Crystallization-Induced Self-Assembly of Poly(ethylene glycol) Side Chains in Dithiol-yne-Based Comb Polymers: Side Chain Spacing and Molecular Weight Effects.

The chain architecture and topology of macromolecules impact their physical properties and final performance, including their crystallization process. In this work, comb polymers constituted by poly(ethylene glycol), PEG, side chains, and a dithiol-yne-based ring polymer backbone have been studied, focusing on the micro- and nanostructures of the system, thermal behavior, and crystallization kinetics. The designed comb system allows us to investigate the role of a ring backbone, the impact of varying the distance between two neighboring side chains, and the effect of the molecular weight of the side chain.

Improved Solid Electrolyte Conductivity via Macromolecular Self-Assembly: From Linear to Star Comb-like P(S--BzMA)--POEGA Block Copolymers.

Star block copolymer electrolytes with a lithium-ion conducting phase are investigated in the present work to assess the influence of this complex architecture compared to that of the linear one, on both, bulk morphology and ionic conductivity. For that purpose, the controlled synthesis of a series of poly(styrene--benzyl methacrylate)--poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate] [P(S--BzMA)--POEGA] block copolymers (BCPs) by reversible addition-fragmentation transfer polymerization was performed from either a monofunctional or a tetrafunctional chain transfer agent containing trithiocarbonate groups. We emphasized how a small amount of styrene (6 mol %) drastically improved the control of the RAFT polymerization of benzyl methacrylate mediated by the tetrafunctional chain transfer agent.

In-ear infrasonic hemodynography with a digital health device for cardiovascular monitoring using the human audiome.

Human bodily mechanisms and functions produce low-frequency vibrations. Our ability to perceive these vibrations is limited by our range of hearing. However, in-ear infrasonic hemodynography (IH) can measure low-frequency vibrations (<20 Hz) created by vital organs as an acoustic waveform.

Electrochemical Performance of Carbon-Rich Silicon Carbonitride Ceramic as Support for Sulfur Cathode in Lithium Sulfur Battery.

As a promising matrix material for anchoring sulfur in the cathode for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, porous conducting supports have gained much attention. In this work, sulfur-containing C-rich SiCN composites are processed from silicon carbonitride (SiCN) ceramics, synthesized at temperatures from 800 to 1100 °C. To embed sulfur in the porous SiCN matrix, an easy and scalable procedure, denoted as melting-diffusion method, is applied.

Coxiella burnetii and Q fever - a review.

Q fever is an emerging infectious disease in Europe. Q fever is a zoonosis and infected animals are the main source of infection. Ticks may act as a vector and transmit the pathogen to animals and humans.

Comparison of Neuroborreliosis Between Children and Adults.

Background: Lyme neuroborreliosis (NB) is a tick-borne infectious disorder of the nervous system caused by Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes. There are not many data available regarding the differences in the course of NB in children and adults. The aim of our study was to compare the clinical course of NB between children and adults.

Neuroborreliosis – clinical presentation – Current state of knowledge.

Neuroborreliosis is one of the manifestations of Lyme disease involving central and peripheral nervous system. It is caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete which is transmitted by tick bites. Neuroborreliosis can affect both adults and children.

Analysis of CCL-4, CCL-17, CCL-20 and IL-8 concentrations in the serum of patients with tick-borne encephalitis and anaplasmosis.

Purpose: Tick-borne co-infections are a serious epidemiological and clinical problem. Only a few studies aimed to investigate the effect of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) co-infection in the course of the inflammatory process and the participation of chemokines in the pathomechanism of these diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate CCL-4, CCL-17, CCL-20, and IL-8 serum concentrations in patients with HGA, TBE and HGA + TBE co-infection.

Assessment of TLR-2 concentration in tick-borne encephalitis and neuroborreliosis.

The aim of the study was to check whether measurement of TLR-2 in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can help differentiate between neuroborreliosis (NB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Eighty patients with meningitis and meningoencephalitis were divided into two groups: Group I - patients with NB ( = 40) and Group II - patients with TBE ( = 40). Diagnosis was based on the clinical picture, CSF examination and presence of specific antibodies in serum and CSF.

Scabies –still current medical and social problem. A retrospective analysis of 193 cases.

Introduction: Scabies is a parasitic skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. About 200 million casesworldwide each year in people of all ages are reported.

Aim Of Study: Retrospective analysis of records of patients hospitalized at the Department with scabies.

Post-mortem detection of six human herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6) in trigeminal and facial nerve ganglia by PCR.

Background: Among over 100 types of viruses, eight can infect humans: herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesviruses 6, 7, and 8 (HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8). After initial infection, the viruses remain latent for the lifetime of the host. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of six different herpesviruses: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, and HHV-6 in trigeminal and facial nerve ganglia among a random group of Polish population.

Tick-borne rickettsioses in Europe – a review.

Tick-borne rickettsioses are emerging diseases in Europe. The Mediterranean region is endemic for rickettsioses, but the disease can also occur in other European countries. Ticks can be a vector of these bacteria.

Effect of a single dose of mannitol on hydration status and electrolyte concentrations in patients with tick-borne encephalitis.

Objective: This study was performed to assess the effect of a single dose of 15% mannitol on the hydration status and electrolyte balance in patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).

Methods: Forty-one patients with TBE were treated with 0.25 g/kg of 15% mannitol.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus – an underestimated danger after dog or cat bite – review of literature.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a gram-negative, capnophilic rod constituting normal bacterial flora of the oral cavity of dogs and cats. It is also considered to be an etiological factor of infections in human that may lead to multiple complications, i.a.

Evaluation of Chosen Cytokine Levels among Patients with Herpes Zoster as Ability to Provide Immune Response.

Aim And Background: Herpes zoster is a viral disease caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which remained latent in the cranial nerve or dorsal root ganglia. Cell-mediated immunity is known to decline with age as part of immunosenescence and can lead to the reactivation of VZV. Whereas herpes zoster is usually mild in healthy young persons, older patients are at increased risk for complications.

Seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 antibodies among young pregnant women or planning pregnancy, tested for toxoplasmosis.

Introduction And Objective: Acute parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is a proven risk for pregnant women and fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of B19V antibodies among pregnant women or planning pregnancy, who were referred for preventive toxoplasmosis screening.

Material And Methods: Between 2007-2010, 55 women in the age between 21 and 40 years were tested for both B19V IgG and IgM antibodies and sociodemographic information was collected.

[Nail plate susceptibility to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis infection].

Nail plate susceptibility to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis infection. Experimental Scopulariopsis brevicaulis infection of toe and finger nails collected from 79 persons of both sexes and at various age is presented. Crumbled nail fragments were incubated with a S.