Natural and Anthropogenic Changes in the Environment in the Middle Ondava Basin (Eastern Slovakia) during the Neolithic Period

The paper summarizes the geomorphological results of a research project focused on palaeogeographical and archaeological characteristics of a Neolithic settlement in the middle Ondava Basin (north-west part of the Eastern Slovakian Lowland). Investigations on an Early Neolithic (ca. 5500-5100 BC) settlement in Moravany were carried out as part of the project. Palaeogeographical studies were carried out in the neighbouring territory of this site. The Holocene alluvia detected there were much younger than the Neolithic and no distinct traces of the activity of Neolithic people were recorded. Extremely important data were obtained in Kladzany. The general structure of the river valley records the erosional phase of the end of the Pleistocene. In the Early Holocene, the Ondava river cut off the upper part of the palaeochannel fill during lateral migration. A slow process of aggradation was noted during the Neolithic since soil-forming "kept up" with the sedimentation. A change in the rhythm of the overbank deposition occurred after 5,830±40 BP which led to the fossilization of the soil by an over 1 m thick layer of silts. It is difficult to determine whether it is related to human activity

Tradycje muzyczne społeczności polskiej na Wileńszczyźnie : opinie i zachowania

Książka jest wersją rozprawy doktorskiej.Niniejsza praca jest próbą omówienia tradycji muzycznych społeczności polskiej na Wileńszczyźnie w świetle badań terenowych oraz kwerend bibliotecznych, które przeprowadziłem w okresie pomiędzy wrześniem 1997 i październikiem 2001 r. Poruszane zagadnienie dotychczas nie doczekało się pełnego opracowania.Agnieszka Uziębł

Sensorimotor C5 and C6 radiculopathy caused by thrombosed vertebral artery dissection and successfully treated with limited oblique corpectomy – Case report

The authors report the case of an exceptional presentation of vertebral artery dissection. A 44-year-old man who presented with left shoulder weakness, radicular pain and numbness of the left forearm and thumb was admitted to our hospital with an initial diagnosis of cervical disc herniation. Due to the inconsistency between the levels of radiculopathy (C5 and C6) and discopathy (C6–C7), neuroimaging examinations were extended. Based on MRI, MRA, CTA and DSA, left vertebral artery dissection with intramural hematoma was diagnosed. The patient underwent surgical decompression of the affected nerve roots using the anterolateral approach described by Bernard George. The radicular pain resolved immediately and sensorimotor deficit completely disappeared within 4 months. MRI/MRA performed 6 months after surgery showed the normal image of the vertebral artery. There were no ischemic events within 2.5 years of follow-up

Oblique corpectomy for treatment of cervical spine epidural abscesses: Report on four cases

Background Spinal epidural abscesses (SEAs) in cervical locations are particularly life-threatening. Currently, SEAs are widely treated with bony decompression, followed by internal stabilization in purulent osteomyelitis. However, recently, a growing number of studies have reported minimally invasive approaches without internal fixation. Purpose We describe four patients with cervical SEAs that were evacuated by oblique corpectomy (OC) without fusion. Methods This study included two women and two men (aged 44–90) that received operations for removing ventral cervical SEAs. All patients presented with progressively increasing myelopathy, and 3 had severe comorbid conditions. In all cases, a multilevel OC without fusion was performed. The amount of bone resection was tailored to fit the needs of granulation removal, with an effort to retain as much of the vertebral bodies as possible. Then, pus was evacuated and debridement of granulation was performed, followed by rinsing and drainage. Results The neurological status of 3 patients improved significantly after surgery. At the last follow-up examination, one showed full recovery, and in two a minor residual deficit persisted. During mean follow-up of 5.5 years, no internal stabilization was necessary. The oldest patient was tetraplegic, and had several concomitant diseases. That patient died from sudden cardiac arrest on the third postoperative day. Oblique corpectomy did not affect the anterior or posterior column. Additionally, it provided a broad view of the ventral aspect of the spinal canal. Conclusions Oblique corpectomy allows appropriate spinal cord decompression and granulation removal in the case of cervical spine epidural abscess, without sacrificing spinal stability

Application of the Complex Event Processing system for anomaly detection and network monitoring

Protection of infrastructures for e-science, including grid environments and NREN facilities, requires the use of novel techniques for anomaly detection and network monitoring. The aim is to raise situational awareness and provide early warning capabilities. The main operational problem that most network operators face is integrating and processing data from multiple sensors and systems placed at critical points of the infrastructure. From a scientific point of view, there is a need for the efficient analysis of large data volumes and automatic reasoning while minimizing detection errors. In this article, we describe two approaches to Complex Event Processing used for network monitoring and anomaly detection and introduce the ongoing SECOR project (Sensor Data Correlation Engine for Attack Detection and Support of Decision Process), supported by examples and test results. The aim is to develop methodology that allows for the construction of next-generation IDS systems with artificial intelligence, capable of performing signature-less intrusion detection

The Impact of the Progressive Efficiency Test on a Rowing Ergometer on White Blood Cells Distribution and Clinical Chemistry Changes in Paralympic Rowers During the Preparatory Stage Before the Paralympic Games in Rio, 2016 – A Case Report

