Analiza narracji wojennych kobiet

Artykuł stanowi przyczynek do raportu z badań jakościowych przeprowadzonych na przełomie 2013 i 2014 roku. W owym opracowaniu przybliżone zostają doświadczenia wojenne kobiet w odniesieniu do codzienności czasu wojny. Zgromadzony materiał badawczy analizowany jest na kanwie dwóch zasadniczych pytań: co respondentki mówią o czasie wojny oraz w jaki sposób to robią. Poszukiwane są również cechy wspólny czy charakterystyczne dla narracji kobiecych. Rozmowy z kobietami rozpatrzone zostały na dwóch płaszczyznach – w odniesieniu do płci kulturowej oraz biologicznejThe article makes a contribution to the report coming from quality research conducted at the turn of 2013 and 2014. It presents women’s war experience with reference to their everyday lives in that time. Material has been analysed in respect of two main questions: what do the interviewers talk about the war time and how they do it. All the common characteristics and attributes typical for women’s stories have been underlined . What’s more, all the interviews have been examined regarding the sex and the gender

Self-reported health-related behaviors and dietary habits in patients with metabolic syndrome

Background: There is an ongoing debate about factors affecting the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle especially in the population without coronary artery disease (CAD) symptoms and with one or several risk factors. The study was aimed at describing self-reported health-related behaviors and dietary habits in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: Consecutive patients with an outpatient diagnosis of MetS admitted to our cardiology department underwent clinical examination and cardiovascular risk assessment based on the SCORE scale. Self-reported intensity of pro-healthy behaviors was described using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) developed by Juczynski. Diet quality was assessed using the 24-h dietary recall method, diet history questionnaire and the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI). Results: A total of 113 patients were recruited (90 males, mean age 48 ± 9 years) including 85% of patients with at least moderate cardiovascular risk (SCORE ≥ 1%). Central obesity was confirmed in 100%, family history of CAD in 75%, LDL exceeding 115 mg/dL in 68% of the patients. A total of 66% of the patients had already been on antihypertensive and 30% on lipid-lowering treatment without previous counselling on lifestyle modification. Most patients reported high or medium level health-related behaviors (23% and 45%, respectively). However, 91% led sedentary lifestyle and none of the patients followed cardioprotective diet recommendations. According to the HEI, 73% required partial and 27% complete diet modification. Conclusions: There is a significant discrepancy between health perception and medical recommendations in patients with MetS. Effective patient education, taking into account a revision of the patient’s knowledge on the principles of prophylaxis, may form the fundament for the changes in patient behavior, and cardiovascular risk reduction.

Intraoperative imaging of hybrid procedure for muscular ventricular septal defects closure with Amplatzer Duct Occluder II

Hybrid approach becomes a promising conception of an alternative treatment for muscular ventricular septal defects (VSD) closure in infants. In this paper we report epicardial echocardiography imaging that enabled successful hybrid procedure performed in premature infant referred for surgical correction of a large perimembraneous VSD with simultaneous perventricular approach for concomitant muscular VSD. Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, 12: 1280–128

