The implementation of the Paris agreement in Poland. Theory and practice

The main aim of this paper is to describe the legal instruments of climate protection in Poland. This issue is significant, because for several decades, climate changes and climate protection have been the object of legal regulation, both international, European and domestic. The conducted analysis concerns two main legal acts: the Act of 9 June 2011 – the Geological and Mining Law as regards CCS, and the Act of 20 February 2015 on Renewable energy (including, to a certain extent, regulations of the Act of 20 May 2016 on Investments in wind power plants) as well as other provisions relating to environmental protection. The paper closes with an evaluation of the present regulations and formulation of de lege ferenda proposals

Influence of Hyper-diversity and gentrification on social mobility and economic performance in Praga-Północ in Warsaw

The paper discusses the ongoing process of early-stage gentrification in Praga-Północ, that leads to the hyper-diversity of this area. Our study shows that diversity can play as well as a positive and negative role in fostering the area’s social mobility. A factor stimulating the process is social integration which should be simultaneously achieved. Hyper-diversity also has an impact on the area’s economic performance. Our findings show that, while generally, the establishment of a business activity is easier in such conditions due for example to low barriers to entry or the presence of a diverse clientele, firms functioning in diverse areas are less economically sustainable.Artykuł opisuje proces gentryfikacji na Pradze-Północ, który prowadzi do hiperróżnorodności tej dzielnicy. Badania pokazują, że zróżnicowanie społeczne może mieć zarówno pozytywny, jak i negatywny wpływ na mobilność społeczną, choć żeby uruchomić jego potencjał do pozytywnych zmian, ważne jest wcześniejsze zadbanie o integrację społeczną w danym regionie. Hiperróżnorodność ma także dwojaki wpływ na przedsiębiorczość na Pradze. Z jednej strony obniża próg wejścia, ułatwiając założenie biznesu, który jest w stanie się utrzymać, ale jednocześnie znacząco utrudnia wytworzenie szerokiego grona stałej klienteli, która dawałaby przedsiębiorcom poczucie stabilności i możliwość rozwoju

The impact of immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) resins on DNA aptamer selection

DNA aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides which can form various secondary and tertiary structures. They can recognize a broad range of targets ranging from small molecules, such as ions, vitamins, antibiotics, to high molecular weight structures, including enzymes and antibodies. DNA aptamers are extensively studied as a potential source of new pharmaceutical drugs due to their inexpensive synthesis, low immunogenicity, and high specificity. The commonly used aptamer selection procedure is systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) where the target molecule is immobilized on an appropriate chromatography resin. For peptide/protein targets, immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) resins are frequently used. There is a broad range of commercially available resins which can be used for IMAC. They are characterized by different metal ions, linker types, and bead materials. In this study, we tested the impact of different IMAC resins on the DNA aptamer selection process during eight SELEX cycles. A histidine-tagged 29 amino acid peptide corresponding to the interdomain connecting loop of human proliferating cell nuclear antigen was used as a selection target. Different resin materials containing the same metal ion (Co(2+)) were tested. Simultaneously, agarose resins containing identical linkers, but different metal ions (Co(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), and Zn(2+)) were analyzed. The results of this study clearly demonstrated the impact of the metal ion and resin material on the DNA aptamer selection progress. The presented data indicate that for successful IMAC resin-based SELEX, the determination of the optimal resin might be crucial

Arterial and venous thromboembolism in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: from pathogenic mechanisms to prevention and treatment

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects approximately 10% of adults older than 40 years and is an important causes of disability and death in elderly subjects. A large proportion of COPD patients suffer from cardiovascular comorbidities. Thromboembolic events contribute considerably to morbidity and mortality in these subjects. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the association of COPD with increased thromboembolic risk. We discuss multiple mechanisms potentially linking these conditions and available pharmacological interventions reducing the risk of thrombotic arterial and venous events with special attention paid to new oral anticoagulants.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects approximately 10% of adults older than 40 years and is an important causes of disability and death in elderly subjects. A large proportion of COPD patients suffer from cardiovascular comorbidities. Thromboembolic events contribute considerably to morbidity and mortality in these subjects. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the association of COPD with increased thromboembolic risk. We discuss multiple mechanisms potentially linking these conditions and available pharmacological interventions reducing the risk of thrombotic arterial and venous events with special attention paid to new oral anticoagulants

Wpływ spalania biomasy i narażeń zawodowych na czynność płuc w losowej próbie populacyjnej mieszkańców Małopolski

Introduction: Risk factors other than tobacco smoking contribute to about 20% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases. Exposure to these risk factors and their influence on lung function has not been adequately studied in the population of Malopolska. Material and methods: In random population sample of adults at least forty years old, residents of 2 districts of Malopolska, data on exposure to known and probable respiratory risk factors were collected using questionnaire. All subjects without contraindications performed pre- and post-bronchodilatator spirometry. Results: We analyzed data from 618 subjects; 94.8% subjects lived for longer than 6 months in a dwelling where stove using coal or wood has been used for cooking and/or heating. At the time of study as many as 32.5% subjects were still using coal or wood for cooking or heating. Coal or wood were used as fuel on average for more than 30 years; 67% of subjects have ever worked in professions carrying a risk of exposure to potential respiratory risk factors. We have identified an independent relationship of farming with lower FEV1/FVC values as well as increased chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk. Conclusions: Significant proportion of Malopolska inhabitants has been exposed to risks associated with cooking or heating with coal or wood. In the studied population farming was related to increased risk of chronic obstructive respiratory disease

