Information technology in the context of pedagogical innovation for sustainable development. Examples of activities in Poland and Austria

The main issue raised in the text is the issue of using information technology in education, in a multilayered manner, which compels intellectual and ethical considerations. Attention was paid to the problems of the Internet in the era of globalization, the common home of all people, which is the object of human concern for sustainable development. There is also an important issue of the TECHNOLOGY of integrated EDUCATION - humanity and everything that surrounds it is a unity, and nature is not something separate. The role of education in shaping an awareness of possible international dialogue in the issue of re-established ecology is also underlined. Modern technology in education is not an action aimed at completely stopping human interference in nature and preserving it in an absolutely intact state, but a harmonious coexistence and joint development of a man together with the world around him. It is primarily a new lifestyle, a positive use of information technology for solidarity between people and the resulting new attitude to nature. The competences belonging to the imagination of information technology undoubtedly include skills such as: anticipating the technological and Internet effects of the actions undertaken, the ability to see and integrate human connections, school education and IT processes and design activities with the requirements of technological knowledge. It is nowadays that it is a call to the proper attitude of man towards the world around him

Oxygen-glucose deprivation in organotypic hippocampal cultures leads to cytoskeleton rearrangement and immune activation : link to the potential pathomechanism of ischaemic stroke

Ischaemic stroke is characterized by a sudden loss of blood circulation to an area of the brain, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurologic function. As a result of this process, neurons in the ischaemic core are deprived of oxygen and trophic substances and are consequently destroyed. Tissue damage in brain ischaemia results from a complex pathophysiological cascade comprising various distinct pathological events. Ischaemia leads to brain damage by stimulating many processes, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, acidotoxicity, and apoptosis. Nevertheless, less attention has been given to biophysical factors, including the organization of the cytoskeleton and the mechanical properties of cells. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to evaluate whether the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) procedure, which is a commonly accepted experimental model of ischaemia, could affect cytoskeleton organization and the paracrine immune response. The abovementioned aspects were examined ex vivo in organotypic hippocampal cultures (OHCs) subjected to the OGD procedure. We measured cell death/viability, nitric oxide (NO) release, and hypoxia-inducible factor $1\alpha$ (HIF-$1\alpha$) levels. Next, the impact of the OGD procedure on cytoskeletal organization was evaluated using combined confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Concurrently, to find whether there is a correlation between biophysical properties and the immune response, we examined the impact of OGD on the levels of crucial ischaemia cytokines (IL-$1\beta$, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-10, IL-4) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL5, CXCL10) in OHCs and calculated Pearsons’ and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. The results of the current study demonstrated that the OGD procedure intensified cell death and nitric oxide release and led to the potentiation of HIF-$1\beta$ release in OHCs. Moreover, we presented significant disturbances in the organization of the cytoskeleton (actin fibers, microtubular network) and cytoskeleton-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), which is a neuronal marker. Simultaneously, our study provided new evidence that the OGD procedure leads to the stiffening of OHCs and a malfunction in immune homeostasis. A negative linear correlation between tissue stiffness and branched IBA1 positive cells after the OGD procedure suggests the pro-inflammatory polarization of microglia. Moreover, the negative correlation of pro- and positive anti-inflammatory factors with actin fibers density indicates an opposing effect of the immune mediators on the rearrangement of cytoskeleton induced by OGD procedure in OHCs. Our study constitutes a basis for further research and provides a rationale for integrating biomechanical and biochemical methods in studying the pathomechanism of stroke-related brain damage. Furthermore, presented data pointed out the interesting direction of proof-of-concept studies, in which follow-up may establish new targets for brain ischemia therapy

Multilineage differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells : impact of 3D and hypoxic environment on osteogenesis in vitro

Human dental pulp harbours unique stem cell population exhibiting mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) characteristics. This study aimed to analyse the differentiation potential and other essential functional and morphological features of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in comparison with Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs from the umbilical cord (UC-MSCs), and to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs in 3D culture with a hypoxic microenvironment resembling the stem cell niche. Human DPSCs as well as UC-MSCs were isolated from primary human tissues and were subjected to a series of experiments. We established a multiantigenic profile of DPSCs with CD45−/CD14−/CD34−/CD29+/CD44+/CD73+/CD90+/CD105+/Stro-1+/HLA-DR− (using flow cytometry) and confirmed their tri-lineage osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation potential (using qRT-PCR and histochemical staining) in comparison with the UC-MSCs. The results also demonstrated the potency of DPSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro. Moreover, we showed that the DPSCs exhibit limited cardiomyogenic and endothelial differentiation potential. Decreased proliferation and metabolic activity as well as increased osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs in vitro, attributed to 3D cell encapsulation and low oxygen concentration, were also observed. DPSCs exhibiting elevated osteogenic potential may serve as potential candidates for a cell-based product for advanced therapy, particularly for bone repair. Novel tissue engineering approaches combining DPSCs, 3D biomaterial scaffolds, and other stimulating chemical factors may represent innovative strategies for pro-regenerative therapies

