1. |
- Blazewicz, Marek, et al.
(author)
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Augmented reality videoconferencing as a new approach to remote teaching
- 2012
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In: eChallenges e-2012 Conference proceedings. - : IIMC International Information Management Corporation. - 9781905824359
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With the constant advance in technology, distant teaching becomes ever closer to the face to face experience. This paper describes TEFPOL, an initiative by Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC) to combine HD videoconferencing, 3D virtual models and motion tracking in an effort to obtain a new quality in the field of remote teaching. Through merging those technologies an impression of augmented reality can be achieved. The project’s outcome will be a prototype which will undergo trials in four testbeds utilized via the TEFIS common accesspoint in order to test and improve the solution’s code quality, compatibility with standards, performance and usability.
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2. |
- Abramczyk, Olga, et al.
(author)
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The protein kinase 60S is a free catalytic CK2alpha' subunit and forms an inactive complex with superoxide dismutase SOD1
- 2003
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In: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications - BBRC. - 0006-291X .- 1090-2104. ; 307:1, s. 31-40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The 60S ribosomes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae contain a set of acidic P-proteins playing an important role in the ribosome function. Reversible phosphorylation of those proteins is a mechanism regulating translational activity of ribosomes. The key role in regulation of this process is played by specific, second messenger-independent protein kinases. The PK60S kinase was one of the enzymes phosphorylating P-proteins. The enzyme has been purified from yeast and characterised. Pure enzyme has properties similar to those reported for casein kinase type 2. Peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) has identified the PK60S as a catalytic alpha(') subunit of casein kinase type 2 (CK2alpha(')). Protein kinase activity is inhibited by SOD1 and by highly specific CK2 inhibitor-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-benzotriazole (TBBt). The possible mechanism of regulation of CK2alpha(') activity in stress conditions, by superoxide dismutase in regulation of 80S-ribosome activity, is discussed.
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3. |
- Göranson, Sofie Paues, et al.
(author)
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Organ Dysfunction among Piglets Treated with Inhaled Nitric Oxide and Intravenous Hydrocortisone during Prolonged Endotoxin Infusion
- 2014
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 9:5, s. e96594-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: It has previously been shown that a combination of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and intravenous (IV) steroid attenuates endotoxin-induced organ damage in a 6-hour porcine endotoxemia model. We aimed to further explore these effects in a 30-hour model with attention to clinically important variables.DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.SETTING: University animal laboratory.SUBJECTS: Domestic piglets (n = 30).INTERVENTIONS: Animals were randomized into 5 groups (n = 6 each): 1) Controls, 2) LPS-only (endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion), 3) LPS + iNO, 4) LPS + IV steroid, 5) LPS + iNO + IV steroid.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Exposure to LPS temporarily increased pulmonary artery mean pressure and impeded renal function with elevated serum creatinine and acidosis compared to a control group over the 30-hour study period. Double treatment with both iNO and IV steroid tended to blunt the deterioration in renal function, although the only significant effect was on Base Excess (p = 0.045). None of the LPS + iNO + IV steroid treated animals died during the study period, whereas one animal died in each of the other LPS-infused groups.CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that combined early therapy with iNO and IV steroid is associated with partial protection of kidney function after 30 hours of experimental LPS infusion.
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4. |
- Herczeg, Dávid, et al.
(author)
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Genomic analysis reveals complex population structure within the smooth newt, Lissotriton vulgaris, in Central Europe.
- 2023
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In: Ecology and Evolution. - 2045-7758. ; 13:9, s. 10478-10478
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Species with wide-range distributions usually display high genetic variation. This variation can be partly explained by historical lineages that were temporally isolated from each other and are back into secondary reproductive contact, and partly by local adaptations. The smooth newt ( Lissotriton vulgaris) is one of the most widely distributed amphibians species across Eurasia and forms a species complex with a partially overlapping distribution and morphology. In the present study, we explored the population genomic structure of smooth newt lineages in the Carpathian Basin (CB) relying on single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Our dataset included new and previously published data to study the secondary contact zone between lineages in the CB and also tested for the barrier effect of rivers to gene flow between these lineages. We confirmed the presence of the South L. v. vulgaris Lineage distributed in Transdanubia and we provided new distribution records of L. v. ampelensis inhabiting the eastern territories of the CB. High genetic diversity of smooth newts was observed, especially in the North Hungarian Mountains and at the interfluves of the main rivers in the South with four distinct lineages of L. v. vulgaris and one lineage of L. v. ampelensis showing a low level of admixture with the spatially closest L. v. vulgaris lineage. Moreover, admixture detected at the interfluve of the main rivers (i.e. Danube and Tisza) suggested a secondary contact zone in the area. Finally, we found that the river Danube has a very weak effect on population divergence, while the river Tisza is a geographical barrier limiting gene flow between smooth newt lineages. As the range boundaries of L. v. vulgaris and L. v. ampelensis in the CB coincide with the river Tisza, our study underpins the influence of rivers in lineage diversification.