There is a large gap in knowledge regarding research on post-exercise blood changes in disabled athletes. There are relatively few data on adaptive mechanisms to exercise in disabled athletes, including disabled rowers. Two rowers from a Polish adaptive rowing settle TAMix2x that qualified for the Paralympic Games in Rio, 2016 took part in this study. They performed a progressive test on a rowing ergometer until exhaustion. The cardiorespiratory fitness measures, complete blood count, white blood cells’ distribution and 30 clinical chemistry variables describing laboratory diagnostic profiles and general health were determined. The extreme effort induced changes in all studied metabolites (glucose, creatinine, urea, uric acid, total and direct bilirubin), albumin, total protein levels in both participants. Furthermore, a post-exercise increase in aspartate transaminase activity, yet a 2-fold decrease during the recovery time in both rowers were found. White blood cell count increased 2-fold after the test. The percentages of natural killer cells were higher and total T lymphocytes were lower after the exercise protocol. There were higher percentages of suppressor/cytotoxic and lower percentages of helper/inducer T lymphocyte subsets in both studied rowers. No changes in B lymphocytes distribution were observed. Lack of inflammatory symptoms during the experiment suggests a high level of rowers’ biological adaptation to the physical effort. The different changes in physiological, biochemical and immunological variables are related to the adaptive mechanism to physical exercise allowing for improvement of performance

Stężenie adiponektyny, leptyny, rezystyny i insuliny we krwi chorych z niedokrwiennym udarem mózgu

Introduction: Stroke, due to its worldwide prevalence, is not only a medical challenge, but also a serious social problem. Recently, ongoing research has examined whether there are associations between adipose tissue hormones and the risk, mechanisms and course of stroke. The aim of our study was to determine whether there are significant differences in blood concentrations of insulin, adiponectin, leptin, resistin and in insulin resistance among patients in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke, compared to healthy subjects. In addition, we wanted to investigate if those biochemical values show a correlation with the neurological condition of our patients. Material and methods: Adiponectin, leptin, resistin and insulin were measured in patients (n = 69) with first-ever ischaemic stroke (confirmed by CT), using specific electrochemoluminescence, radioimmunoassay and ELISA methods. Neurological evaluation was performed using Barthel ADL index on the day of admission and on the ninth day of hospitalisation. Insulin resistance value was obtained via the HOMA-IR calculator. Data was compared to that of healthy individuals (n = 26). Results: Insulin concentration (51.08 v. 17.02 uU/mL) and HOMA-IR value (6.3 v. 2.2) were significantly higher in the study group. Leptin (14.98 v. 10.47 ng/mL) and resistin (28.92 v. 12.25 ng/mL) levels were elevated among the stroke survivors compared to controls, but no significant difference was noted in adiponectin. Negative correlations of adiponectin level and Barthel score were observed. Conclusions: Hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance are involved in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. Hyperleptinaemia and hyperresistinaemia play a role in the mechanism of stroke. The severity of stroke is associated with adiponectin blood concentration. (Endokrynol Pol 2012; 63 (5): 338-345)Wstęp: Udar mózgu stanowi częstą przyczynę zgonów oraz najczęstszą przyczynę trwałej niesprawności u osób powyżej 40. roku życia. Od kilku lat badana jest rola adipocytokin w patogenezie chorób OUN. Celem pracy jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy istnieją różnice w stężeniach adiponektyny, leptyny, rezystyny i insuliny we krwi między chorymi w ostrej fazie niedokrwiennego udaru mózgu a osobami zdrowymi oraz czy istnieje związek między stężeniami wyżej wymienionych hormonów we krwi a stanem neurologicznym chorych, ocenianym za pomocą skali Bartel w momencie rozpoczęcia leczenia oraz dalszej obserwacji. Materiał i metody: Badanie przeprowadzono u 69 chorych (37 kobiet, śr. wieku 72 lata, 32 mężczyzn, śr. wieku 68 lat) z objawami udaru niedokrwiennego mózgu. U wszystkich chorych wykonano TK mózgu, dokonano oceny stanu neurologicznego przy przyjęciu oraz w 9. dobie leczenia za pomocą skali "ciężkości udaru" według Bartela oraz oznaczono we krwi stężenia adiponektyny, leptyny, rezystyny i insuliny. Wyniki: Nie stwierdzono różnicy w stężeniu adiponektyny we krwi między grupą z niedokrwiennym udarem mózgu a grupą kontrolną (15.49 v. 14.32 ug/mL). Stężenia leptyny (14.98 v. 10.47 ng/mL), rezystyny (28.92 v. 12.25 ng/mL), insuliny (51.08 v. 17.02 uU/mL) oraz wskaźnik insulinooporności HOMA (6.3 v. 2.2) u chorych z niedokrwiennym udarem mózgu były większe niż u osób zdrowych. Stwierdzono ujemną korelację pomiędzy wartością skali Bartel a stężeniem adiponektyny u chorych z udarem niedokrwiennym zarówno w dniu przyjęcia (R -0.266, p < 0.05), jak i w 9 dobie leczenia (R -0.302, p < 0.05). Wnioski: Wydaje się, że zarówno hiperinsulinemia i insulinooporność, jak i hiperleptynemia oraz hiperezystynemia odgrywają rolę w patogenezie niedokrwiennego udaru mózgu. Stopień ciężkości udaru w momencie wystąpienia oraz jego przebieg jest z kolei związany ze stężeniem adiponektyny we krwi. (Endokrynol Pol 2012; 63 (5): 338-345

