Social and Economic Aspects of Educational Activity of Elderly People in Poland and Spain - A Comparative Study

The major research problem is the comparative study of circumstances of elderly people’s educational activity in Poland and Spain. The object of the research is to pay attention to the issues regarding to educational needs, opportunities for education and developing the cognitive processes in elderly people as well as the methods of organisation of institutions involved into this area of activity. The objective of this article is to at least attempt to present institutional measures offered by the said countries relating to this age group, especially with regard to the support of their cognitive development and the idea of lifelong learning. One of the article’s elements is showing the good practice regarding to these problems, which are well worth being paid attention to and being established in the Polish educational practice toward elderly people

Kształtowanie się odpowiedzialności karnej lekarza jako urzędnika państwowego pod rządami kodeksu karnego z 1932 r.

The topic of the present article concerns the evolution of criminal liability portrayed by using the example of the relationship between the concepts of a doctor and an official, which was characteristic of the historical and system of state changes occurring in the state. Numerous legal institutions, which are currently in force in the Penal Code, were shaped between 1918 and 1939. After 1945 and the establishment of the Polish People's Republic, the role of the state increased, which was expressed in the treatment of doctors as officials and state functionaries, which was, in turn, related to the subjugation of every area of life to state regulation. Despite this, judicial decisions of the courts attempted to reduce criminal liability which pertained to a disproportionately large circle of subjects. This jurisprudential direction was the basis for the current solutions, which came into force in the Penal Code of 1997.Przedmiotem artykułu jest ewolucja odpowiedzialności karnej ukazana na przykładzie relacji pojęć lekarz–urzędnik, która była charakterystyczna dla zmian historycznych i ustrojowych państwa. Wiele instytucji prawnych, które obecnie obowiązują w kodeksie karnym, ukształtowało się w latach 1918-1939. Po 1945 r. i powstaniu Polskiej Rzeczypospolitej Ludowej wzrosła rola państwa, co wyrażało się w traktowaniu lekarza jak urzędnika i funkcjonariusza państwowego, co było z kolei związane z poddaniem regulacji państwowej każdej dziedziny życia. Mimo to orzecznictwo sądowe próbowało zmniejszyć odpowiedzialność karną, która dotyczyła zbyt dużego kręgu podmiotów. Ten kierunek orzeczniczy był podstawą obecnych rozwiązań, które weszły w życie w kodeksie karnym z 1997 r

Classification of Expansive Grassland Species in Different Growth Stages Based on Hyperspectral and LiDAR Data

Expansive species classification with remote sensing techniques offers great support for botanical field works aimed at detection of their distribution within areas of conservation value and assessment of the threat caused to natural habitats. Large number of spectral bands and high spatial resolution allows for identification of particular species. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data provide information about areas such as vegetation structure. Because the species differ in terms of features during the growing season, it is important to know when their spectral responses are unique in the background of the surrounding vegetation. The aim of the study was to identify two expansive grass species: Molinia caerulea and Calamagrostis epigejos in the Natura 2000 area in Poland depending on the period and dataset used. Field work was carried out during late spring, summer and early autumn, in parallel with remote sensing data acquisition. Airborne 1-m resolution HySpex images and LiDAR data were used. HySpex images were corrected geometrically and atmospherically before Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) transformation and vegetation indices calculation. Based on a LiDAR point cloud generated Canopy Height Model, vegetation structure from discrete and full-waveform data and topographic indexes were generated. Classifications were performed using a Random Forest algorithm. The results show post-classification maps and their accuracies: Kappa value and F1 score being the harmonic mean of producer (PA) and user (UA) accuracy, calculated iteratively. Based on these accuracies and botanical knowledge, it was possible to assess the best identification date and dataset used for analysing both species. For M. caerulea the highest median Kappa was 0.85 (F1 = 0.89) in August and for C. epigejos 0.65 (F1 = 0.73) in September. For both species, adding discrete or full-waveform LiDAR data improved the results. We conclude that hyperspectral (HS) and LiDAR airborne data could be useful to id

Study on a three-step rapid assembly of zolpidem and its fluorinated analogues employing microwave-assisted chemistry