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5. |
- Losi, Niccolò, et al.
(author)
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Anthropic Settlements’ Impact on the Light-Absorbing Aerosol Concentrations and Heating Rate in the Arctic
- 2023
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In: Atmosphere. - 2073-4433. ; 14:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Light-absorbing aerosols (LAA) impact the atmosphere by heating it. Their effect in the Arctic was investigated during two summer Arctic oceanographic campaigns (2018 and 2019) around the Svalbard Archipelago in order to unravel the differences between the Arctic background and the local anthropic settlements. Therefore, the LAA heating rate (HR) was experimentally determined. Both the chemical composition and high-resolution measurements highlighted substantial differences between the Arctic Ocean background (average eBC concentration of 11.7 ± 0.1 ng/m3) and the human settlements, among which the most impacting appeared to be Tromsø and Isfjorden (mean eBC of 99.4 ± 3.1 ng/m3). Consequently, the HR in Isfjorden (8.2 × 10−3 ± 0.3 × 10−3 K/day) was one order of magnitude higher than in the pristine background conditions (0.8 × 10−3 ± 0.9 × 10−5 K/day). Therefore, we conclude that the direct climate impact of local LAA sources on the Arctic atmosphere is not negligible and may rise in the future due to ice retreat and enhanced marine traffic.
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6. |
- Nadachowska-Brzyska, Krystyna, et al.
(author)
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Interspecific hybridization increases MHC class II diversity in two sister species of newts
- 2012
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In: Molecular Ecology. - 0962-1083 .- 1365-294X. ; 21:4, s. 887-906
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms generating variation within the highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes remains incomplete. Assessing MHC variation across multiple populations, of recent and ancient divergence, may facilitate understanding of geographical and temporal aspects of variation. Here, we applied 454 sequencing to perform a large-scale, comprehensive analysis of MHC class II in the closely related, hybridizing newts, Lissotriton vulgaris (Lv) and Lissotriton montandoni (Lm). Our study revealed an extensive (299 alleles) geographically structured polymorphism. Populations at the southern margin of the Lvdistribution, inhabited by old and distinct lineages (southern Lv), exhibited moderate MHC variation and strong population structure, indicating little gene flow or extensive local adaptation. Lissotriton vulgaris in central Europe and the northern Balkans (northern Lv) and almost all Lm populations had a high MHC variation. A much higher proportion of MHC alleles was shared between Lm and northern Lvthan between Lm and southern Lv. Strikingly, the average pairwise FST between northern Lv and Lm was significantly lower than between northern and southern Lv for MHC, but not for microsatellites. Thus, high MHC variation in Lm and northern Lv may result from gene flow between species. We hypothesize that the interspecific exchange of MHC genes may be facilitated by frequency-dependent selection. A marginally significant correlation between the MHC and microsatellite allelic richness indicates that demographic factors may have contributed to the present-day pattern of MHC variation, but unequivocal signatures of adaptive evolution in MHC class II sequences emphasize the role of selection on a longer timescale.
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7. |
- Nilsson, Kristofer F., 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Organic mononitrites of 1,2-propanediol act as an effective NO-releasing vasodilator in pulmonary hypertension and exhibit no cross-tolerance with nitroglycerin in anesthetized pigs
- 2018
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In: Drug Design, Development and Therapy. - : DOVE Medical Press Ltd.. - 1177-8881. ; 12, s. 685-694
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Clinically available intravenous (IV) nitric oxide (NO) donor drugs such as nitroglycerin (GTN) cause systemic hypotension and/or tolerance development. In a porcine model, novel NO donor compounds - the organic mononitrites of 1,2-propanediol (PDNO) were compared to GTN with regard to pulmonary selectivity and tolerance development. The vasodilatory effects of inorganic nitrite were investigated.Materials and methods: In anesthetized piglets, central hemodynamics were monitored. At normal pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), IV infusions of PDNO (15-60 nmol kg(-1) min(-1)), GTN (13-132 nmol kg(-1) min(-1)), and inorganic nitrite (dosed as PDNO) were administered. At increased PVR (by U46619 IV), IV infusions of PDNO (60-240 nmol kg(-1) min(-1)) and GTN (75-300 nmol kg(-1) min(-1)) before and after a 5 h infusion of GTN (45 nmol kg-1 min-1) were given.Results: At normal PVR, PDNO (n=12) and GTN (n=7) caused significant dose-dependent decreases in mean systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures, whereas inorganic nitrite (n=13) had no significant effect. At increased PVR, PDNO (n=6) and GTN (n=6) significantly decreased mean systemic and pulmonary pressures and resistances, but only PDNO reduced the ratio between pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances significantly. After the 5 h GTN infusion, the hemodynamic response to GTN infusions (n=6) was significantly suppressed, whereas PDNO (n=6) produced similar hemodynamic effects to those observed before the GTN infusion.Conclusion: PDNO is a vasodilator with selectivity for pulmonary circulation exhibiting no cross-tolerance to GTN, but GTN causes non selective vasodilatation with substantial tolerance development in the pulmonary and systemic circulations. Inorganic nitrite has no vasodilatory properties at relevant doses.