Management of stress incontinence in older women

Introduction: Stress incontinence is a problem increasingly affecting older people. This discomfort has an impact on women as a greater extent. Stress urinary incontinence is described as involuntary leakage of urine during even minor efforts: sneezing, coughing, rapid gait. At the beginning inconspicuous loss of a few drops of urine is often not alarming for women. The problem is significant because women often go to a specialist very late and the reason for this is shame. Many people think that this is an accident of old age and it can’t be stopped. Nothing could be more wrong, it can be dealt with. Material and methods: Articles in the EBSCO database have been analysed using keywords: stress incontinence, problems of old age, physiotherapy in urology, older women. Results: The incidence of stress incontinence in women increases with age. The main reason is muscular weakness, which is caused, among other things by pregnancies and labours. Another reason may be hormonal disorders and genetic predisposition. Statistics show that obese women are more likely to suffer from SUI. The progress of medicine and pharmacology is also increasingly effective in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. First, after finding the problem, conservative treatment is introduced. Treatment is adapted to each patient individually. Age, existing diseases, weight are important factors in the process of treatment. In pharmacology Duloxetine is used. The use of this drug does not completely eliminate the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Due to the possibility of side effects i.e. nausea, the drug is used very carefully. In recent years, physiotherapy has been highly valued in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The most important is kinesitherapy here. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles brings the most beneficial effects. Active exercises are supported by: electrostimulation, magnetotherapy and vibro-therapy. The final form of SUI treatment is surgical treatment. However, this do not always bring the expected results. In order to increase the effectiveness of therapy for patients with SUI, the interdisciplinary cooperation of the medical team should be used. Treatment of stress urinary incontinence primarily leads to improved quality of life for patients. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence is a social disease. Women struggle with this problem twice as often than men. Stress incontinence accounts for 63% of all forms of urinary incontinence in women in Poland. The incidence of incontinence increases with age. Problems with stress urinary incontinence become a reason for isolation from society. The patients are not aware of the treatment possibilities, which often results in late inclusion of treatment and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of SUI treatment options. Therefore it is necessary to personalise rehabilitation process to best fit to each patient. Keywords: stress incontinence, problems of old age, physiotherapy in urology, older women

Therapeutic treatment in the elderly with heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome that is the last common stage in many cardiovascular diseases. The main causes leading to the development of HF are, among others, primary impairment of myocardial contractility, volume and / or ventricular congestion, and obstruction of the diastolic duct due to pericardial diseases. The methods of detecting heart failure include: an accurate interview with the patient, laboratory tests and echocardiography. Treatment options include non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical treatment. A very important aspect of cure is also physical activity and appropriate nutritional treatment

Laboratory tests in geriatric patients - an overview of the latest reports

Laboratory tests are extremely important in patient’s monitoring and/or diagnosing. We described those that are particularly significant for elderly patients, namely: peripheral blood morphology, arterial blood gasometry, cancer markers. The aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge about laboratory tests important in geriatrics, as well as draw attention to the diverse use of laboratory tests in clinical practise

Abnormal muscle tension as one of the main problems after a stroke

Background: Stroke is a growing problem in an aging society. According to WHO data, it is the second most common cause of death. An increase in the number of strokes causes an increase in the number of patients struggling with its consequences. People who have suffered a stroke are dealing with various neurological defects. One of them is abnormal muscle tension. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: stroke, muscle tension, spasticity. Results: The problem of disturbed tension is common in people who have had a stroke. Spasticity, i.e. increased muscle tone in response to stretching, results from damage to the central nervous system. Direct and indirect methods are used to assess spasticity. In the fight against destroyed muscle tension, it is important to implement treatment as soon as possible. It is based on the use of various forms of therapy: pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy. Physiotherapy and kinesitherapy treatments as well as specialized rehabilitation methods, such as PNF. The rehabilitation process should be supplemented with appropriate pharmacological treatment. Equally important is the implementation of stroke prevention. These activities are associated with the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, for example, regular exercise and stress reduction. Conclusion: Muscle tension disorder, including spasticity, is a problem affecting many patients who have had a stroke. A timely diagnosis is important to get the right therapy. Treatment should have a holistic dimension and combine different methods. The goal of therapy is to normalize muscle tone and thus improve the patient's quality of life

