Gradual Absorption Research Articles

Rod-shaped LuAG:Ce transparent ceramic enabling ultrahigh forward efficiency for laser lighting in a transmissive mode.

Ceramic phosphors have high thermal conductivity and high thermal stability, showing great potential for use in laser lighting. However, it is difficult to further improve the forward efficiency in transmissive mode because of the arbitrarily emitting ceramic phosphors and light loss by secondary optical components. Here, an effective design of rod-shaped LuAG:Ce transparent ceramics was proposed, and the silicone encapsulated ceramic-based devices could operate stably under 3.5 W laser excitation, possessing a luminous efficiency of 150-180 lm/W, far exceeding the level of existing commercial transmissive mode. Besides, because of the gradual absorption of blue light and the gradient distribution of heat, the rod-shaped LuAG:Ce transparent ceramics could bear a power density of 46 W/mm2 without luminous saturation, and the thermal-induced luminous degradation only accounted for 7% under a 15 min operation. The ceramic-based laser lighting sources with low divergence angle (∼4°) and uniform spatial distribution were obtained. Our optimized transparent ceramic rod and encapsulation scheme provided a solution to improve the efficiency of a transmissive mode for laser lighting.

On multi-stage deformation and gradual energy absorption of 3D printed multi-cell tubes with varying cross-section

Thin-walled structures are widely used in passive safety systems due to their excellent lightweight and controllable progressive deformation performance. While designing to improve the energy absorption performance of thin-walled structures, it is also crucial to consider reducing the damage received by protected objects during accidental collisions. In this work, stepwise and continuous graded multi-cell tubes with varying cross-sections were proposed based on the fused deposition modeling technique to achieve a gradual energy absorption process. Compression responses and energy absorption characteristics of the graded multi-cell tubes were investigated by quasi-static compression tests. Experimental results showed that the stepwise graded multi-cell tubes produced obvious multi-stage deformation and energy absorption during axial compression. The specific energy absorption presented an upward trend with the increased number of stepwise segments. For the same ranges of cross-section variations, continuous graded multi-cell tubes exhibited more plastic hinges and better energy absorption performance due to the absence of discontinuous interfaces. In addition, continuous graded multi-cell tubes showed continuous folding deformation with the gradually decreasing folding wavelength. Thus, it exhibited a steadily increasing trend in crushing force and realized the gradual energy absorption mode.

Controlled degradation and kinetics response in calcium silicate doped with sodium alginate/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube composite 3D scaffolds for cartilage regeneration

Development of bio-mimetic scaffolds with controlled degradation is a key research area in cartilage regeneration. Therefore, novel scaffold composites and favorable techniques to fabricate essential 3D scaffolds are crucial. In this investigation, we achieved controlled biodegradation of composite scaffolds by incorporating calcium silicate (CS) into sodium alginate (SA)/functionalized with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNT). The SA/f-MWCNT and scaffolds with various amounts of CS (5, 10, and 15%) were shown to enhance scaffold properties. We conducted analyses of the composites using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The findings indicated that CS was successfully loaded onto SA/f-MWCNT, and after inclusion the CS crystal structure remained unaltered. We also evaluated the composites using differential scanning calorimetry, and we determined the mechanical strength, swelling, porosity, degradation, and pH properties. The 15% CS-SA/f-MWCNT scaffolds demonstrated improved mechanical properties, controlled degradation and swelling ratio, increased material density, and strengthened bonds that resulted in a more compact structure and better control of porosity. Furthermore, kinetic investigations of the composite scaffolds to potentially absorb water could be accurately modeled using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and diffusion kinetic models. The gradual water absorption rate observed in 15% CS-SA/f-MWCNT could be attributed to controlled intraparticle and micropore diffusion. Further biocompatibility studies showed that the scaffold encouraged chondrocyte attachment, spreading, and division. Additionally, collagen deposition and biomineralization of the 15% CS-SA/f-MWCNT scaffolds were slightly higher compared to the SA/f-MWCNT, 5% CS-SA/f-MWCNT, and 10% CS-SA/f-MWCNT scaffolds. The results indicated that the 15% CS-SA/f-MWCNT fabricated scaffolds are the most suitable for cartilage regeneration.

