Interactions of levetiracetam with ethosuximide in the mouse 6 Hz psychomotor seizure model - a type II isobolographic analysis

The aim of the present study was to characterize the anticonvulsant effects of levetiracetam in combination with ethosuximide in the mouse 6 Hz psychomotor seizure model. Limbic (psychomotor) seizure activity was evoked in albino Swiss mice by a current (32 mA, 6 Hz, 3 s stimulus duration) delivered via ocular electrodes; type II isobolographic analysis was used to characterize the consequent anticonvulsant interactions between the drug combinations for fixed-ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:5 and 1:10. With type II isobolographic analysis, the combinations of levetiracetam with ethosuximide for the fixed-ratios of 1:5 and 1:10 were supra-additive (synergistic; P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively) in terms of seizure suppression, while the combinations for the fixed-ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 were additive in the mouse 6 Hz psychomotor seizure model. The combinations of levetiracetam with ethosuximide for the fixed-ratios of 1:5 and 1:10 appear to be particularly favorable combinations exerting supra-additive interaction in the mouse 6 Hz psychomotor seizure model. Finally, it may be concluded that because of the synergistic interactions between levetiracetam and ethosuximide, the combination might be useful in clinical practice

Satisfaction with interpersonal relations among employees of State Forests in Poland

Introduction and objective. The aim of this study is to assess the interpersonal relations of employees of State Forests in Poland, as well as to indicate the factors related to the level of satisfaction with the relations among people employed in similar positions, and relations with superiors. Materials and method. The issues investigated were developed based on research conducted between 2014–2015 among employees of State Forests in Poland. In each of the 9 forest districts selected, 25 people were selected for testing from 3 groups of employees: foresters, deputy foresters and supervisors, together with administrative staff. Altogether, 399 people took part in the study conducted by means of a questionnaire. Results. The study showed that the overall level of satisfaction with interpersonal relations among employees of State Forests in Poland is high. Analysis indicated that the demographic characteristics of respondents, such as age, gender or place of residence, had no significant influence on satisfaction with interpersonal relations in the workplace. However, the level of satisfaction with interpersonal relations was positively affected by a high level of overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with remuneration. Decrease in the level of satisfaction was influenced by the accumulation of stressful life events and employment in administration. Conclusions. Satisfaction with interpersonal relationships in the workplace is an important indicator of employee mental health. Studies have shown the need to broaden the scope of research into the variables that determine the character and personality of an employee

Emotional attitudes of young people completing secondary schools towards genetic modification of organisms (GMO) and genetically modified foods (GMF)

Objective. The objective of the study was recognition of the opinions of adolescents completing secondary schools concerning genetically modified organisms and genetically modified food, especially the respondents’ emotional attitude towards scientific achievements in the area of live genetically modified organisms. Material and method. The study covered a group of 500 school adolescents completing secondary school at the level of maturity examination. The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a self-designed questionnaire form. Results. Knowledge concerning the possible health effects of consumption of food containing GMO among adolescents competing secondary schools is on a relatively low level; the adolescents examined ‘know rather little’ or ‘very little know’ about this problem. In respondents’ opinions the results of reliable studies pertaining to the health effects of consumption of GMO ‘rather do not exist’. The respondents are against the cultivation of GM plants and breeding of GM animals on own farm in the future. Secondary school adolescents considered that the production of genetically modified food means primarily the enrichment of biotechnological companies, higher income for food producers, and not the elimination of hunger in the world or elimination of many diseases haunting humans