The blood concentration of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in patients with active thyroid-associated orbitopathy before and after methylprednisolone treatment

Background: The soluble forms of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) have been found to be increased in the blood of patients with Graves´ disease. The aim of this study is evaluation of the serum concentrations of soluble forms of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) before and after methylprednisolone treatment. Material and methods: The study was performed in 40 Graves´disease, hyperthyroid and euthyroid patients with a clinically active form of TAO. Serum concentrations of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 in TAO patients were determined by enzymelinked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) before and after intensive pulse methylprednisolone treatment. Results: We did not find any significant changes in the studied parameters between TAO patients with hyperthyroidism and those with euthyroidism. The serum concentrations of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were significantly increased in patients with TAO before methylprednisolone therapy when compared with the control group. After treatment serum concentrations of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 decreased significantly but were still significantly higher than for the control group. Conclusion: From the results obtained we can conclude that Graves´ orbitopathy itself but not thyroid function is probably responsible for the elevated level of the adhesion molecules studied.Wstęp: Stężenie rozpuszczalnych form cząstek adhezyjnych między innymi międzykomórkowej cząstki adhezyjnej-1 (sICAM-1) oraz naczyniowej cząstki adhezyjnej-1 wzrasta w surowicy krwi chorych na chorobę Gravesa. Celem pracy była ocena stężenia sICAM-1oraz sVCAM-1 u chorych na chorobę Gravesa powikłaną aktywną formą orbitopatii tarczycowej przed oraz po leczeniu immunosupresyjnym. Materiał i metody: Badania przeprowadzono w grupie 40 chorych na chorobę Gravesa (w stanie hyper- oraz eutyreozy) powikłaną wystąpieniem aktywnej formy orbiopatii tarczycowej. Stężenie sICAM-1oraz sVCAM-1 w surowicy krwi oznaczano metodą immunoenzymatyczną (ELISA) przed oraz po leczeniu pulsami dożylnymi metylprednisolonu. Wyniki: Nie wykazano istotnej statystycznie różnicy w stężeniu badanych cząstek adhezyjnych między chorymi na chorobę Gravesa w stanie nadczynności tarczycy oraz w eutyreozie powikłaną aktywną orbitopatią tarczycową. Stężenie sICAM- 1 oraz sVCAM-1 było znamiennie statystycznie podwyższone u chorych przed leczeniem pulsami metylprednisolonu w porównaniu z grupą kontrolną. Po leczeniu stężenie cząstek adhezyjnych uległo znamiennemu statystycznie obniżeniu. Wnioski: Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników można wnioskować, że prawdopodobnie orbitopatia tarczycowa, a nie stan metaboliczny tarczycy, odpowiedzialny jest za wzrost stężenia badanych cząstek adhezyjnych

Samorząd terytorialny w oczach socjologów – dyskusja

The last elections in Poland have substantially changed the political discourse. The new government has started to implement numerous reforms. Many of them aroused great controversy, including the one introducing changes in the local government system. This discussion can be considered as an invitation to broader considerations on the future of local government in Poland. It contains statements of six sociologists who are professionally interested in local government issues. They were inspired by three questions (asked by the editors of the text) about: (i) the possible outcome of the reform of the territorial self-government (ii) the functioning of the territorial self-government (iii) the evaluation of the discussion on the announced changes. The answers to these questions were based on the research knowledge and research experiences of the respondents and are therefore more science-based that general opinions typical for a public discussion which often manifest the worldview (or political attitudes) of the debating parties.Ostatnie wybory w Polsce mocno zmieniły sytuację polityczną. Nowe władze przystąpiły do realizacji licznych reform. Wiele z nich wzbudziło duże kontrowersje. Dotyczy to także zapowiedzi związanych ze zmianami w systemie samorządu terytorialnego. Artykuł można potraktować jako zaproszenie do dyskusji na temat przyszłości samorządności terytorialnej w Polsce. Zawiera wypowiedzi sześciu socjologów zajmujących się problematyką samorządową. Były one inspirowane trzema pytaniami, które dotyczyły: (1) bilansu polskiej reformy samorządowej, (2) problemów funkcjonowania samorządów, (3) oceny przebiegu dyskusji poświęconej zapowiedzianym zmianom. Wypowiedzi (odpowiedzi na pytania) opierają się na kompetencjach badaczy i ich doświadczeniu badawczym, są zatem w większym stopniu odwzorowaniem wiedzy naukowej i doświadczeń badawczych niż opinii, czy światopoglądu, które właściwe są dyskursowi publicznemu