Corporate Governance in Polen, der Slowakischen Republik und der Tschechischen Republik

Diese Arbeit behandelt die Auswirkungen der Privatisierungen Anfang der 90er Jahre auf die Entwicklung der Eigentümerstruktur und von Corporate Governance Richtlinien in Osteuropa anhand einer empirischen Studie

Ein Vergleich der Nahrungsaufnahme von schwangeren Österreicherinnen und schwangeren Migrantinnen mit den gültigen Empfehlungen

Für die vorliegende Diplomarbeit wurde von Mai 2006 bis Jänner 2008 mittels Fragebogen das Ernährungswissen und –verhalten und mittels 24-h-Protokoll die Aufnahme von Energie und Nährstoffen bzw. der Konsum bestimmter Lebensmittelgruppen von 270 Schwangeren in drei Wiener Spitälern erhoben. Von besonderem Interesse war der Vergleich zwischen gebürtigen österreichischen Schwangeren, schwangeren Migrantinnen (Türkinnen, Ex-Jugoslawinnen) und Schwangeren mit gemischter Herkunft. Das Wissen der Schwangeren in Hinblick auf die Funktionen von Folsäure ist verbesserungswürdig. Insgesamt wissen nur 30,4% des gesamten Kollektivs, über die Bedeutung der Folsäure in der Schwangerschaft Bescheid und nur 30,7% supplementieren vor bzw. in der Schwangerschaft Folsäure. Österreichische Schwangere sind häufiger über die Bedeutung der Folsäure informiert worden als Schwangere mit Migrationshintergrund. Einen signifikanten Zusammenhang gibt es zwischen den Schwangeren, die über die Folsäure informiert wurden und der Einnahme von Folsäurepräparaten. Je höher die Schulbildung, desto höher ist die Informiertheit über die Bedeutung der Folsäure und das Wissen über eine adäquate Ernährung in der Schwangerschaft. Die Analyse der Nährstoffaufnahme über die Nahrung und der Häufigkeit aus bestimmten Lebensmittelgruppen zu essen, ergab folgendes: Nahrungsenergie (1809kcal/d) haben die Schwangeren zu wenig zugeführt, wobei der Fettanteil (36,5E%) und der Proteinanteil (15,8E%) an der Gesamtenergie zu hoch waren und der Kohlenhydratanteil (47,3E%) zu niedrig. Ballaststoffreiche Lebensmittel wurden zu selten konsumiert (20,4g/d). Obwohl sich ein hoher Anteil von pflanzlichem Protein in der Ernährung positiv auswirkt, haben die Schwangeren mehr tierisches Protein konsumiert. Das Verhältnis gesättigte, einfach ungesättigte und mehrfach ungesättigte Fettsäuren war nicht ideal (4,7:3:1). Bei den Mikronährstoffen ist der Konsum der Vitamine D, E, B2, Pantothensäure, B6, Folsäure und der Mineralstoffen Calcium, Eisen und Jod als verbesserungswürdig zu beurteilen. Die Schwangeren konsumierten aus der LMG „Getreide, Getreideerzeugnisse, Kartoffeln“ nur 76,4%, aus der LMG „Gemüse, Salat“ 56,5% und aus der LMG „Obst“ immerhin 90% des Mengenvorschlags der D-A-CH-Gesellschaften. Milch und Milchprodukte konsumierten sie beinahe die empfohlene Menge (98,6%). Aus den Lebensmittelgruppen „Fleisch, Wurst, Fisch, Ei“ und „Fette, Öle“ wurden 132,3% bzw. 243,9% konsumiert. Den Mengenvorschlag mindestens 1500ml pro Tag Flüssigkeit, vorzugsweise Trinkwasser bzw. ungesüßte Säfte, zu trinken, wurde im Mittel (102,9%) erreicht. Hinsichtlich des Versorgungszustandes mit Makro- und Mironährstoffen schneiden die türkischen Schwangeren am schlechtesten ab. Die österreichischen Schwangeren weisen das beste Ernährungsverhalten auf.To evaluate the nutritional knowledge and behaviour of pregnant women a questionnaire and a 24-h-recall was done in three Viennese hospitals from May 2006 to January 2008. Of special interest was the comparison between native Austrian pregnant women, pregnant migrants (Turks, Ex-Yugoslavs) and pregnant women with mixed origin. There is still a great lack of information on the function of folic acid in pregnancy. Altogether only 30,4% of the interviewee knew about the importance of folic acid during pregnancy. A correlation amonst the fact being informed about the impact of folic acid, the education, the origin and the supplementation with folic acid has been observed. The analysis of the nutritional intake and the frequency to eat out of one of the seven DGE food groups gave the following result: Pregnant women had a poor intake of energy. Energy intake of fat and protein was too high. The carbohydrate intake was poor, too much saccharose and too less dietary fibre as vegetables, fruits and whole grain products were eaten in low amounts. The ratio of saturated, mono unsaturated and poly unsaturated fatty acids is not within the recommendation. Even though a high amount of vegetable protein is more beneficial for human health than animal protein, the estimated pregnant women consumed more food rich in animal protein. The intake of micronutrients has been inadequately: especially for vitamin D, E, B2, pantothenic acid, B6, folic acid, calcium, iron and iodine. Regarding to an appropriate supply with makro- and mirkonutrients the intake data of the Turkish pregnant women were mostly unsatisfying. The Austrian pregnant women performed better than the other groups, they were better informed about the special needs during pregnancy and showed a healthier nutritional behaviour