We developed an efficient microwave-assisted three-step synthesis of zolpidem and its fluorinated analogues 1–3. The procedure relays on the utilization of easily accessible and inexpensive starting materials. Our protocol shows superior performance in terms of yield and purity of products, compared to conventional heating systems. Notably, the total time needed for reaction accomplishment is significantly lower comparing to oil bath heating systems. Finally, we have performed a detailed study on the preparation of zolpidem tartrate salt I, and we assessed its particle-sizes using a polarizing microscope. Our goal was to select the appropriate method that generates the acceptable particle-size, since the solid-size directly influences solubility in biological fluids and further bioavailability. We believe that the disclosed procedure will help to produce a lab-scale quantity of zolpidem and its fluorinated derivatives 1–3, as well as zolpidem tartrate salt I, with suitable fine-particle size for further biological experimentation

Prognostic factors in patients surgically treated after hip fracture

Wstęp: Osteoporoza z racji zmian demograficznych oraz nieprawidłowego stylu życia społeczeństw rozwiniętych stała się poważnym problemem społecznym. Złamanie bliższego końca kości udowej stanowi jej najpoważniejsze powikłanie, związane z dużą śmiertelnością lub trwałymi następstwami. Celem pracy była ocena wpływu wybranych czynników socjoekonomicznych i czasu interwencji chirurgicznej na rokowanie. Materiał i metody: W badaniu uczestniczyło 148 pacjentów (114 kobiet i 34 mężczyzn) w wieku od 48 do 93 lat, po operacyjnym leczeniu złamania bliższego końca kości udowej, wśród których przeprowadzono badanie ankietowe. Wyniki: W trakcie rocznej obserwacji zmarło 34 pacjentów, co stanowiło 23% badanej grupy. Kolejnych porównań dokonano w dwóch grupach. Wśród 114 pacjentów, którzy przeżyli roczną obserwację (grupa A) oraz w grupie pacjentów, którzy zmarli (grupa B). Średnia wieku pacjentów z grupy A wynosiła 76,3 lata , a dla pacjentów grupy B &#8212; 82,6 lat (p < 0,05). W grupie A przed złamaniem 79,8% pacjentów deklarowało pełna samodzielność, w porównaniu do 44,1 % w grupie B (p < 0,05). Regularnie uprawiało różne formy aktywności fizycznej 39,5% z grupy A i 11,8% w grupie B (p < 0,05). Aktywne spędzaniu czasu poza domem zgłaszało 32,5 % chorych w grupie A vs 14,7% w grupie B. Złamanie wpłynęło niekorzystnie na sytuację materialną pacjentów. Nie stwierdzono zależności między szybkością operacji a rokowaniem pacjentów. Wnioski: 1. Złamanie bliższego końca kości udowej mimo zastosowania leczenia zabiegowego nadal obarczone jest dużym ryzykiem zgonu. 2. Duża aktywność fizyczna, szczególnie poza domem, samodzielność oraz posiadanie partnera wpływają korzystnie na rokowanie pacjentów po złamaniu bliższego końca kości udowej. 3. Złamanie bliższego końca kości udowej ma negatywny wpływ na sytuację materialną pacjentów. 4. Szybkość interwencji chirurgicznej po złamaniu bliższego końca kości udowej nie ma wpływu na przeżywalność. (Endokrynol Pol 2013; 64 (2): 108&#8211;113)Introduction: By the impact of demographic changes and as the result of the &#8216;incorrect&#8217; lifestyles pursued in developed societies, osteoporosis has become a serious social problem. Hip fracture is the most serious complication of osteoporosis and is associated with high mortality rates or permanent health impairment. The goal of this study was an evaluation of the impact of selected socio-economic factors and of the time period from fracture to surgical intervention on the patient&#8217;s prognosis. Material and methods: A group of 148 patients (114 women and 34 men) participated in the study, their age varying between 48 and 93 years, all of them after surgical treatment of hip fracture. A questionnaire study was carried out, encompassing all the participants. Results: During a year-long follow up, thirty-four (34) patients, i.e. 23% of the whole group, passed away. Further comparisons were performed between two groups: Group A &#8212; 114 patients, who survived the follow up period, and Group B &#8212; those who died. The mean age of patients was 76.3 and 82.6 years in Groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05). In Group A, 79.8% of the patients declared full self-dependence prior to fracture episode vs. 44.1% of the patients in Group B (p < 0.05). Regular physical activity &#8212; in various forms &#8212; was undertaken by 39.5% of the patients in Group A and 11.8% of those in Group B (p < 0.05). Active ways of spending outdoor time were reported by 32.5% of the patients in Group A vs. 14.7% in Group B (p < 0.05). Fracture unfavourably influenced the material situation of affected patients. No relationship was found between the time period from fracture to surgery and the patient&#8217;s prognosis. Conclusions: 1. Despite the currently available surgical treatment methods, hip fracture is still laden with a high risk of fatality. 2. High physical activity, especially outdoors, self-dependence and having a partner positively influence patient&#8217;s prognosis after hip fracture. 3. Hip fracture negatively changes the material situation of patients. 4. The length of time from hip fracture to operation has no effect on the survival rate. (Endokrynol Pol 2013; 64 (2): 108&#8211;113

