressure (BP) has not yet been investigated. In this study, we determined the clinical efficacy of C. scolymus on BP and body mass index (BMI) in hypertensive patients as an adjunctive to captopril for the first time.METHODS: The total p
Background: Early involvement of students in research processes is an important step in professional development and can increase the academic output of the university. Previous studies indicate low research involvement amongst undergraduate students, however limited research has been done in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to describe the level of research involvement amongst undergraduate s
Wear mechanisms and failure modes were investigated for autoclave-cured, woven carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite gears in a mesh with a surface-hardened, 42CrMo4 steel pinion. The reference gears (m = 1 mm, b = 2 mm, z = 20) were tested at torque levels ranging from 0.4 Nm to 0.8 Nm. The temperature was monitored with a thermographic camera, while the gear damage and wear volume wer
The barrier function of the skin is mainly assured by its outermost layer, stratum corneum (SC), which consists of dead keratin-filled cells embedded in a lipid matrix. The skin is daily exposed to an environment with changing conditions in terms of hydration and different chemicals. Here we investigate how a molecule that has reasonable solubility in both hydrophobic and hydrophilic environments
In 2015, FIGO revised the 1987 intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) classification (FIGO1987). A less radical FIGO2015 version was introduced in Sweden 2017 (SWE2017). Now, post hoc simulation studies show that FIGO2015 and SWE2017 are less reliable than (a modified) FIGO1987. FIGO2015 shows significantly better interobserver agreement for normal CTG traces than FIGO1987, but significantly worse for
Reidite, the high-pressure zircon (ZrSiO4) polymorph, is a diagnostic indicator of impact events. Natural records of reidite are, however, scarce, occurring mainly as micrometer-sized lamellae, granules, and dendrites. Here, we present a unique sequence of shocked zircon grains found within a clast from the Chassenon suevitic breccia (shock stage III) from the ˜200 Ma, 20–50 km wide Rochechouart i
INTRODUCTION: Ethiopia is among the high-burden countries for tuberculosis (TB), TB/HIV, and drug-resistant TB. The aim of this nationwide study was to better understand TB-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) and generate evidence for policy and decision-making.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional TB KAP survey in seven regions and two city administrations of Ethiop
We aimed to test the hypothesis that gluten might be associated with the development of islet cell autoimmunity. A random sample of 200 persons (87 males, mean age 42.4 years) from Estonia including one patient with type I diabetes mellitus was studied. IgG-type glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) antibodies were determined using radioligand-binding assay and IgG/IgA-type gliadin antibodies (AGA)
Objectives: Previous research suggests that governments usually gain support during crises such as the Covid-19. However, these findings are based on rating scales that only allow us to measure the strength of this support. This article proposes a new measure of how voters evaluate Prime Ministers (PM) by asking for descriptive keywords that are analyzed by natural language processing.Methods: By
The focus on recovery within psychiatric care is increasing, where peer support may play a pivotal role. Previous research shows both mixed and promising results in terms of beneficial outcomes for patients and peer support workers (PSW). The study’s aim was to investigate PSW’ experiences of their professional role and associated relationships with healthcare staff and patients. Semi-structured i
Most loss-of-function diseases are caused by aberrant folding of important proteins. These proteins often misfold due to mutations. The disease marble brain syndrome (MBS), known also as carbonic anhydrase II deficiency syndrome (CADS), can manifest in carriers of point mutations in the human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II) gene. One mutation associated with MBS entails the His107Tyr substitution.
The effect on kidney function was studied in 22 smelter workers with concomitant exposure to lead and cadmium. One active and five retired workers showed early signs of kidney dysfunction. They all had a long-term and high lead exposure, while their kidney cadmium concentrations measured in vivo by XRF techniques were low to moderate. Thus, the exposure to lead has been a greater risk, although an
Aim: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests (GT) have created controversy regarding their risks and benefits. In view of recent regulatory developments, this article aims to explore the attitudes of European clinical geneticists toward the oversight of DTC GT. Materials & methods: Fifteen semi-structured interviews were performed with clinical geneticists based in ten European countries. The t
The association in aqueous mixtures of a thermoresponsive cationic diblock copolymer composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(3-acrylamidopropyl)-trimethylammonium-chloride (PAMPTMA(+)) and the oppositely charged bile salt sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) is investigated at different compositions by light and X-ray scattering, calorimetry, and electrophoretic mobility measurements. Clou
