Sensor Actuator Network for In Situ Studies of Antarctic Plants Physiology.

This article documents a custom sensor-actuator network designed and implemented as a part of experimental setup, where a long-term phenological response of antarctic plants is studied. The first part of our work presents the context of the study, reports experimental methods used in antarctic plant field studies, and characterizes the environmental conditions and logistics facilities available on the measurement spot. After contextualization of the research, we present, in detail, both the network itself and some results obtained during the Antarctic summer seasons between 2019 and 2022 on the King George Island, South Shetlands.

Abortion in Countries with Restrictive Abortion Laws-Possible Directions and Solutions from the Perspective of Poland.

The tendency towards the radicalization of abortion law is observed in numerous countries, including Poland. The aim of the present paper was to determine the main factors influencing the number of abortions performed worldwide and to indicate the main directions which should be followed to improve the patients' well-being. The authors conducted their search in the PubMed of the National Library of Medicine and Google Scholar.

The Influence of Abortion Law on the Frequency of Pregnancy Terminations-A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Abortion law is one of the main factors influencing the number of abortions performed in a country. The study aimed to assess the influence of abortion law on the number of performed terminations with particular attention paid to pregnancy terminations due to fetal defects. The retrospective comparative analysis of statistical data included on the governmental websites of Poland and the UK was performed.

A Study of a Parametric Method for the Snow Reflection Coefficient Estimation Using Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Waves.

In this paper, a method for estimating snow pressure reflection coefficient based on non-contact ultrasound examination is described. A constant frequency and air-coupled ultrasound pulses were used in this study, which incorporates a parametric method for reflected energy estimation. The experimental part was carried out in situ in the Antarctic, where the snow parameters were measured along with meteorological data.

Growth charts and prediction of abnormal growth - what is known, what is not known and what is misunderstood.

Objectives: Assessment of fetal growth has an important effect on perinatal morbidity and mortality. To understand what tool to choose best for a given population a basic knowledge of how growth charts are developed and used has to be acquired. For this reason, this literature review was performed.

Improvement in outcomes of breast cancer patient treatment in Poland in the 21st century.

Breast cancer accounts for 22%-25% of all female cancers diagnosed worldwide. The aim of study was to compare the 5-year relative survival rates for breast cancer patients treated in the years 2008-2010, 2000-2002, and 2005-2007, and to determine their relationships with the methods and costs of treatment. Data were collected from the National Cancer Registry and the Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (National Health Fund) data bases.

Protocol for Energy-Efficiency in Networked Control Systems Based on WSN.

This paper proposes a new communication protocol for output-feedback control through multi-hop Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). The protocol is based on a Hop-by-Hop transport scheme and is especially devised to simultaneously fulfill two conflicting criteria: the network energy consumption and the stability/performance (in terms of H∞ norm) of the closed-loop system. The proposed protocol can be implemented by means of three heuristics, basically using distinct rules to control the maximum number of retransmissions allowed in terms of the voltage level of the batteries of the network nodes.

Principles of follow-up assessments in patients with breast cancer after radical treatment.

A follow-up assessment plan after radical treatment is a part of a comprehensive approach to treating patients with breast cancer. Because breast cancer is the most frequent cancer both worldwide and in Poland, adequate follow-up is important not only for patients but also for economic reasons. Herein, we review current recommendations for follow-up assessments in patients with breast cancer.

Variation in treatment modalities, costs and outcomes of rectal cancer patients in Poland.

Aim Of The Study: To evaluate outcome, costs and treatment differences in rectal cancer patients between various regions in Poland.

Material And Methods: Data from the Polish National Health Fund of all patients with rectal cancer diagnosed and treated between 2005 and 2007 were analyzed. Overall, relative 5-year survival and the percentage of patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery were analyzed.

Comparison between breast MRI and contrast-enhanced spectral mammography.

Background: The main goal of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with histopathological results and to compare the sensitivity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values for both imaging modalities.

Material/methods: After ethics approval, CESM and MRI examinations were performed in 102 patients who had suspicious lesions described in conventional mammography. All visible lesions were evaluated independently by 2 experienced radiologists using BI-RADS classifications (scale 1-5).

Stage III thick (>4.0 mm) lower extremity melanoma: is timing of lymph node involvement a prognostic factor?

Purpose: The prognosis for stage III melanoma patients is mixed, and there is need for new prognostic factors to be incorporated into a revision of melanoma TNM staging. We analyzed the possible role of the timing of lymph node involvement as an important prognostic factor.

Methods: Among 249 melanoma patients who underwent ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy, a group of 185 patients with a thick (>4mm) melanoma and full clinical data available was analyzed.

The impact of progesterone on simultaneous, local secretion of IGFBP-3 and IGF-I [IGFBP-3/IGF-I index] by human malignant and non-malignant breast explants depends on tissue steroid receptor phenotype.

Objectives: Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is regarded as one of mammary tissue proliferative factors. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) limits the IGF-I binding potential to its receptor. That limits the IGF-I bioavailability.