Evaluation of superoxide dismutase activity and its impact on semen quality parameters of infertile men.

The evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as one of the most important antioxidative defence enzymes, in seminal plasma of patients consulting for male infertility was presented in the article. The study included also the determination of its influence on selected human semen quality parameters. The material represents semen samples obtained from 15 men, which were divided into two groups: Group I (n=10) including patients consulting for infertility and Group II (n=5) containing healthy sperm donors as a control. All of the semen samples were cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen. The frozen samples were thawed at the same time and then SOD activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The analysis of the investigations results indicates a significantly lower semen SOD activity detected in oligoasthenozoospermic patients, comparing to the activity found in normospermic men. The study showed a positive correlation between SOD activity in seminal plasma and semen quality parameters--sperm concentration and overall motility, which are regarded as the most important for normal fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa. Significantly lower SOD activity in seminal plasma of infertile patients, comparing to healthy sperm donors, as well as positive correlation and beneficial impact of SOD activity on human semen quality parameters seem to confirm the observations, that decreased seminal plasma scavenger antioxidant capacity, particularly in form of low SOD activity, can be responsible for male infertility. This trial shows that SOD activity survey in seminal plasma could be a useful tool for determining sperm fertilization potential and could improve the diagnosis of male infertility

In vitro studies of polyhedral oligo silsesquioxanes: Evidence for their low cytotoxicity

As scientific literature considers polyhedral oligosilsesquioxanes (POSS) as potential drug delivery systems, it is necessary to check their impact on mammalian cells. Toxicity of octaammonium chloride salt of octaaminopropyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (oap-POSS) towards two cell lines: mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) and embryonic mouse hippocampal cells (mHippoE-18) was studied. Experiments consisted of analysis of a cell cycle, cell viability, amount of apoptotic and necrotic cells, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). POSS caused a shift in the cell population from the S and M/G2 phases to the G0/G1 phase. However, the changes affected less than 10% of the cell population and were not accompanied by increased cytotoxicity. POSS did not induce either apoptosis or necrosis and did not generate reactive oxygen species. A cytotoxicity profile of POSS makes it a promising starting material as drug carrier

Cytosolic superoxide dismutase activity after photodynamic therapy, intracellular distribution of Photofrin II and hypericin, and P-glycoprotein localization in human colon adenocarcinoma.

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a tumor-selective photosensitizer is administered and then activated by exposure to a light source of applicable wavelength. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is largely caused by the efflux of therapeutics from the tumor cell by means of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), resulting in reduced efficacy of the anticancer therapy. This study deals with photodynamic therapy with Photofrin II (Ph II) and hypericin (Hyp) on sensitive and doxorubicin-resistant colon cancer cell lines. Changes in cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) activity after PDT and the intracellular accumulation of photosensitizers in sensitive and resistant colon cancer cell lines were examined. The photosensitizers' distributions indicate that Ph II could be a potential substrate for P-gp, in contrast to Hyp. We observed an increase in SOD1 activity after PDT for both photosensitizing agents. The changes in SOD1 activity show that photodynamic action generates oxidative stress in the treated cells. P-gp appears to play a role in the intracellular accumulation of Ph II. Therefore the efficacy of PDT on multidrug-resistant cells depends on the affinity of P-gp to the photosensitizer used. The weaker accumulation of photosensitizing agents enhances the antioxidant response, and this could influence the efficacy of PDT