Omega 6 fatty acids for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Background Omega 6 plays a vital role in many physiological functions but there is controversy concerning its effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There is conflicting evidence whether increasing or decreasing omega 6 intake results in beneficial effects. Objectives The two primary objectives of this Cochrane review were to determine the effectiveness of: 1. Increasing omega 6 (Linoleic acid (LA), Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), Arachidonic acid (AA), or any combination) intake in place of saturated or monounsaturated fats or carbohydrates for the primary prevention of CVD. 2. Decreasing omega 6 (LA, GLA, DGLA, AA, or any combination) intake in place of carbohydrates or protein (or both) for the primary prevention of CVD. Search methods We searched the following electronic databases up to 23 September 2014: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on the Cochrane Library (Issue 8 of 12, 2014); MEDLINE (Ovid) (1946 to September week 2, 2014); EMBASE Classic and EMBASE (Ovid) (1947 to September 2014); Web of Science Core Collection (Thomson Reuters) (1990 to September 2014); Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) and Health Technology Assessment Database, and Health Economics Evaluations Database on the Cochrane Library (Issue 3 of 4, 2014). We searched trial registers and reference lists of reviews for further studies. We applied no language restrictions. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions stating an intention to increase or decrease omega 6 fatty acids, lasting at least six months, and including healthy adults or adults at high risk of CVD. The comparison group was given no advice, no supplementation, a placebo, a control diet, or continued with their usual diet. The outcomes of interest were CVD clinical events (all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal end points) and CVD risk factors (changes in blood pressure, changes in blood lipids, occurrence of type 2 diabetes). We excluded trials involving exercise or multifactorial interventions to avoid confounding. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included trials. Main results We included four RCTs (five papers) that randomised 660 participants. No ongoing trials were identified. All included trials had at least one domain with an unclear risk of bias. There were no RCTs of omega 6 intake reporting CVD clinical events. Three trials investigated the effect of increased omega 6 intake on lipid levels (total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), and high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol)), two trials reported triglycerides, and two trials reported blood pressure (diastolic and systolic blood pressure). Two trials, one with two relevant intervention arms, investigated the effect of decreased omega 6 intake on blood pressure parameters and lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol) and one trial reported triglycerides. Our analyses found no statistically significant effects of either increased or decreased omega 6 intake on CVD risk factors. Two studies were supported by funding from the UK Food Standards Agency and Medical Research Council. One study was supported by Lipid Nutrition, a commercial company in the Netherlands and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. The final study was supported by grants from the Finnish Food Research Foundation, Finnish Heart Research Foundation, Aarne and Aili Turnen Foundation, and the Research Council for Health, Academy of Finland. Authors’ conclusions We found no studies examining the effects of either increased or decreased omega 6 on our primary outcome CVD clinical endpoints and insufficient evidence to show an effect of increased or decreased omega 6 intake on CVD risk factors such as blood lipids and blood pressure. Very few trials were identified with a relatively small number of participants randomised. There is a need for larger well conducted RCTs assessing cardiovascular events as well as cardiovascular risk factors

Factors determining the water chemical composition of Tatras waters with special consideration to research of ion concentration on example of West Tatra

The purpose of research was hydrochemical characteristic of stream and spring waters. The research took place in West Tatra. Sixty seven water samples were taken. In hydrochemical laboratory of IGiGP UJ 14 ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+, Li+, CHO3-, SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, F-, Br-) were measured using method of chromatography (DIONEX ICS-2000). Special attention was put of methods of making pH, total hardness and bicarbonates. The markings were made using traditional methods (titration – general and carbonate hardness, colorimetry – pH) and ions concentration was compared with results of ion chromatography. Waters were classified in respect of hydrochemical, herdness and water quality classes (Dz.U. Nr 143 poz. 896 i Nr 162 poz. 1008).Chemistry of waters is characterized by domination of calcium (29,11mg•dm-3, (64,4% mval)) among cations and bicarbonates (102,70 mg•dm-3 (80,1% mval)) among anions. According to hydrochemical classification of Szczukariew and Prikłoński these waters are three-ion, class 16 (HCO3-Mg-Ca) and four-ion, class 9 (HCO3-SO4-Mg-Ca). Because of low concentration of calcium and magnesium these waters are fairly very soft (39%) and soft (34%) (Pazdro, Kozerski 1990). Acording to water quality classes tested waters belong to first class. Concentration of general and carbonate hardness does not show substantial differences between results received by using titration methods and the modern one.Celem pracy była charakterystyka hydrochemiczna wód powierzchniowych i podziemnych. Badania przeprowadzono w Tatrach Zachodnich (TPN). Pobrano 67 próbek wody. W laboratorium hydrochemicznym IGiGP oznaczono 14 jonów (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+, Li+, CHO3-, SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, F-, Br-) metodą chromatografii jonowej używając DIONEX ICS-2000. Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na metodykę oznaczenia w wodzie pH, twardości ogólnej i węglanowej. Oznaczenia wykonano metodami tradycyjnymi (miareczkowanie – twardość ogólna i węglanowa, kolorymetryczna – pH metodą Helliga) i stężenie jonów porównano z wynikami chromatografii jonowej. Wody sklasyfikowano pod względem: hydrochemicznym, twardości ogólnej i węglanowej, i jakości wód (Dz.U. Nr 143 poz. 896 i Nr 162 poz. 1008).Chemizm wód charakteryzuje się dominacją wapnia (29,11mg•dm-3, (64,4% mval)) wśród kationów i wodorowęglanów (102,70 mg•dm-3 (80,1% mval)) wśród anionów. Według klasyfikacji hydrochemicznej Szczukariewa i Prikłońskiego wody są trzyjonowe klasy 16 (HCO3-Mg-Ca) oraz czterojonowe, klasy 9 (HCO3-SO4-Mg-Ca). Ze względu na niskie stężenia wapnia i magnezu są to głównie wody bardzo miękkie (39%) lub miękkie (34%) (Pazdro, Kozerski 1990). Pod względem jakości są to wody pierwszej klasy czystości.Stężenie twardości ogólnej i węglanowej nie wykazuje istotnych różnic pomiędzy użytymi metodami. Zwykle stężenia jonów uzyskane w latach 50’tych są podobne do współczesnych