Effects of biomass combustion and occupational exposures on lung function in random population sample of Malopolska inhabitants

Introduction: Risk factors other than tobacco smoking contribute to about 20% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases. Exposure to these risk factors and their influence on lung function has not been adequately studied in the population of Malopolska. Material and methods: In random population sample of adults at least forty years old, residents of 2 districts of Malopolska, data on exposure to known and probable respiratory risk factors were collected using questionnaire. All subjects without contraindications performed pre- and post-bronchodilatator spirometry. Results: We analyzed data from 618 subjects; 94,8% subjects lived for longer than 6 months in a dwelling where stove using coal or wood has been used for cooking and/or heating. At the time of study as many as 32.5% subjects were still using coal or wood for cooking or heating. Coal or wood were used as fuel on average for more than 30 years; 67% of subjects have ever worked in professions carrying a risk of exposure to potential respiratory risk factors. We have identified an independent relationship of farming with lower FEV1/FVC values as well as increased chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk. Conclusions: Significant proportion of Malopolska inhabitants has been exposed to risks associated with cooking or heating with coal or wood. In the studied population farming was related to increased risk of chronic obstructive respiratory disease.Wstęp: W około 20% przypadków przewlekłej obturacyjnej choroby płuc w patogenezie choroby biorą udział czynniki ryzyka inne niż palenie tytoniu. Narażenie na te czynniki i ich wpływ na czynność płuc w populacji Małopolski nie zostało dokładnie zbadane. Materiał i metody: W losowo dobranej próbie populacyjnej z 2 powiatów Małopolski, w wieku co najmniej 40 lat, zebrano za pomocą kwestionariusza szczegółowe dane dotyczące narażeń na znane i przypuszczalne czynniki ryzyka chorób układu oddechowego oraz wykonano spirometrię przed i po podaniu leku rozkurczającego oskrzela. Wyniki: Analizą objęto dane od 618 badanych; 94,8% badanych dłużej niż 6 miesięcy w życiu mieszkało w domu, w którym używano węgla do gotowania lub ogrzewania. W czasie badania aż 32,5% badanych wciąż stosowało węgiel lub drewno do gotowania i/lub ogrzewania. Średni czas używania węgla i drewna jako źródła opału przekraczał 30 lat; 67% badanych wykonywało w życiu zawód wiążący się z narażeniem na czynniki potencjalnie wpływające szkodliwie na układ oddechowy. Stwierdzono niezależny od innych czynników ryzyka wpływ pracy na roli na mniejszą wartość FEV1/FVC oraz większe ryzyko przewlekłej obturacyjnej choroby płuc. Wnioski: Znaczący odsetek mieszkańców Małopolski był narażony na spalanie węgla i drewna oraz narażenia zawodowe. W badanej populacji praca na roli wiązała się z większym ryzykiem przewlekłej obturacyjnej choroby płuc

Primary central nervous system lymphoma as a neurosurgical problem

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) comprises around 3–5% of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours and around 1% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histological type. High effectiveness of chemo- and radiotherapy for PCNSL regrettably does not eliminate significant risks of recurrence for CNS tumours. That results in higher interest in other treatment options, including surgical procedures. PCNSL remains in the scope of interest for many specialists and neurosurgeons seem to play a more important role

Outpatients specialist care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in Poland : results of the KOMPAS study

Introduction: COPD is one of the most important lung diseases. It is responsible for significant proportion of outpatients pulmonary clinics visits. Data on outpatients care of COPD patients in Poland are limited. This article presents design of the KOMPAS study and basic results relating to COPD patients. Material and methods: The aim of this prospective study was to describe population of patients with COPD treated by specialists, and to characterize methods of care used in various COPD stages. Participating physicians used pocket PCs equipped with specially developed software to collect COPD patients’ data. Results: Data on 2958 COPD patients were analyzed. 2/3 of patients were males. Mean patients age was 63 years and mean FEV1 - 57% of predicted value. 86% of all subjects underwent spirometry during the first visit or the previous 6 months. Cough and exertional dyspnoea were the most frequently reported COPD symptoms (about 80% of patients). At the first visit 32% of subjects were current smokers and 51% were ex-smokers. 17% of all study patients have never smoked. Before inclusion 2/3 of patients were treated with bronchodilatator, and about 1/3 with inhaled steroid. After entering the study, over 90% received bronchodilatator and more than 2/3 received inhaled steroid. Differences in treatment between stages of COPD based on its severity were relatively small. Conclusions: results of the KOMPAS study provide basic information about COPD outpatients care in Poland. These data, especially concerning physicians’ compliance with current COPD guidelines, may be useful in planning undergraduate/ /postgraduate training for physicians and for those who are responsible for health resource allocation