Teachers’ Opinions on Health Education Implementation in Polish Lower and Upper Secondary Schools

The article presents the findings of the research conducted in order to learn physical education teachers’ opinions on the implementation of the health education content. The study was carried out in lower and upper secondary schools located in the region of Upper Silesia (Poland). A quantitative method was used to gather and analyse data. The survey was conducted with a specially designed questionnaire including 17 items. The research was based on the analysis of core curriculum concerning the objectives and content of health education planned to be implemented during physical education classes in lower and upper secondary schools. The research allowed for identifying potential gaps and good practices in school-based health education and health promotion in the Polish socio-cultural conditions

HBK-14 and HBK-15 with antidepressant-like and/or memory-enhancing properties increase serotonin levels in the hippocampus after chronic treatment in mice

5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(7) receptor ligands might have antidepressant-like properties and improve cognitive function. We previously reported significant antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of two dual 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(7) receptor antagonists in various behavioral tests in rodents. As a continuation of our previous experiments, in this study we aimed to investigate whether chronic administration of 1-[(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)ethoxyethyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (HBK-14) and 1-[(2-chloro-6-methylphenoxy)ethoxyethyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (HBK-15) caused antidepressant-like effects and elevated serotonin levels in the murine hippocampus. We also evaluated cholinolytic properties and the influence of acute administration of both compounds on cognitive function in mice. To assess antidepressant-like properties and the influence on learning and memory we used forced swim test and step-through passive avoidance task in mice, respectively. Both compounds showed antidepressant-like properties and significantly elevated serotonin levels in the hippocampus after chronic treatment (HBK-14 – 2.5 mg/kg; HBK-15 – 0.625 and 1.25 mg/kg). HBK-15 administered chronically antidepressant-like activity at lower dose (0.625 mg/kg) than the dose active after acute treatment (1.25 mg/kg). None of the compounds affected locomotor activity of mice. HBK-15 possessed very weak cholinolytic properties, whereas HBK-14 did not show any effect on muscarinic receptors. Only HBK-15 (0.625 mg/kg) presented memory-enhancing properties and ameliorated cognitive impairments caused by scopolamine (1 mg/kg). Our results indicate that 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(7) antagonists might have potential in the treatment of depression and possess positive influence on cognitive function

Modelowanie AHP wyboru menadżera ds. integracji organizacyjnej w procesie fuzji przedsiębiorstw w kontekście teorii struktury rozwoju przywództwa.

Objective: elaboration of a decision-making model for choosing the organizational integration manager in the process of companies’ merger. Research Design & Methods: Analytic Hierarchy Process has been employed for model designing. Decision criteria came from a literature analysis on mergers and acquisitions. Decision alternatives derive from the modified Leadership Development Framework by Torbert & Cook-Greuter. Assessments of relevance of decision-making criteria have been acquired from carefully selected experts in mergers and acquisitions. Findings: research resulted in a decision-making model that proved that the possibly optimal efficiency of managing the organizational integration stage should be attributed to the Achiever leadership level. Implications & Recommendations: the model can be used in praxis for choosing managers, whenever their field of expertise is not the unique selection criterion. Contribution & Value Added: the application of a multicriteria decision-making model allows a wider perspective on managerial personnel selection for precisely defined managerial tasks – incorporating the candidate’s personality as one of the decision-making factors

Lipid Profile in Adolescent Girls with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperandrogenemia

Study Objectives. The study aim was to evaluate whether hyperandrogenemia in adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) may adversely influence lipid profile. Design and Participants. Lipid levels in 16 diabetic girls with biochemical hyperandrogenemia (T1DM-H) aged 16.3 ± 1.2 years were compared to 38 diabetic girls with normal androgen levels (T1DM-N) aged 15.8 ± 1.2 years. 15 healthy girls served as controls (CG). In all patients, anthropometric measurements were done, and androgens and SHBG were assessed. Results. In T1DM-H, total cholesterol (TC) and low density cholesterol (LDL-ch) were significantly higher than in CG (196.1 ± 41.2 versus 162.7 ± 31.7 mg/dL, p=0.01; 117.3 ± 33.1 versus 91.3 ± 27.8 mg/dL, p=0.01, resp.). Their LDL-ch, non-high density cholesterol (non-HDL-ch) concentrations, and LDL/HDL ratio were also significantly higher than in T1DM-N (117.3 ± 33.1 versus 97.7 ± 26.7 mg/dL, p=0.03; 137.3 ± 42.9 versus 113.3 ± 40.4 mg/dL, p=0.04; 2.8 ± 3.7 versus 1.6 ± 0.5, p=0.04, resp.). In stepwise multiple linear regression, free androgen index (FAI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were associated with TC (R2=0.4, p<0.0006), non-HDL-ch (R2=0.4, p<0.0003), and LDL-ch (R2=0.4, p<0.0008). Triglycerides and LDL/HDL ratio were (R2=0.7, p<0.0001, R2=0.6, p<0.0003 resp.) related to testosterone, FAI, WHR, and mean HbA1c. Conclusion. Lipid profile in diabetic adolescent girls is adversely influenced by the androgens level, particularly in the group with higher WHR and poorer glycemic control

