The effect of additions of silver or titanium (0.5 or 3 vol.%) microparticles on the microstructure, as well as some physical properties of Al2O3-based composites, were studied. The processing method for the manufacturing of alumina-based composites was a combination of RBAO and SPS processes. After the SPS process, bodies with almost full density were obtained. Observations by optical microscopy show a very fine and homogenous microstructure in all samples. Concerning mechanical properties, the addition of metals on alumina increases its fracture toughness significantly (112% for the sample with additions of silver, while the composite with additions of titanium fracture toughness increases by 72%). In terms of optical properties, both silver and titanium improve the absorbance in the visible range.

Testicular torsion is a frequently encountered clinical condition that requires urgent treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) in treating the pathological condition due to ischemia and reperfusion injury by using biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical methods.
A total of 6 groups were formed with 8 male Wistar Albino rats in each group. Group 1 (n=8): control group, Group 2 (n=8): Anise aqueous solution was given orally 5 ml/kg by gavage for 30 days. Group 3 (n=8): Ischemia and Reperfusion (I/R) group, bilateral testicles were rotated 270° and reperfused after 30 minutes of ischemia. Group 4 (n=8): I/R+ Anise group, Group 5 (n=8): Anise+ I/R group and Group 6 (n=8): Anise+ I/R+ Anise group.
The results of the Anise group and the Control group were similar. However, the damage in the I/R group was considerably more severe than in any of the other study groups. While it was observed that spermatogenic cells started to regenerate in the I/R+Anise group, edema and congestion were observed in the Anise+I/R group. In the Anise+I/R+Anise group, all histological findings and biochemical parameters were similar to those of the control group.
It was observed that anise had protective effects in ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat testicles.

The article presents a previously unknown poem by Jalu Kurek, found in the Józef Czechowicz Museum of Literature in Lublin. The youthful poem titled Nostalgia shows Kurek’s breaking away from the spell of futurism and edging towards an avant-garde poetics with a great deal of juxtaposition.