META-NARRATIVE OF SANSKRIT IN INDIAN ENGLISH WRITINGS

Sanskrit has been the primary language and the receptacle of sublime expressions in early India. The language became an object of engagement for Indologists and Orientalists who began a series of translations of Sanskrit works in English and initiated an association that subsequently culminated in form of Indian English Writings. The gradual absorption of English in Indian culture became partly accountable for rendering original works of Sanskrit inaccessible due to incomprehensibility as well as distortions in translations and cultural misrepresentations. Yet, it was also the chief reason why crucial works of the Sanskrit tradition survived. It is in this context that this research paper analyses Sanskrit as an enduring source of influence in the genesis of the canonical tradition of Indian Writings in English.

Problem with gradual absorption in MSD/MSC calculations

Replacing classical exciton model with the better founded Multistep Direct (MSD) and Multistep Compound (MSC) mechanisms has been impeded by incapability of the latter models to describe central part of the neutron emission spectra at incident neutron energies of about 14 MeV and above. We have ascribed this deficiency to the decrease of absorption to the MSC mechanism resulting from the concept of gradual absorption. We were able to obtain very good reproduction of experimentally measured neutron spectra using MSD/MSC calculations when this option was turned off. Such treatment is, however, at odds with the fundamental distinction between MSD and MSC mechanisms that should proceed through the chain of open (P-space) and closed (Q-space) configurations respectively. By blocking gradual absorption we allow the first stage of MSC to be fully populated from the incident channel that at higher incident energies is impossible. We discuss various attempts of addressing the problem that, so far, remains open. In addition, we present an evidence for much tighter spin distribution of particle-hole states than normally assumed.

Phys-DAT: A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model for unraveling the dissolution, transit and absorption processes using PhysPK®

In silico methods have become the key for efficiently testing and qualifying drug properties. Due to the complexity of the LADME processes and drug characteristics associated to oral drug absorption, there is a growing demand in the development of Physiologically-based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) software with greater flexibility. Thus, the aims of this work are (i) to develop a mechanistic-based modeling framework of dissolution, transit and absorption (Phys-DAT) processes in the PhysPK platform and (ii) to assess the predictive power of the acausal MOOM methodology embedded in Phys-DAT versus reference ODE-based PBPK software. A PBPK model was developed including unreleased, undissolved and dissolved thermodynamic states of the drug. The gastrointestinal tract (GI) was represented by nine compartments and first-order transit kinetics was assumed for the drug fractions. Dissolution processes were described using solubility-independent or solubility-dependent mechanisms and pH effects. Linear transit and linear absorption mechanisms including gradual decrease absorption rate were considered to represent the passive diffusion process. Internal validation of the Phys-DAT model was performed through simulation-based analysis, considering different theoretical scenarios. External validation was carried out using in silico and in vivo data of GI segments and plasma concentrations. Both BCS I and II class drugs were included. The model predicts plasma-concentration profiles of each compartment for undissolved, dissolved, and absorbed fractions using PhysPK® v.2.4.1. Internal and external validations demonstrate that the model aligned with the theoretical assumptions and accurately predicted Cmax, Tmax, and AUC 0-t for both BCS I and II drugs. Average Fold Error (AFE), Absolute Average Fold Error (AAFE), and Percent Prediction Error (PPE) calculations indicate good predictive performance, with predicted/observed ratios falling within the acceptable range. Phys-DAT represents a mechanistic model for predicting oral absorption, including the dissolution, pH effect, transit, and absorption processes. PhysPK has shown to be a tool with strong prediction accuracy, similar to the obtained by ODE-based PBPK reference software, and the results obtained with the Phys-DAT model for oral administered drugs showed predictive reliability in healthy volunteers, setting the basis to determine the interchangeability of the acausal MOOM methodology with other modeling approaches.

Implications of ageing effects on thermal and mechanical properties of PMMA-based bone cement for THA revision surgery

