The study investigates how the presence of traffic signalling elements (road markings and traffic signs) affects the behaviour of young drivers in night-time conditions. Statistics show that young drivers (≤30 years old) are often involved in road accidents, especially those that occur in night-time conditions. Among other factors, this is due to lack of experience, overestimation of their ability or the desire to prove themselves. A driving simulator scenario was developed for the purpose of the research and 32 young drivers took two runs using it: (a) one containing no road markings and traffic signs and (b) one containing road markings and traffic signs. In addition to the driving simulator, eye tracking glasses were used to track eye movement and an electrocardiograph was used to monitor the heart rate and to determine the level of stress during the runs. The results show statistically significant differences (dependent samples t-test) between the two runs concerning driving speed, lateral position of the vehicle, and visual scanning of the environment. The results prove that road markings and traffic signs provide the drivers with timely and relevant information related to the upcoming situation, thus enabling them to adjust their driving accordingly. The results are valuable to road authorities and provide an explicit confirmation of the importance of traffic signalling for the behaviour of young drivers in night-time conditions, and thus for the overall traffic safety.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify Buhlmann fCAL turbo reagent, used for analysing calprotectin in stool, on serum samples. Methods: Leftover patients’ serum samples were used. Verification protocol included: precision performed in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP15-A3 guidelines; comparison of Buhlmann fCAL turbo and serum GCAL Gentian reagents; verification of reference intervals (RI) proposed from literature (0.68–5.45 mg/L) in accordance with CLSI EP28-A3C guidelines; limit of blank (LoB) and limit of quantitation (LoQ) performed in accordance with CLSI EP17-A2 guidelines; linearity performed in accordance with CLSI EP6-A guidelines; carry-over and lastly, hook effect. Acceptance criteria were based on manufacturer specifications stated in the package insert for the fCAL turbo Buhlmann reagent designed for analysing calprotectin in stool samples. Results: The CVs% for precision were within acceptance criteria, ≤10 %. Bland-Altman analysis showed the presence of a bias of 3.4 mg/L (95 % confidence interval 2.00–4.79). The equation for the Passing-Bablok regression was y= −0.01 (−0.08 to 0.06) + 0.37 (0.36–0.40)x, and it showed proportional difference. The obtained LoB was 0 mg/L, while the LoQ was 0.04 mg/L (CV% ≤ 20 %). The method was linear in the range 0.04–4.14 mg/L, and carry-over (0.1 %) and hook effect were not detected. The proposed RI in the literature was verified using 20 leftover patients’ samples. Conclusions: Despite being declared for analysing stool samples only, Buhlmann fCAL turbo reagent can be used to determine serum calprotectin. Buhlmann fCAL turbo reagent is not comparable to the GCAL Gentian reagent.

This study investigated the releasing dynamics of serum ST2 and calprotectin in patients with acute IS. The study included acute IS patients (N = 20) with an NIH Stroke Scale score ≥8. Sampling was performed at seven time points: after admission (T0) and at the following 24 h consecutive intervals (T1–T6). Primary outcome at 90 days was evaluated using the modified Rankin scale: 0–2 for good and 3–6 for poor functional outcome. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality after 90 days. Fifteen patients had a poor outcome, and eight died. Results showed a statistically significant difference in ST2 concentrations between good and poor outcomes at T0 (p = 0.04), T1 (p = 0.006), T2 (p = 0.01), T3 (p = 0.021), T4 (p = 0.007), T5 (p = 0.032), and for calprotectin T6 (p = 0.034). Prognostic accuracy was highest for ST2 at T1 for a cut-off > 18.9 µg/L (sensitivity 80% and specificity 100.0%) and for calprotectin at T5 for a cut-off > 4.5 mg/L (sensitivity 64.3% and specificity 100.0%). Serum ST2 and calprotectin-releasing dynamics showed a valuable prognostic accuracy for IS outcomes.

Resumen: Objetivos: El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar la validez del reactivo fCAL turbo, que se emplea para la determinación de la calprotectina en muestras fecales, para las muestras séricas. Métodos: Se utilizaron muestras de suero sobrantes obtenidas de los pacientes. El protocolo de validación incluyó un estudio de precisión realizado conforme a las directrices EP15-A3 del Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI); un análisis comparativo entre los reactivos Bühlmann fCAL turbo y Gentian GCAL; la verificación de los intervalos de referencia (IR) propuestos en la literatura (0,68–5,45 mg/L), siguiendo las recomendaciones de la guía EP28-A3C del CLSI; la estimación del límite de blanco (LB) y del límite de cuantificación (LQ) según la guía EP17-A2 del CLSI; y la evaluación de la linealidad conforme a la guía EP6-A. También se comprobó el arrastre y del efecto ”hook”. Los criterios de aceptación se establecieron en función de las especificaciones del fabricante incluidas en el manual de uso del reactivo fCAL turbo Buhlmann para el análisis de la calprotectina en muestras fecales. Resultados: Los coeficientes de variación (CV) obtenidos en el estudio de precisión cumplieron los criterios de aceptación establecidos, con valores≤10 %. El análisis Bland-Altman reveló la presencia de un sesgo de 3,4 mg/L (intervalo de confianza del 95 %. 2,00–4,79). La ecuación para la regresión de Passing-Bablok fue y= −0,01 (−0,08 – 0,06) + 0,37 (0,36–0,40)x, mostrando una diferencia proporcional. El LB obtenido fue de 0 mg/L, con un LQ de 0,04 mg/L (CV – 20 %.). El método fue lineal en el intervalo 0,04–4,14 mg/L, no habiendo detectado arrastre (0,1 %.) o efecto hook. Validamos los IR propuestos en la literatura empleando 20 muestras sobrantes de pacientes. Conclusiones: Aunque, según el fabricante, el reactivo Buhlmann fCAL turbo está destinado únicamente al análisis de muestras fecales, también se puede emplear para la determinación de la calprotectina en suero. Por otro lado, el reactivo Buhlmann fCAL turbo no es intercambiable con el reactivo GCAL Gentian.

B-group vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) are water-soluble micronutrients essential for energy metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and redox homeostasis. This chapter provides a comprehensive clinical review of B-vitamin status across internal medicinegynaecology, and neurology. In obesity and diabetes, B-vitamin insufficiency frequently coexists with metabolic dysfunction, contributing to insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk, with metformin, GLP-based therapies, and bariatric surgery further depleting B12 and folate. In female reproductive medicine, folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism modulates ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes, with additional specificities in polycystic ovary syndrome and sickle cell disease. Neurologically, B-vitamin deficiency remains an important reversible cause of encephalopathy, myelopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and cognitive decline, while vitamin B6 excess causes dose-dependent sensory neuropathy. In elderly patients, age-related physiological and socioeconomic changes increase deficiency risk, particularly for B12. The chapter emphasizes shared mechanisms of B-vitamin metabolism and deficiencies, including homocysteine regulation, outlines practical monitoring strategies using functional biomarkers, addresses drug-nutrient interactions, and provides evidence-based supplementation guidelines. A unified, precision-medicine approach integrating early recognition, appropriate laboratory evaluation, and targeted supplementation/therapy optimizes outcomes across disciplines.