“Calendarium Vitae” for Hospice Patients and their Caregivers: A Pilot Study

Although palliative care is designed to provide holistic comfort care and support, several patients still experience loss of purpose in life, and suffer from distress, sadness, anxiety, or decreased quality of life (QoL). To address these unmet needs, novel interventions, focused on psychosocial sources of distress, in hospice patients are needed. One such intervention is dignity therapy (DT), defined as a brief, individualized psychotherapy, applied for the purpose of relieving psychological distress at the end of life. “Calendarium Vitae” (CV) as a form of DT represents a feasible, safe, and effective, patient-friendly approach, targeting end-of-life psychological issues. In particular, DT can alleviate suffering and distress, help preserve psychophysical integrity, and support caregivers, during the bereavement period. This pilot study is designed to collect preliminary data, prior to conducting a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will investigate the correlations of DT intervention with QoL, and possible reduction of distress and suffering, in the Eastern and Central European hospice patients (and their caregivers). Since DT is unknown in this part of Europe, the proposed pilot study, followed by RCT, will be the first step on the way to explore the DT intervention in research, among the vulnerable hospice patient population

Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing: A “Portable Intervention” for Stress Reduction among University Students

Students are at risk for daily stress, often caused by an increasing load of the material to study, limited time and resources necessary to fulfill assignments, personal or family demands, high expectations, pressures, and frustrations. All these factors can create distress, decreased learning abilities, and psychosomatic disorders or diseases. To mitigate such negative biopsychosocial effects of stress, different types of relaxation techniques can be used. Addressing these issues early (e.g., among the 1st and 2nd year university students) seems particularly important, due to possible prevention of the long-term adverse health consequences of stress (compared to no intervention). To fulfill this important need, a “portable intervention,” such as stress management brief training (SMBT), focused on the reduction of the perceived stress levels among students will be briefly outlined. The SMBT consists of a short review of stress and coping approaches, followed by the instruction of a simple stress management relaxation/technique [e.g., deep diaphragmatic breathing (DDB)]. Practical considerations regarding the DDB will be highlighted. The feasibility and usefulness of the DDB training for stress management among the 1st and 2nd year university students should encourage implementation of this innovative, safe, inexpensive, and friendly technique

Immunohistochemical characteristic of C cells in European bison thyroid gland

Introduction. C cells constitute a small percentage of thyroid gland parenchyma. The number, morphology and distribution of C cells differ among species; however, data regarding their characteristics in European bison are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology, distribution pattern and percentage of C cells in European bison thyroid gland together with morphometric analysis.Material and methods. Thyroid glands from 28 European bisons of different sex and age were collected either in autumn-winter (13/28) or in spring-summer (15/28) periods and analyzed by immunohistochemistry.Results. The mean total C cell number per all endocrine (follicular and C cells) cell number (C cell concentration) was 7.33%. The tendency to increase the C cell number from periphery to the central region of thyroid lobe was observed with the mean C cell concentration of 3.95%, 7.89% and 9.97% in peripheral, intermediate and central areas, respectively. Most frequently, C cells were situated intrafolliculary whereas epifollicular and interfollicular positions were observed less often. C cells were polymorphic with long cytoplasmic processes. The mean C cell area was 61.97 μm2 and the mean C cell perimeter, length and width were: 34.92 μm, 12.85 μm and 4.91 μm, respectively. In the majority of C cells, strong immunohistochemical cytoplasmic reaction was observed with the mean color intensity of 78.32. In autumn-winter period, C cells were significantly larger with lower color intensity than during spring and summer.Conclusions. This study leads to deeper characteristics of thyroid gland C cells in European bison. The histomorphometric data suggest that in European bison production of calcitonin by C cells may differ depending on the time of the year

The novel P330L pathogenic variant of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase maps on the catalytic flexible loop underlying its crucial role

Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare monogenic disease, often fatal in the first decade, causing severe intellectual disability, movement disorders and autonomic dysfunction. It is due to mutations in the gene coding for the AADC enzyme responsible for the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin. Using whole exome sequencing, we have identified a novel homozygous c.989C > T (p.Pro330Leu) variant of AADC causing AADC deficiency. Pro330 is part of an essential structural and functional element: the flexible catalytic loop suggested to cover the active site as a lid and properly position the catalytic residues. Our investigations provide evidence that Pro330 concurs in the achievement of an optimal catalytic competence. Through a combination of bioinformatic approaches, dynamic light scattering measurements, limited proteolysis experiments, spectroscopic and in solution analyses, we demonstrate that the substitution of Pro330 with Leu, although not determining gross conformational changes, results in an enzymatic species that is highly affected in catalysis with a decarboxylase catalytic efficiency decreased by 674- and 194-fold for the two aromatic substrates. This defect does not lead to active site structural disassembling, nor to the inability to bind the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) cofactor. The molecular basis for the pathogenic effect of this variant is rather due to a mispositioning of the catalytically competent external aldimine intermediate, as corroborated by spectroscopic analyses and pH dependence of the kinetic parameters. Altogether, we determined the structural basis for the severity of the manifestation of AADC deficiency in this patient and discussed the rationale for a precision therapy