A discussion of the intervention thresholds in osteoporosis treatment in Poland

Introduction: Epidemiological prognoses regarding the global spread of post-menopausal osteoporosis can prove somewhat nebulous. But it is clear that low-energy fractures and their consequences will become an increasingly serious health problem. Therefore it is crucial to implement prognostic procedures which could more effectively predict the incidence of osteoporosis and its complications. Material and methods: The study involved 378 female patients aged 40&#8211;86 years for whom clinical risk factors of osteoporotic fracture were analysed. Densitometry (DPX) was performed at femoral neck. The 10&#8211;year risk of fracture was assessed according to the British model of FRAX calculator. Results: The study group was divided into two, depending on the history of low-energy fractures. Previous osteoporotic fractures were confirmed in 128 patients. In this group, the mean bone mineral density (BMD) values (0.717 g/cm2) were lower than in the group without fracture history (0.735 g/cm2). In 33.3% of patients aged 50-59 years and 17% of women aged 60-79 who required medical treatment for their clinical status (previous fracture), the FRAX value did not meet the criterion of pharmacotherapy administration. Considering BMD in the calculation of FRAX produced an even higher underestimation of the fracture risk. Of women aged 40-49, 25% were qualified for pharmacotherapy of osteoporosis. In that particular age category, BMD did not affect the FRAX value. BMD measurement had a higher discriminatory value among patients aged 50-79, increasing the number of patients requiring therapy by more than 50%. Conclusions: 1. The FRAX calculator does not always consider the history of low-energy fractures as a criterion sufficient for therapy implementation. 2. Designing a FRAX calculator specifically for the Polish population would be advisable. (Pol J Endocrinol 2011; 62 (1): 30-36)Wstęp: Prognozy epidemiologiczne dotyczące rozprzestrzenienia osteoporozy pomenopauzalnej na świecie są niepokojące. W związku z tym konsekwencje złamań niskoenergetycznych będą stanowiły coraz większy problem zdrowotny społeczeństw. Konieczne staje się zatem wdrożenie postępowań, które będą skuteczniej przewidywały występowanie osteoporozy pomenopauzalnej i powikłań choroby. Materiał i metody: Występowanie klinicznych czynników złamania oceniano w grupie 378 pacjentek w wieku 40-86 lat. Dodatkowo u wszystkich kobiet przeprowadzono badanie densytometryczne bliższego końca kości udowej. W celu obliczenia 10-letniego ryzyka złamania posłużono się modelem brytyjskim kalkulatora FRAX. Wyniki: W niniejszej pracy grupę badaną podzielono na dwie części w zależności od wywiadu dotyczącego wystąpienia niskoenergetycznego złamania. U 128 pacjentek stwierdzono w przeszłości złamanie osteoporotyczne. W tej grupie średnie wartości gęstości mineralnej kości (BMD, bone mineral density) (0,717 g/cm2> ) były niższe niż w grupie bez złamań (0,735 g/cm2>). W grupie między 50.-59. rokiem życia, która ze względu na stan kliniczny (wcześniejsze złamanie) wymagała leczenia, wartość FRAX w 33,3%, a między 60.-79. rokiem życia w 17%, nie spełniała kryterium włączenia farmakoterapii. Uwzględniając FRAX BMD w grupie między 60.-79. rokiem życia, stwierdzono jeszcze większe niedoszacowanie ryzyka złamań, sięgające 25%. Wśród kobiet między 40.-49. rokiem życia, bez złamań, 25% kwalifikowała się do farmakoterapii osteoporozy pomenopauzalnej. W tej kategorii wiekowej dodanie informacji BMD nie wpływało na wysokość FRAX-10. Badanie BMD miało większą wartość dyskryminacyjną wśród chorych między 50.-79. rokiem życia, zwiększając liczbę włączonych według wskazań do terapii farmakologicznej nawet o ponad 50%. Wnioski: 1. Kalkulator FRAX nie zawsze uwzględnia wcześniejsze złamanie niskoenergetyczne jako wystarczające kryterium do wdrożenia terapii. 2. Wskazane jest opracowanie kalkulatora FRAX dla polskiej populacji. (Endokrynol Pol 2011; 62 (1): 30-36