Direct NO decomposition on the oxide layer on acid proof steel foil

Praca zawiera wyniki badań dotyczących bezpośredniego rozkładu tlenku azotu na fazach tlenkowych wytworzonych na folii ze stali kwasoodpornej oraz wpływu cząstek węglowych na konwersje tlenku azotu do azotu.Użyta kwasoodporna folia może być wykorzystana do produkcji monolitów metalicznych do oczyszczania gazów wylotowych w elektrowniach.Charakterystyka fizykochemiczna warstw tlenkowych – powstałych na powierzchni folii kwasoodpornej w czasie utleniania w powietrzu w 823K przez 48h obejmuje morfologie powierzchni (SEM), skład fazowy (RS) i skład powierzchniowych monowarstw (XPS).Stwierdzono obecność faz spinelowych i pojedynczych tlenków następujących metali: Fe, Cr, Mn, Ti, Ni w powierzchniowych nanowarstwach utlenionej folii. Ilościowy tych nanowarstw wskazywał na silną segregację powierzchniową Ti, Cr i Mn.Testy katalitycznej aktywności w bezpośrednim rozkładzie NO wykazały wysoką aktywność katalizatora oraz wysoką selektywność do N2. Dodatkowo, sadza dodana do układu powodowała ok. dwukrotny wzrost konwersji a także wzrost selektywności do azotu najsilniejszy w temperaturze 723 K.This work contains results of research on the direct decomposition of nitric oxide in the oxide phases formed on acid proof steel foil and influence of carbon particles on the conversion of nitric oxide to nitrogen.The acid proof steel foil may be used for production of metalic monolith used in the exhaust gas cleaning in power stations.Physicochemical characterization of the oxide layers formed on the surface of steel foil during 48h long oxidation in air at 823K contains surface morphology (SEM), phase composition (RS) and chemical composition of the surface monolayers (XPS).The presence of spinel phase and single oxides of the following metals: Fe, Cr, Mn, Ti, Ni was found in the surface nanolayes of oxidized foil. Quantitative composition of these nanolayers indicated strong surface segregation of Ti, Cr and Mn.Catalytic activity tests in direct NO decomposition showed high activity and high selectivity to N2. Further, adding soot to the system caused about double increase of conversion and selectivity to nitrogen which was the strongest at 723 K

Original article Changes in the perception of self-image and the sense of purpose and meaning in life, among women who lost their child before birth