(En)gendering the political: Citizenship from marginal spaces

This introduction sets out the central concerns of this special issue, the relationship between marginality and the political. In doing so it makes the argument that the process of marginalisation, the sites and experiences of ‘marginality’ provide a different lens through which to understand citizenship. Viewing the political as the struggle over belonging it considers how recent studies of citizenship have understood political agency. It argues that marginality can help us understand multiple scales, struggles and solidarities both within and beyond citizenship. Whilst there is a radical potential in much of the existing literature in citizenship studies it is also important to consider political subjectivities and acts which are not subsumed by right claims. Exploring marginality in this way means understanding how subjects are disenfranchised by regimes of citizenship and at the same how time this also (en)genders new political possibilities which are not always orientated towards 'inclusion'. The introduction then sets out how each article contributes to this project

Prevalence of DDC genotypes in patients with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency and in silico prediction of structural protein changes

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting the biosynthesis of dopamine, a precursor of both norepinephrine and epinephrine, and serotonin. Diagnosis is based on the analysis of CSF or plasma metabolites, AADC activity in plasma and genetic testing for variants in the DDC gene. The exact prevalence of AADC deficiency, the number of patients, and the variant and genotype prevalence are not known. Here, we present the DDC variant (n = 143) and genotype (n = 151) prevalence of 348 patients with AADC deficiency, 121 of whom were previously not reported. In addition, we report 26 new DDC variants, classify them according to the ACMG/AMP/ACGS recommendations for pathogenicity and score them based on the predicted structural effect. The splice variant c.714+4A>T, with a founder effect in Taiwan and China, was the most common variant (allele frequency = 32.4%), and c.[714+4A>T];[714+4A>T] was the most common genotype (genotype frequency = 21.3%). Approximately 90% of genotypes had variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, while 7% had one VUS allele and 3% had two VUS alleles. Only one benign variant was reported. Homozygous and compound heterozygous genotypes were interpreted in terms of AADC protein and categorized as: i) devoid of full-length AADC, ii) bearing one type of AADC homodimeric variant or iii) producing an AADC protein population composed of two homodimeric and one heterodimeric variant. Based on structural features, a score was attributed for all homodimers, and a tentative prediction was advanced for the heterodimer. Almost all AADC protein variants were pathogenic or likely pathogenic

Prevalence of DDC genotypes in patients with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency and in silico prediction of structural protein changes

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting the biosynthesis of dopamine, a precursor of both norepinephrine and epinephrine, and serotonin. Diagnosis is based on the analysis of CSF or plasma metabolites, AADC activity in plasma and genetic testing for variants in the DDC gene. The exact prevalence of AADC deficiency, the number of patients, and the variant and genotype prevalence are not known. Here, we present the DDC variant (n = 143) and genotype (n = 151) prevalence of 348 patients with AADC deficiency, 121 of whom were previously not reported. In addition, we report 26 new DDC variants, classify them according to the ACMG/AMP/ACGS recommendations for pathogenicity and score them based on the predicted structural effect. The splice variant c.714+4A>T, with a founder effect in Taiwan and China, was the most common variant (allele frequency = 32.4%), and c.[714+4A>T];[714+4A>T] was the most common genotype (genotype frequency = 21.3%). Approximately 90% of genotypes had variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, while 7% had one VUS allele and 3% had two VUS alleles. Only one benign variant was reported. Homozygous and compound heterozygous genotypes were interpreted in terms of AADC protein and categorized as: i) devoid of full-length AADC, ii) bearing one type of AADC homodimeric variant or iii) producing an AADC protein population composed of two homodimeric and one heterodimeric variant. Based on structural features, a score was attributed for all homodimers, and a tentative prediction was advanced for the heterodimer. Almost all AADC protein variants were pathogenic or likely pathogenic