The use of selected neutrophil protein plasma concentrations in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis : a preliminary report

Background: Difficulties in diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) motivate the search for new diagnostic tools, including laboratory tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate concentrations of the neutrophil (NEU) proteins leukocyte elastase (HLE-α1AT), lactoferrin and calprotectin as potential biomarkers used in the diagnosis and assessment of clinical activity of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).Material/Methods: The study included 27 patients with CD, 33 patients with UC and 20 healthy controls. Plasma concentrations of calprotectin, lactoferrin and HLE-α1AT were measured using ELISA.Results: In patients with CD higher concentrations of HLE-α1AT (64.3±43.1 vs. 30.1±7.7 ng/l, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001), calprotectin (151.6±97.8 vs. 69.9±22.1 ng/l, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001) and lactoferrin (243.2±102.0 vs. 129.7±32.7 ng/l, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001) than in the control group were found. In patients with UC higher plasma concentrations of HLE-α1AT (62.0±30.9 vs. 30.1±7.7 ng/l, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001), calprotectin (149.6±72.3 vs. 69.9±22.1 ng/l, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001) and lactoferrin (242.6±107.5 vs 129.7±32.7 ng/l, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001) than in the control group were found. HLE-α1AT/NEU and lactoferrin/NEU ratios in patients with UC were significantly higher compared with patients with CD. Calprotectin (P=0.010) and lactoferrin (P=0.023) levels were higher in patients with the active compared with inactive phase of CD.Conclusions: The diagnostic characteristics of plasma granulocyte protein concentrations indicate the usefulness of these tests in the diagnosis of IBD. Higher HLE-α1AT and lactoferrin/NEU ratios in patients with UC than with CD may suggest the usefulness of these ratios in differential diagnostics. Plasma calprotectin and lactoferrin levels may be useful in CD activity assessment

Evaluation of antinociceptive and antioxidant properties of 3-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-dihydrofuran-2-one in mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 3-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-dihydrofuran-2-one (LPP1) on nociceptive thresholds in mouse models of persistent pain. Influence of LPP1 on motor coordination and its antioxidant capacity in mouse brain tissue homogenates were also assessed. Pain sensitivity thresholds in animals treated with LPP1 were established using 5 % formalin solution in normoglycemic mice and in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic mice in the von Frey, hot plate, innocuous, and noxious cold water tests (water at 10 °C and 4 °C, respectively). Motor deficits were assessed in the rotarod test, whereas antioxidant capacities were evaluated using ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. LPP1was antinociceptive in both phases of the formalin test, in particular, in the late phase (at doses 0.9–30 mg/kg for 66–99 % vs. control normoglycemic mice) and in a statistically significant manner increased nociceptive thresholds in response to mechanical, heat, and noxious cold stimulation in neuropathic mice (at 30 mg/kg for 274, 192, and 316 %, respectively vs. diabetic control). LPP1 did not impair motor coordination of mice in the rotarod revolving at 6 or 18 rpm. In brain tissue homogenates, it demonstrated antioxidant capacity in FRAP assay and increased SOD activity for 63 % (acute administration) and 28 % (chronic administration) vs. control. No influence on CAT activity was observed. LPP1 has significant antinociceptive properties in the formalin model and elevates pain thresholds in neuropathic mice. It has antioxidant capacity and is devoid of negative influence on animals' motor coordination

Markers of antioxidant defense in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aims. Diabetes is considered a state of increased oxidative stress. This study evaluates blood concentrations of selected markers of antioxidant defense in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. The study included 80 type 2 diabetes patients and 79 apparently healthy controls. Measured markers included ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and uric acid serum, and plasma and/or hemolysate levels. Results. FRAP, uric acid, CRP, and GGT levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes. Plasma and hemolysate GR was significantly higher whereas GPx activity was significantly lower in patients with diabetes. There were no significant differences in antioxidant defense markers between patients with and without chronic diabetes complications. Fasting serum glucose correlated with plasma GPx, plasma and hemolysate GR, FRAP, and serum GGT, and HbA1c correlated with serum GGT. Only FRAP and serum uric acid were significantly higher in obese (BMI>30 kg/m2) patients with diabetes than in nonobese patients. Conclusions. Some components of antioxidant defense such as GR, uric acid, and GGT are increased in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the whole system cannot compensate for an enhanced production of ROS as reflected by the trend toward decreased erythrocytes GSH