The Quality Literature Quadrant (QLQ): A Reflective Tool for Examining Stereotypes in Texts

Because texts often reflect the culture and values of a society and can either disrupt or reinforce stereotypes, it is imperative that faculty and their students alike participate in critical analysis and reflection of the literature and texts used in their classrooms. Critical reflection can reveal whose voices are privileged and whose voices are left out of the literature. In this paper, the authors discuss how faculty and students can use a reflective tool--the Quality Literature Quadrant (QLQ), as a means to examine stereotypes in literature and texts

Medical device design in context: a model of user–device interaction and consequences

The practice of evaluating interaction with devices is embedded in disciplines such as human-computer interaction and cognitive ergonomics, including concepts such as affordances, error analysis, skill, rule and knowledge based behaviour and decision making biases. This paper considers the way in which the approach that has been routinely applied to displays and control design within the control and transport domains can be transferred to the context of medical devices. The importance of considering the context in which medical devices are used and implemented is presented, and the need for a systems approach to medical device design is emphasised. Five case studies from medical device control and display design are presented as an aide to developing an understanding of the relationship between device design and resultant behaviours. On the basis of these case studies, four types of mediating factors (catalysts, enablers, facilitators and enhancers) are proposed and a model to describe the link between device design, user, context and consequences is presented

A New Experimental Polytrauma Model in Rats: Molecular Characterization of the Early Inflammatory Response

Background. The molecular mechanisms of the immune response after polytrauma are highly complex and far from fully understood. In this paper, we characterize a new standardized polytrauma model in rats based on the early molecular inflammatory and apoptotic response. Methods. Male Wistar rats (250 g, 6–10/group) were anesthetized and exposed to chest trauma (ChT), closed head injury (CHI), or Tib/Fib fracture including a soft tissue trauma (Fx + STT) or to the following combination of injuries: (1) ChT; (2) ChT + Fx + STT; (3) ChT + CHI; (4) CHI; (5) polytrauma (PT = ChT + CHI + Fx + STT). Sham-operated rats served as negative controls. The inflammatory response was quantified at 2 hours and 4 hours after trauma by analysis of “key” inflammatory mediators, including selected cytokines and complement components, in serum and bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid samples. Results. Polytraumatized (PT) rats showed a significant systemic and intrapulmonary release of cytokines, chemokines, and complement anaphylatoxins, compared to rats with isolated injuries or selected combinations of injuries. Conclusion. This new rat model appears to closely mimic the early immunological response of polytrauma observed in humans and may provide a valid basis for evaluation of the complex pathophysiology and future therapeutic immune modulatory approaches in experimental polytrauma

In Vitro Characterization of a Tissue Renin-Angiotensin System in Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells.

Low back pain is a clinically highly relevant musculoskeletal burden and is associated with inflammatory as well as degenerative processes of the intervertebral disc. However, the pathophysiology and cellular pathways contributing to this devastating condition are still poorly understood. Based on previous evidence, we hypothesize that tissue renin-angiotensin system (tRAS) components, including the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), are present in human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and associated with inflammatory and degenerative processes. Experiments were performed with NP cells from four human donors. The existence of angiotensin II, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1), AGTR2, MAS-receptor (MasR), and ACE2 in human NP cells was validated with immunofluorescent staining and gene expression analysis. Hereafter, the cell viability was assessed after adding agonists and antagonists of the target receptors as well as angiotensin II in different concentrations for up to 48 h of exposure. A TNF-α-induced inflammatory in vitro model was employed to assess the impact of angiotensin II addition and the stimulation or inhibition of the tRAS receptors on inflammation, tissue remodeling, expression of tRAS markers, and the release of nitric oxide (NO) into the medium. Furthermore, protein levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and intracellular as well as secreted angiotensin II were assessed after exposing the cells to the substances, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels were evaluated by utilizing Western blot. The existence of tRAS receptors and angiotensin II were validated in human NP cells. The addition of angiotensin II only showed a mild impact on gene expression markers. However, there was a significant increase in NO secreted by the cells. The gene expression ratios of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-6/IL-10, IL-8/IL-10, and TNF-α/IL-10 were positively correlated with the AGTR1/AGTR2 and AGTR1/MAS1 ratios, respectively. The stimulation of the AGTR2 MAS-receptor and the inhibition of the AGTR1 receptor revealed beneficial effects on the gene expression of inflammatory and tissue remodeling markers. This finding was also present at the protein level. The current data showed that tRAS components are expressed in human NP cells and are associated with inflammatory and degenerative processes. Further characterization of the associated pathways is warranted. The findings indicate that tRAS modulation might be a novel therapeutic approach to intervertebral disc disease