Upbringing of children in Jewish society in the world of religious orders

Podstawą żydowskiego życia społecznego jest rodzina, a założenie jej było w istocie pierwszym przykazaniem jakie Bóg dał człowiekowi. Dlatego też Talmud – jako główne źródło nauki w judaizmie strzeże nieustannie jej czystości i stabilności, a rodzicom udziela licznych wskazówek odnośnie wychowania ich potomstwa. Z treści Talmudu wywodzą się również cztery podstawowe wartości, które stanowią fundament życia rodzinnego i pozwalają na wypełnianie wzajemnych zobowiązań wewnątrz tej struktury. Dom żydowskiej rodziny jest więc zarówno ośrodkiem życia religijnego, jak i miejscem wypełniania rytuałów. Jednak specyficznie inne pozycje zajmują w niej kobiety i mężczyźni, co widoczne jest na tle różnic w obrzędowości dotykającej momentu przyjścia na świat i włączenia we wspólnotę dzieci płci żeńskiej i męskiej. Rodzina stanowi ponadto obszar konstruowania się ról, które odnoszą poszczególnych jej członków nie tylko do rzeczywistości społecznej, ale przede wszystkim definiują ich pozycję w życiu religijnym. Dlatego najważniejszym obowiązkiem rodziców jest przekazanie dzieciom dziedzictwa i tradycji, i tym samym włączenie ich w życie społeczności jako pełnoprawnych jej członków. Stąd też sumienne wypełnienie rodzicielskich obowiązków obarczone jest dodatkową odpowiedzialnością w stosunku do całej wspólnoty.The basis of Jewish social life is family; starting a family was in fact the first commandment which God gave to a human being. That is why Talmud, as the main source of religious knowledge in Judaism, constantly guards its purity and stability and offers Jewish parents numerous pieces of advice concerning upbringing of their children. Four elemental values of Judaism originate in Talmud as well. They are foundations of family life and enable family members to fulfill reciprocal duties inside this structure. Therefore, Jewish family’s home is not only the centre of religious life, but also the place of religious ceremonies. However, there are specific differences between the positions of women and men in a Jewish home. They are visible especially in rituals connected to birth and introducing male and female children to the society. Family is additionally an area of constructing roles significant for its members not merely in their social environment, but above all in their religious lives. Consequently, the most important Jewish parents’ responsibility is to transfer their heritage and tradition to their children and in this way introduce them to the life of society as its lawful members. That is the reason why dutiful fulfilling of parental obligations is burdened with increased responsibility towards the whole society

Assessment of the knowledge of students on selected sexual diseases

Wstęp: Problem zakażeń chorobami przenoszonymi drogą płciową (STD) dotyczy w szczególności młodych, aktywnych seksualnie ludzi. Nieleczone choroby weneryczne są przyczyną poważnych powikłań zdrowotnych. Wśród społeczeństwa nadal panuje przekonanie, że choroby przenoszone drogą płciową są tematem tabu. Brak profilaktyki oraz edukacji seksualnej w naszym kraju jest powodem podejmowania przez młodych ludzi ryzykownych zachowań seksualnych.Cel: Celem pracy było sprawdzenie wiedzy studentów dotyczącej chorób przenoszonych drogą płciową oraz ryzykownych zachowań seksualnych.Materiał i metody: Badaniem objęto 100 studentów krakowskich uczelni. Narzędziem badawczym był kwestionariusz ankiety własnej konstrukcji. Składał się on z 23 pytań, które miały charakter kafeterii zamkniętej, półotwartej oraz koniunktywnej.Wyniki: Studenci oceniają swój stan wiedzy dotyczący chorób przenoszonych drogą płciową, jako dostateczny a ich głównym źródłem informacji na ten temat jest internet. Zdecydowana większość badanych uważa, że problem ten powinien być poruszany na studiach. W badanej grupie studentów spora część posiada wiedzę na temat drobnoustrojów wywołujących chorobę, podstawowych objawów oraz czynników ryzyka. Studenci zabezpieczają się podczas stosunków płciowych stosując zawsze lub często prezerwatywy, uważając, że chroni ich ona głównie przed niechcianą ciążą.Wnioski: Stan wiedzy badanych studentów dotyczący chorób przenoszonych drogą płciową oraz ryzykownych zachowań seksualnych można uznać za dobry. Większość z nich jest świadoma zagrożenia oraz konsekwencji.Introduction: The problem of infection of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) applies in particular to the young, sexually active people. This issue is not only of medical, but also social kind. If left untreated venereal diseases are the cause of serious health complications. Among the public there is still a belief that sexually transmitted diseases are taboo. Lack of prevention and sex education in our country is the reason for many risky sexual behaviors among young people.Objective: The aim of the study was to test the knowledge of students on sexually transmitted diseases and risky sexual behavior.Materials and methods: The study involved 100 students of the Krakow’s universities. The research tool was a questionnaire of my own design. It consisted of 23 questions, which consisted of closed, half open, and conjunctive cafeteria.Results: Students assess their knowledge about STDs as sufficient and point to the Internet as their main source of information. The vast majority of respondents believe that this issue should be discussed in the college. Major part of students in the studied group have knowledge about the disease-causing microbes, the basic symptoms and risk factors. Students protect themselves during sexual intercourse using a condom always or often, but the main thing that they’re want to protect themselves against is the unwanted pregnancy.Conclusion: State of knowledge of the students on STDs and risky sexual behavior can be considered as good. Most of them are aware of the risks and consequences. Much of the study group showed a willingness to obtain additional information on the subject