Loosening and infection are the main reasons for revision surgery in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Removing partially detached cemented implant components during revision surgery remains challenging and poses the risk of periprosthetic bone damage.A promising approach for a gentler removal of partially detached prostheses involves softening the PMMA-based bone cement by heating it above its glass transition temperature (TG), thus loosening the implant-cement bond. It is assumed that the TG of PMMA-based bone cement decreases in-vivo due to the gradual absorption of body fluid. Reliable data on TG are essential to develop a heat-based method for removing cemented implant components during revision surgery.The effect of water absorption was investigated in-vitro by ageing PMMA-based bone cement samples for different periods up to 56 days in both Ringer's solution (37 °C) and air (37 °C and 30% humidity). Subsequently, the TG and Vicat softening temperatures of the samples were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and Vicat tests, respectively, according to prescribed methods.Over the entire ageing period, i.e. comparing one day of ageing in air and 56 days in Ringer's solution, the Vicat softening temperature dropped by 16 °C, while the TG dropped by 10 °C for Palacos® R PMMA-based bone cement. Water absorption over time correlated significantly with the Vicat softening temperature until saturation of the PMMA-based bone cement was reached.Based on the TG and Vicat softening temperature measurements, it can be assumed that in body-aged bone cement, an optimal softening can be achieved within a temperature range of 85 °C–93 °C to loosen the bond between the PMMA-based bone cement mantle and the prosthesis stem. These findings may pave the way for a gentler removal of the implant in revision THA.

A bismuth-based (III) hybrid perovskite as a highly air-stable, potential absorber with photoconductive response

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites materials (CH3NH3PbI3) are recently great attention in the field of optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices. But, the stability and toxicity issues of the lead have seriously affected its commercial application. Here, we described a novel lead-free hybrid bismuth-based compound, [tert-butylammonium]2 [Bi2I9] (TBI), which adopts a one-dimensional perovskite-like manner containing the corner-sharing BiI6 octahedra structure. TBI displays outstanding light-absorbing properties with a gradual absorption edge at 632 nm, and optical bandgap of ∼1.96 eV which is lower than the bandgap of CH3NH3PbBr3 and its semiconducting properties were steadily confirmed by the positive temperature-dependent conductivity along with the prominent photo-conductive responses in the range of (20 °C) 320–420 K (80 °C). In addition, TBI also shows brilliant phase stability from 1 day to 48 days in the open atmosphere, being much higher than CH3NH3PbI3. This result suggests the potentials of TBI as the excellent absorber for photovoltaic and solar cell applications.

Probing C-I bond fission in the UV photochemistry of 2-iodothiophene with core-to-valence transient absorption spectroscopy.

The UV photochemistry of small heteroaromatic molecules serves as a testbed for understanding fundamental photo-induced chemical transformations in moderately complex compounds, including isomerization, ring-opening, and molecular dissociation. Here, a combined experimental-theoretical study of 268nm UV light-induced dynamics in 2-iodothiophene (C4H3IS) is performed. The dynamics are experimentally monitored with a femtosecond extreme ultraviolet (XUV) probe that measures iodine N-edge 4d core-to-valence transitions. Experiments are complemented by density functional theory calculations of both the pump-pulse induced valence excitations and the XUV probe-induced core-to-valence transitions. Possible intramolecular relaxation dynamics are investigated by abinitio molecular dynamics simulations. Gradual absorption changes up to ∼0.5 to 1ps after excitation are observed for both the parent molecular species and emerging iodine fragments, with the latter appearing with a characteristic rise time of 160 ± 30fs. Comparison of spectral intensities and energies with the calculations identifies an iodine dissociation pathway initiated by a predominant π → π* excitation. In contrast, initial excitation to a nearby n⟂ → σ* state appears unlikely based on a significantly smaller oscillator strength and the absence of any corresponding XUV absorption signatures. Excitation to the π → π* state is followed by contraction of the C-I bond, enabling a nonadiabatic transition to a dissociative π→σC-I* state. For the subsequent fragmentation, a relatively narrow bond-length region along the C-I stretch coordinate between 230 and 280pm is identified, where the transition between the parent molecule and the thienyl radical + iodine atom products becomes prominent in the XUV spectrum due to rapid localization of two singly occupied molecular orbitals on the two fragments.

