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Polarization, partisanship and democratic fragility in the United States of America
No full textAmerican democracy, like any such system, whether consolidated, new or aspiring, is a fragile phenomenon. For decades, however, it has been held up like no other country as a model of democracy to which the world should look for inspiration. At the same time, it has always been a target for ambitious individuals and groups seeking to transform the US system of government to suit their needs. This chapter explores examples of fragility in the American democracy over the past decade, shortly before the election of Donald J. Trump as US president. It shows, however, that the factors that he explored and that contributed to the backsliding of US democracy, existed long before Trump entered the political arena. As polarization has become deeply entrenched in the United States – not only within the parties, but also in society – it has found a way to affect political institutions such as the US Congress and the federal judiciary. And as these institutions now find themselves at the centre of partisan conflict, they appear helpless when confronted by actors with undemocratic motive
Regulating free radical species towards selective photocatalytic acetic acid synthesis from polylactic acid plastic over sulfur-doped S-scheme heterojunction
No full textSex-based differences in coronary physiological assessment in patients with severe aortic stenosis
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Multiple magnetic abdominal foreign bodies as a near-fatal type of home trauma requiring surgical interventions – a 5 year single center observation
No full text<b>Introduction:</b> Ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies (MFBs), especially high-powered neodymium magnets, is an increasing cause of paediatric emergency visits. These magnets can lead to severe gastrointestinal injuries requiring surgical intervention.<b>Aim:</b> This study presents own experience of children admitted with multiple MFB ingestions and evaluates their long-term outcomes, including quality of life (QoL).<b>Material and methods:</b> We retrospectively analysed cases of children admitted for multiple MFB ingestion to the University Children’s Hospital in Cracow from 2020 to 2024. Patients with single MFBs were excluded. QoL was assessed using a modified version of the RAND SF-36 questionnaire. Results were compared between patients treated endoscopically and surgically. Additionally, the impact of a media awareness campaign initiated in 2021 was evaluated.<b>Results:</b> Fifteen children met the inclusion criteria; ten required surgical intervention, while five were treated successfully via endoscopy. Following the 2021 media campaign, the number of admissions decreased. QoL analysis showed better outcomes in the endoscopy group, particularly in physical and social functioning and pain. Statistically significant differences were found in emotional well-being between groups. One patient died due to unrelated causes and was excluded from the QoL survey.<b>Conclusions:</b> Prompt removal of multiple MFBs seems essential to prevent serious complications. Public education is key to early recognition and safer outcomes. Minimally invasive methods improve QoL and should be used when possible.<b>Significance for the field:</b> Rising admissions of patients with MFB ingestions need direct prevention actions and more awareness from the carekeepers.</ns3:p
No full textThe rejection of implanted orthopaedic devices is often associated with the formation of bacterial biofilm on their surface, which results in a slow process of tissue regeneration surrounding the implant, as well as poor osteointegration. Proper functionalization of the surface of orthopaedic implants could help mitigate this problem. This study focused on the surface modification of the medical alloy Ti6Al7Nb through plasma-chemical treatment (PA RF CVD – Plasma Activated Radio Frequency Chemical Vapour Deposition) and post-deposition of bioactive coatings involving Au nanoparticles derived from the reductive action of tannic acid and complexed with Fe(III) ions. The plasma-chemical process using mixture contributed to surface activation and increased the oxygen content in the outer layer. Whereas, the introduction of additional top biopolymeric coating (chitosan, hyaluronic acid) positively influenced the biocompatibility of the resulting coatings. The resulting coatings are chemically stable with no signs of delamination. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed biocompatibility (Saos-2 cell line) with prospective bacteriostatic activity at the doses tested (Escherichia coli, Bacillus paramycoides). The development of novel inorganic-organic hybrid coatings with antioxidant activity, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility indicates good prospects for the use of these coatings in implantology