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8. |
- Nilsson, Kristofer F., 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Pulmonary Vasodilation by Intravenous Infusion of Organic Mononitrites of 1,2-Propanediol in Acute Pulmonary Hypertension Induced by Aortic Cross Clamping and Reperfusion : A Comparison with Nitroglycerin in Anesthetised Pigs
- 2020
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In: Shock. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1073-2322 .- 1540-0514. ; 54:1, s. 119-127
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Suprarenal aortic cross clamping (SRACC) and reperfusion may cause acute pulmonary hypertension and multiple organ failure.HYPOTHESIS: The organic mononitrites of 1,2-propanediol (PDNO), an NO donor with a very short half-life, is a more efficient pulmonary vasodilator and attenuator of end-organ damage and inflammation without significant side effects compared to nitroglycerin and inorganic nitrite in a porcine SRACC model.METHODS: Anesthetised and instrumented domestic pigs were randomised to either of four IV infusions until the end of the experiment (n = 10 per group): saline (control), PDNO (45 nmol kg min), nitroglycerin (44 nmol kg min), or inorganic nitrite (a dose corresponding to PDNO). Thereafter, all animals were subjected to 90 minutes of SRACC and 10 hours of reperfusion and protocolised resuscitation. Hemodynamic and respiratory variables as well as blood samples were collected and analysed.RESULTS: During reperfusion, mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were significantly lower, and stroke volume was significantly higher in the PDNO group compared to the control, nitroglycerin, and inorganic nitrite groups. In parallel, mean arterial pressure, arterial oxygenation, and fraction of methaemoglobin were similar in all groups. The serum concentration of creatinine and tumour necrosis factor alpha were lower in the PDNO group compared to the control group during reperfusion.CONCLUSIONS: PDNO was an effective pulmonary vasodilator and appeared superior to nitroglycerin and inorganic nitrite, without causing significant systemic hypotension, impaired arterial oxygenation, or methaemoglobin formation in an animal model of SRACC and reperfusion. Also, PDNO may have kidney-protective effects and anti-inflammatory properties.
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9. |
- Pikuła, Michał, et al.
(author)
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Cystatin C peptidomimetic derivative with antimicrobial properties as a potential compound against wound infections
- 2017
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In: Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0968-0896. ; 25:4, s. 1431-1439
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A peptidomimetic called A20 (Cystapep 1) structurally based upon the N-terminal fragment of human cystatin C is known to have strong antibacterial properties. A20 is characterized by high activity against several bacterial strains often isolated from infected wounds, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In this work we wanted to explore the therapeutic potential of A20 in the treatment of wound infections. We examined, cytotoxicity, allergenicity and impact of A20 on the proliferation and viability of human keratinocytes. Furthermore, the previously described antimicrobial action of A20. has been confirmed here with reference strains of bacteria and extended by several other species. The A20 was highly active against Gram-positive bacteria with minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) between 8 and 128. μg/mL. A20 did not affect proliferation of primary human keratinocytes in concentrations up to 50. μg/mL. At the same time, it did not activate Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), including basophils or neutrophils in vitro. Interestingly A20 was found to display immunomodulatory functions as it influences the production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) by activated PBMCs. It was also resistant to degradation for at least 48. h in human plasma. The results indicate that A20 is effective against the multiantibiotic-resistant bacteria and has a high safety profile, which makes it a promising antimicrobial drug candidate.
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10. |
- Shafer, Aaron B. A., et al.
(author)
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Genomics and the challenging translation into conservation practice
- 2015
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In: Trends in Ecology & Evolution. - : Elsevier. - 0169-5347 .- 1872-8383. ; 30:2, s. 78-87
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The global loss of biodiversity continues at an alarming rate. Genomic approaches have been suggested as a promising tool for conservation practice as scaling up to genome-wide data can improve traditional conservation genetic inferences and provide qualitatively novel insights. However, the generation of genomic data and subsequent analyses and interpretations remain challenging and largely confined to academic research in ecology and evolution. This generates a gap between basic research and applicable solutions for conservation managers faced with multifaceted problems. Before the real-world conservation potential of genomic research can be realized, we suggest that current infrastructures need to be modified, methods must mature, analytical pipelines need to be developed, and successful case studies must be disseminated to practitioners.
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