Recognition of empty pelvic syndrome and its prevention and treatment

With the development of existing surgical techniques, equipment and treatment concepts, more and more medical centers begin to carry out extensive resection for recurrent pelvic malignant tumors or those with multivisceral invasion. Exenteration may facilitate curative resection and improve the outcome of the patients. Therefore, pelvic exenteration has gradually become the standard of care for locally advanced pelvic malignancies. At present, pelvic exenteration leads to high intraoperative and postoperative complications and mortality, and therefore compromise the safety and long-term quality of life. Cumulating evidences suggest remnant cavity after exenteration might trigger the pathophysiological process and cause downstream complications which can be defined as empty pelvis syndrome. The literature related to empty pelvic syndrome was summarized, the possible cause of empty pelvic syndrome was analyzed. After the pelvic exenteration, the closed pelvic residual cavity formed continuous negative pressure with the gradual absorption of air in the cavity, bacterial propagation, and accumulation of fluid, which had an impact on the distribution of organs in the abdominal and pelvic cavity. At the same time, whether physical processes also play a role in the occurrence of empty pelvic syndrome remains to be explored. It is concluded that the diagnosis is mainly based on the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations and radiological findings, and the history of pelvic exenteration is the most important indicator in the diagnosis. In terms of prevention measures, we should identify the high-risk groups of the occurrence of empty pelvic syndrome, and then take accurate and individualized preventive measures. Various new biomaterials have more advantages in preventive pelvic cavity filling than traditional human tissue filling. Mesentery plays an important role in the morphology, peristalsis and arrangement of the small intestine. More attention should be paid to reducing the ectopic placement of the small intestine into the pelvic cavity by protecting the mesentery structure and restoring or rebuilding the mesentery morphology. In terms of treatment measures, there is still a lack of standard treatment pathway for empty pelvic syndrome.

Functional evaluations comparing Billroth I with a large remnant stomach and Roux en Y with a small remnant stomach following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: An investigation including laparoscopic total gastrectomy

PurposeThis study compared the pros and cons of two post-distal gastrectomy (DG) reconstruction methods by comparing the patient quality of life and functional dynamics at one year postoperatively.MethodsWe compared functional outcomes between Billroth I following laparoscopic 1/2 DG (L-B1; n = 27) and Roux en Y following laparoscopic 4/5 DG (L-RY; n = 24), including laparoscopic total gastrectomy (L-TG; n = 25), at one year postoperatively. Clinical investigations were performed in each patient, and functional evaluations by the acetaminophen (AAP) absorption test and plasma gastrointestinal hormone measurements were performed in consenting patients in each group (L-B1: n = 10, L-RY: n = 10, L-TG: n = 5).ResultsPostoperative/preoperative body weight ratios were significantly higher in the L-B1 and L-RY groups, in descending order than the L-TG group, although the meal intake ratio was not significantly different between the L-B1 and L-RY groups. The incidence of remnant gastritis was significantly higher in the B1 than in the RY group. AAP levels, glucose and glucagon-like peptide 1 were significantly lower in the L-B1 than in the L-RY group. Active ghrelin levels (AGL) were similar between the L-B1 and L-RY groups.ConclusionsL-B1 maintains gradual intestinal absorption and physiological meal passage and prevents postoperative weight loss. L-RY results in maintenance of the postoperative meal intake via high AGL, equivalent to that in the L-B1 group.

Effects of hydroxyapatite associated to collagen type I graft in bone repair of critical defects in rabbits

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the influences of a malleable bone graft composed by hydroxyapatite and collagen type I in bone formation. Three surgical sites of critical size were prepared in twelve rabbits’ calvarias. The control defect was fulfilled with blood clot and the experimental defects were fulfilled with the graft. The euthanasia occurred in three times: 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the surgical procedures. The specimens were analyzed in light, fluorescence and scanning electronic microscopes. The quantitative evaluation was made by histomorphometric analysis, in order to calculate the percentage of new bone formed and the area of the hydroxyapatite particles. The results were submitted to two way ANOVA test and Tukey`s post hoc. New bone formation was accelerated in early stages of the healing process. It was seen more intensive bone formation in the periosteum side than in the dura mater membrane side in all groups. Besides that, in experimental sides the new bone was surrounding the hydroxyapatite particles with minimal amount of inflammatory cells, which confirmed the biocompatibility and osteoconduction properties of this material. Besides that, the hydroxyapatite particles showed gradual and progressive absorption at the same time that the bone was being formed.

A Recent Ten-Year Perspective: Bile Acid Metabolism and Signaling.

Bile acids are important physiological agents required for the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of nutrients. In addition, bile acids act as sensors of intestinal contents, which are determined by the change in the spectrum of bile acids during microbial transformation, as well as by gradual intestinal absorption. Entering the liver through the portal vein, bile acids regulate the activity of nuclear receptors, modify metabolic processes and the rate of formation of new bile acids from cholesterol, and also, in all likelihood, can significantly affect the detoxification of xenobiotics. Bile acids not absorbed by the liver can interact with a variety of cellular recipes in extrahepatic tissues. This provides review information on the synthesis of bile acids in various parts of the digestive tract, its regulation, and the physiological role of bile acids. Moreover, the present study describes the involvement of bile acids in micelle formation, the mechanism of intestinal absorption, and the influence of the intestinal microbiota on this process.