Sarcopenia as a problem of old age - a form of rehabilitation

Background: Sarkopenia as a disease has relatively recently become the object of research and the work of the academic community. Despite this, sarcopenia is an increasingly serious social problem, it can be seen in a large number of statistics and epidemiological studies. Among geriatric patients, along with their multiformity and the associated use of a large amount of medicines, it causes many negative effects related to the functioning of the whole organism as well as the quality of life of the patient himself. Material and methods: Analysis of available literature, articles in the Google Scholar and PubMed database using keywords: sarcopenia, geriatrics, rehabilitation, loss of muscle mass. Results: Among the studies and recommendations concerning sarcopenia, a continuous lack of clear, transparent and confirmed diagnostic criteria can be stated. At the diagnosis of this disease, an X-ray or a bioelectrical impedance analysis is used. Other methods used are functional tests, including a six-minute walk test or "Timed-Up and Go" test (TUG). In the case of rehabilitation of people with sarcopenia, the most effective form of kinesitherapy is individually selected resistive training, which has a positive effect not only on muscle mass growth, but also the body's protein metabolism and the improvement of the endocrine system. Physiotherapy is the most commonly used method of physical therapy, among other methods of rehabilitation there are also therapeutic massage, aqua aerobics, vibratory training, and Nordic Walking and diet supplementation. Conclusions: Sarcopenia in geriatric patients, especially with ineffective treatment and rehabilitation, has a destructive impact on both the physical and mental sphere of the patient. There is a great need for more extensive research, both on the whole disease process and the effectiveness of forms of assistance to patients

Stiffening of DU145 prostate cancer cells driven by actin filaments-microtubule crosstalk conferring resistance to microtubule-targeting drugs

The crucial role of microtubules in the mitotic-related segregation of chromosomes makes them an excellent target for anticancer microtubule targeting drugs (MTDs) such as vinflunine (VFL), colchicine (COL), and docetaxel (DTX). MTDs affect mitosis by directly perturbing the structural organisation of microtubules. By a direct assessment of the biomechanical properties of prostate cancer DU145 cells exposed to different MTDs using atomic force microscopy, we show that cell stiffening is a response to the application of all the studied MTDs (VFL, COL, DTX). Changes in cellular rigidity are typically attributed to remodelling of the actin filaments in the cytoskeleton. Here, we demonstrate that cell stiffening can be driven by crosstalk between actin filaments and microtubules in MTD-treated cells. Our findings improve the interpretation of biomechanical data obtained for living cells in studies of various physiological and pathological processes

International Academic Conference Central and Eastern Europe in the International Politics of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries 7–8 November 2022, Kraków

Słowo wstępne: "Oddajemy w Państwa ręce księgę abstraktów międzynarodowej konferencji naukowej „Europa Środkowo-Wschodnia w polityce międzynarodowej XX i XXI wieku”, która w dniach 7–8 listopada 2022 r. gromadzi w murach Krakowskiej Akademii im. Andrzeja Frycza Modrzewskiego doświadczonych badawczy, doktorantów i studentów z Polski i zagranicy. Konferencja została zorganizowana przez Katedrę Stosunków Międzynarodowych Krakowskiej Akademii im. Andrzeja Frycza Modrzewskiego we współpracy z Instytutem Historii i Archiwistyki Uniwersytetu Pedagogicznego im. KEN w Krakowie (współorganizator). Partnerami naukowymi są Instytut Historyczny Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego (organizator pierwszej części konferencji, przeprowadzonej w dniu 26 maja 2022 r.), Katedra Badań nad Obszarem Eurazjatyckim Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w Krakowie oraz Instytut Zachodni im. Zygmunta Wojciechowskiego. Celem konferencji jest wniesienie wkładu w dyskusję naukową o historycznych doświadczeniach państw Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej oraz współczesnych wyzwaniach i zagrożeniach, z którymi są konfrontowane rządy i społeczeństwa państw tego regionu."(...)Patronat honorowy Prof. KAAFM dr Klemens Budzowski – Rektor Krakowskiej Akademii im. Andrzeja Frycza Modrzewskiego Oddział Krakowski Polskiego Towarzystwa Studiów Europejskic