DECENTRALIZATION AND HOW TO CONDUCT IT – AS A REVOLUTION OR AN EVOLUTION? COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND MANAGEMENT CAPACITY BUILDING AS A PREREQUISITE FOR SUCCESSFUL DECENTRALIZATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Prikazane su najvažnije sastavnice programa „Rukovođenje i upravljanje za zdravlje“ kao važnog dijela u razvoju decentraliziranog modela planiranja za zdravlje u Republici Hrvatskoj. U radu je prikazana usporedba ishoda radionica provedenih za predstavnike županijskih timova za zdravlje u razdoblju od 2002. do 2008. godine. Usporedba matrice temeljnih funkcija između županija prvog i drugog vala nije pokazala statistički značajne razlike (P=0,183). Rezultati su ukazali na nisku stopu samostalnog korištenja materijala i spontanog učenja (bez organizirane edukacijske podrške). Zaključak je da decentralizirani model rukovođenja i upravljanja za zdravlje nije moguće razviti samom promjenom legislative. Nižoj razini upravljanja potrebna je edukacijska podrška koja će joj omogućiti usvajanje vještina oblikovanja javnozdravstvene politike.Aim: Based on the results of the first phase of the County Public Health Capacity Building Program named Health-Plan for It, implemented in the Republic of Croatia during the 2002-2008 period, this article analyzes the relationship between training of the county teams and their ability to develop health policy. Our hypothesis was that decentralized model of health planning and management would not occur just by changing legislation alone. Counties in Croatia needed educational support (learning-bydoing training) in order to improve public health practices at the county level. Sample and Methods: During the 2002-2005 period, the first 15 county teams (so-called first cycle counties) completed their training. The teams consisted of 12 to 15 members, representatives of political and executive component, technical component (public health professionals, representatives of health and social welfare institutions) and community members (non-government sector and media). Teams were trained in cohorts. Three counties passed together through the six-month process of modular training (four education modules, with four days of intensive training and “homework” between modules) at the time. The remaining 5 counties (second-cycle counties) completed the same kind of training in 2007-2008. The Public Health Performance Matrix (the Local Public Health Practice Performance Measures instrument developed by the US CDC Public Health Practice Program Office) was used as an evaluation instrument. Each county team had to fill it out at the beginning of education. Results: Comparison of the Public Health Performance Matrices of first cycle counties (training in 2002-2005) with those of the second cycle counties (trained several years later) yielded no differences. Although training materials were publicly available (accessible through the Croatian Healthy Cities web pages) for years, the second cycle counties did not spontaneously (without training) increase their county-level capacities for participative health needs assessment, health planning, and provision of health services tailored to the local needs. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that decentralized model of health planning and management in Croatia could not be developed without educational support given to the lower level of administration. Only through the training process (the Health-Plan for It County Public Health Capacity Building Program), county teams had managed to develop policy function and create County Health Profiles and Strategic Framework of the County Health Pla

Celecoxib alleviates nociceptor sensitization mediated by interleukin-1beta-primed annulus fibrosus cells.

PURPOSE This study aims to analyze the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokine-stimulated human annulus fibrosus cells (hAFCs) on the sensitization of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. We further hypothesized that celecoxib (cxb) could inhibit hAFCs-induced DRG sensitization. METHODS hAFCs from spinal trauma patients were stimulated with TNF-α or IL-1β. Cxb was added on day 2. On day 4, the expression of pro-inflammatory and neurotrophic genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR. Levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), IL-8, and IL-6 were measured in the conditioned medium (CM) using ELISA. hAFCs CM was then applied to stimulate the DRG cell line (ND7/23) for 6 days. Then, calcium imaging (Fluo4) was performed to evaluate DRG cell sensitization. Both spontaneous and bradykinin-stimulated (0.5 μM) calcium responses were analyzed. The effects on primary bovine DRG cell culture were performed in parallel to the DRG cell line model. RESULTS IL-1ß stimulation significantly enhanced the release of PGE-2 in hAFCs CM, while this increase was completely suppressed by 10 µM cxb. hAFCs revealed elevated IL-6 and IL-8 release following TNF-α and IL-1β treatment, though cxb did not alter this. The effect of hAFCs CM on DRG cell sensitization was influenced by adding cxb to hAFCs; both the DRG cell line and primary bovine DRG nociceptors showed a lower sensitivity to bradykinin stimulation. CONCLUSION Cxb can inhibit PGE-2 production in hAFCs in an IL-1β-induced pro-inflammatory in vitro environment. The cxb applied to the hAFCs also reduces the sensitization of DRG nociceptors that are stimulated by the hAFCs CM

General updating scheme for the design and construction of assembly vectors that are compatible with BBF RFC 10 and BBF RFC 28

BBF RFC 75 intends to link the BBF RFC 28-based combinatorial multi-part assembly method to BBF RFC 10. Its aim is to easily redesign an expression vector to make it compatible to BBF RFC 10 for the construction of fusion proteins based on BBF RFC 28. These vectors can then directly be used for expression of the fusion protein