Asymptomatic air collection in the left atrium after computed tomography-guided lung biopsy

Systemic air embolism is a fatal lung biopsy complication, despite its low incidence. Incidental air immigration into the pulmonary vein passing through the left heart circulation results in air embolism in percutaneous lung biopsy. Herein, we report a 73-year-old man who presented with massive air collection in the left atrium after computed tomography-guided lung biopsy which resolved without any symptom. Computed tomography fluoroscopy confirmed the gradual absorption process.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism and Hotel Business in the Kursk Region

The relevance of the study is determined by the critical situation of the tourism and hotel business in all regions of the country in the conditions of a new viral infection, including the Kursk region.The purpose of this study is to study the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism and hotel business in the Kursk region.Objectives: to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the state of the tourism and hotel business in the Kursk region; to clarify the ways out of the crisis situation; to study the features of attracting tourists under covid restrictions; to identify key economic and social consequences for the tourism and hotel business of the Kursk region in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.The methodology is presented by methods of scientific generalization, collection and processing of information, analysis and synthesis.The results of the study showed that in the conditions of a new viral infection, the tourist and hotel business of the Kursk region is experiencing a significant drop in tourist demand. The spread of a new viral infection did not scare citizens and entrepreneurs so much at first. However, the gradual absorption of country after country, an increasing number of infected and dead became not only the cause of fear of the people, but also the introduction of serious measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. One of the first measures was the restriction of visits to crowded places and the work of hotels, further, it became simply impossible to stay in a hotel. Travel agencies and hotels in the Kursk region still cannot finally "get back on their feet" despite the lifting of strict restrictions and the popularization of domestic tourism among citizens of the Russian Federation. There are no accumulated financial reserves that could mitigate the critical economic situation. It is very difficult for small enterprises of the tourism and hotel business to survive without government support in the current conditions.Conclusion. Travel agencies and hotels of the Kursk region in the conditions of a pandemic of a new viral infection risk not only not attracting new consumers of their services, but also losing a significant number of regular customers. For travel companies, the weakening of the tourist flow, both from foreign countries and domestic tourists, is a threat. Hotels in the region are also acutely dependent on the demand for tourist services. The dependence of the tourism and hotel business on government support is increasing. The coronavirus pandemic, at least in the medium term, will not allow tourism and hotel businesses to improve their economic situation.

Abai’s heritage – the basis for the formation of intellectual personality

The heritage of Abai as the basis for the formation of an intellectual personality is studied in this article, so the heritage of the thinker and the scientific conclusions are taken as a basis. If we study the works of Abai, we will meet with the basic principles of folk pedagogy that contributes to the gradual absorption of qualities in the spirit of heroism, patriotism, the struggle for honour, dignity and morality. The main idea of Abai’s works is the basic qualities of a person: the formation of «full-fledged person» is revealed comprehensively through the relationships to each other, the relationship between volitional qualities, willpower, mind and courage. The activities carried out in the education system related to the implementation of the idea of «Kazakh yeli – mangilik yel» are the main direction in the education system as well as they are the issues of establishing a link between the past and present of our history

Role of Chest CT in COVID-19.

In December 2019, a disease attributed to a new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), broke out in Wuhan, China and has spread rapidly throughout the world. CT has been advocated in selected indications as a tool toward rapid and early diagnosis. The CT patterns of COVID-19 include ground glass opacities GGO, consolidation, and crazy paving. Additional signs include a “rounded morphology” of lesions, vascular enlargement sign, nodules, and fibrous stripe. Signs of healing and organization include subpleural bands, a reticular pattern, reversed halo sign and traction bronchiectasis. Cavitation and tree in bud signs are absent and pleural effusions are rare. There is a high incidence of pulmonary embolism associated with COVID-19. CT findings in COVID-19 appear to follow a predictable timeline with maximal involvement approximately 6–11 days after symptom onset. The stages of evolution include early stage (days 0–4) with GGO being the predominant abnormality, progressive stage (days 5–8) with increasing crazy paving; and peak stage (days 9–13) with predominance of consolidation and absorption phase (after day 14) with gradual absorption of consolidation with residual GGO and subpleural bands. CT findings in COVID-19 have a high sensitivity and low specificity, determined to be 98% and 25% in a retrospective study of 1014 patients. The low specificity of CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia is due to the overlap of CT findings with other viral pneumonias and other infections, lung involvement in connective tissue disorders, drug reaction, pulmonary edema, and hemorrhage.