Background The article is concerned with descriptions of self-image and the sense of purpose in life, among women who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth. The loss of a child at the prenatal stage is a very difficult experience for the mother. Such women experience a wide range of emotions and often show unpredictable behaviours, both of which can influence their future functioning and mental health. Participants and procedure The goal of the current study was to look at the differences between women who had given birth to a healthy child, and those who lost an unborn child. A total of 125 women participated in the study. The Gough and Heilbrun Adjective Check List (ACL) as well as Wong’s Personal Meaning Profile tests were used as research methods. Results As expected, significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of their self-image and perceived sense of purpose and meaning in life. Women who lost an unborn child had a tendency for lower self-esteem, higher perceived guilt and lower needs. Conclusions The obtained results suggest the need for observation of mothers who experienced a prenatal child loss. The access to professional help and support from physicians and, more importantly, psychologists and therapists has an influence on their self-image, and the sense of purpose in both the present and the future. Adequate professional assistance has an influence on their family relations and their ability to plan another pregnancy (further attempts at conception), without a perception of guilt associated with the loss of the previous child

Family Factors Associated with Selected Childhood Nutrition Aspects in Central Poland

Childhood diet has a significant influence on diet-related diseases in adulthood, so an understanding of environmental influences on nutrition, is important. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to indicate family factors associated with some aspects of children’s nutrition in Central Poland. A questionnaire was used to investigate 892 mothers’ approach to breastfeeding, frequency of eating with children at fast food restaurants, and serving them snacks, sugary drinks, and fried food. Prevalence of dental caries among children, based on the mothers’ self-assessment, was also assessed. Majority of the mothers breastfed for a period not longer than six months. There was a positive association between breastfeeding duration and mothers’ education level and the number of children in a family. Sweets were used as a reward, more often among younger children and in families with higher number of children. The frequency of consumption of sweet beverages rose with the child’s age and decreased with mother’s education level and family income. It was also more frequent in rural areas. Most children received snacks and fried food at least once a week. There was a negative association between eating with parents at fast food restaurants and, both, the number of children in the family and living in a village. Fast food consumption rose with the mother’s education level and family income. Prevalence of dental caries according to mothers’ declarations was much lower than in national studies but was associated with frequent consumption of snacks and sweet beverages in the examined population. Extensive activities to reduce the occurrence of dental caries at the national level and education concerning the role of a family environment in providing a proper childhood nutrition, with a special emphasis on breastfeeding benefits, seems necessary for Polish parents. Designing community-wide education campaigns referencing population-based programs and other health and disease prevention activities, need to be promoted

Lipid and thyroid hormone interactions

Relacje między działaniem hormonów tarczycy i związków lipidowych, kwasów tłuszczowych, eikozanoidów i steroli, stanowią ważny element utrzymania homeostazy energetycznej ustroju. Hormony tarczycy wpływają na syntezę i utlenianie kwasów tłuszczowych, syntezę cholesterolu, jego wychwyt i transport odkomórkowy. Tłuszcz diety z kolei, w zależności od ilości i składu, zmienia funkcjonowanie elementów osi podwzgórzowo-przysadkowo-tarczycowej. Jądrowe receptory T3 i czynniki transkrypcyjne wiążące związki o charakterze lipidowym są zaangażowane w regulację ekspresji tych samych genów, wykazują znaczne podobieństwa strukturalne, w tym miejsc wiązania DNA i sekwencji wiążących w DNA. Wszystkie te receptory tworzą heterodimery z receptorami kwasu 9-cis-retinowego, RXR. Występują między nimi zarówno reakcje współdziałania, jak i antagonizmu. Receptor aktywowany przez proliferatory peroksysomalne typu γ wpływa na różnicowanie komórek tarczycy i hamuje procesy zapalne w gruczole.Relationships between thyroid hormone and lipid compounds: fatty acids, eicosanoid and sterol actions are important for the energy homeostasis. Thyroid hormones affect the fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, cholesterol synthesis and its cellular uptake as well as the reverse transport. In turn, dietary fat in the manner depending on its amount and composition alters the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis activity. Nuclear thyroid hormone receptors and transcriptional factors binding lipid compounds regulate expression of the same genes, share structural similarities in the DNA binding domains and responsive element. All these receptors form the heterodimers with 9-cis-retinoic acid, RXR. Their interactions include both synergy and antagonism. Proliferator activated receptor type γ stimulates the thyroid cell differentiation and inhibits inflammatory processes in this gland