SITUATION OF THE UKRAINIAN DIASPORA IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE KREMLIN'S REVANCHIST POLICY TOWARDS UKRAINE

The situation of the Ukrainian diaspora in the Russian Federation (hereinafter – the Russian Federation) in the conditions of the Kremlin's revenge policy towards Ukraine and Ukrainians is analyzed. The policy of the Russian Federation concerning the gradual and purposeful absorption of the non-Russian peoples of the Russian Federation and their final transformation into Russians ("Russians") is described. The place of the Ukrainian diaspora in modern Russia is comprehended, based on the data of population censuses (1989, 2002, 2010). It was found that the Russian Federation pursues a strict aggressive policy of assimilation towards the Ukrainian diaspora, imposes its neo-imperial ideology, closes diaspora associations, Ukrainian churches, applies repressive measures against local Ukrainians, in connection with which they are forced to hide their nationality. It was found that as a result of such an assimilation policy of the central government, the Ukrainian diaspora in Russia loses its identity and uniqueness, forgets its native Ukrainian language, history, traditions and customs, gradually assimilating and merging with the Russian people. It is noted that the Ukrainian state needs to introduce a new effective Program of interaction with foreign Ukrainians, as the Program (2018 – 2020) has lost its relevance. It is proposed to include in the new Program information about various events (congresses, conferences, round tables, seminars, festivals, film screenings), attending which the Ukrainian diaspora from Russia will get acquainted with the Ukrainian language, history, science, literature, customs and traditions, songs, movies ( movies, documentaries, cartoons). It is emphasized that now the Russian authorities, under the guise of a pandemic, do not allow the Ukrainian diaspora to enter Ukraine, so there is a need to involve them in online events (online conferences, webinars, etc.) held in Ukraine, as well as to create YouTube has various channels with Ukrainian content (Ukrainian songs, customs, traditions, legends, lessons in the Ukrainian language, history, etc.) to promote all things Ukrainian on the Internet.

Dynamic Changes in Chest CT Images Over 167 Days in 11 Patients with COVID-19: A Case Series and Literature Review

Background: Recently, CT findings have been widely reported to be associated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. However, few studies have reported the correlation between CT findings and long-term outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Case presentation: Herein, we conducted a 167 day long-term follow-up of CT examination on 11 patients with COVID-19 to evaluate their long-term prognosis, particularly in severe cases. We found that the course of COVID-19 can be divided into four stages according to the characteristics of CT images: 1) early stage (1–4 days), with chest CT showing quasi-circular ground-glass shadows and fine mesh shadows; 2) progressive stage (5–10 days), showing lesion spread through the axial interstitium along the bronchi and gradual diffusion to the whole lung; 3) recovery stage (11–74 days), showing gradual absorption of the fibre cord, ground-glass, and consolidation shadows; and 4) normal stage (74 days later), indicating no serious permanent lung injuries. Conclusions: Our data indicate that chest CT can enable early detection of COVID-19 and determination of the different stages of COVID-19. Furthermore, mild cases tended to have better prognosis, whereas severe cases still showed cord-like fibrosis in the lungs in follow-up at the 167th day after symptom onset.

Self-reported communicative distance between Polish and English in formal and informal situational contexts

AbstractThis study explores the issue of communicative distance between Polish and English; its perception and conceptualization, as a function of self-reflection, are related to individual, socio-cultural and environmental, as well as linguistic factors. The aim of the article is to prove that the communicative distance is different while speaking Polish (L1) and English (L2). It was assumed that on the basis of an interlocutor’s self-reported observation and evaluation of verbal and nonverbal cues, it is possible to prove the existence of communicative distance. The research results revealed that in formal English conversations, distance was perceived as shorter than in formal Polish conversations, but in informal conversations, there were no significant differences. Due to gradual language development and absorption of English words into Polish, the study relies on a retrospective data analysis to find out the possible changes in communicative distance perception. The data was retrieved from a series of two surveys conducted in 2008 (n = 150) and 2016 (n = 150) among Poles who use English as a second language.