Lower Silesian Voivodeship Research Articles

Distribution of polymorphisms in the CYP2C19 and ABCB1 genes among patients with acute coronary syndrome in Lower Silesian population.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel administered to treat patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is still being used. However, despite the proven efficacy of this treatment regimen, thromboembolic complications have been observed in some individuals. The reason for this phenomenon is linked to the so-called increased responsiveness of platelets despite high platelet resistance (HPR). A significant role in HPR is attributed to genetically determined differences in the absorption and activation of clopidogrel. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of polymorphisms of the ABCB1 and CYPC19 genes that encode proteins involved in the absorption and metabolism of clopidogrel. The analysis was performed in 199 consecutive patients from Lower Silesian voivodeship (Poland) who underwent coronary angioplasty with stenting for ACS. The single nucleotide polymorphism of the CYP2C19 and ABCB1 genes was performed using a mini sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The results of this study revealed the high incidence of patients who may be unresponsive to antiplatelet treatment due to genetic causes. The CYPC19*2 allele in the form of homozygote or mutation heterozygote appeared in 26.1% of the study population. ABCB1 (C3435C> T) polymorphism was associated with 84% of patients. The total incidence of allelic disorders of low drug absorption and metabolism reached 14.6%. The data obtained should prompt clinicians to use more recent antiplatelet agents (ticagrelor or prasugrel) first, instead of clopidogrel.

The effect of the population-based cervical cancer screening program on 5-year survival in cervical cancer patients in Lower Silesia.

Poland is considered among the European countries with an average incidence of cervical cancer (CC; about 3,000-3,500/year) and at the same time with high mortality (5-year survival rate - 55.2%). For this reason, in 2006 Poland introduced a Population-Based Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Program addressed to women aged 25-59 years, in which a cytological test is carried out every 3 years. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in the curability of CC patients brought by the introduction of the Screening Program in the Lower Silesian voivodeship and to identify the subpopulation of women for whom activities aimed at increasing adherence rates must be intensified. The 5-year relative survival in 3,586 CC patients from 2000-2010 registered in the Lower Silesian Cancer Registry was analyzed. In the Lower Silesian voivodeship, a 55.1% 5-year survival rate was recorded in 2000-2004 and 70.5% in 2010. The highest increase in 5-year relative survival rates was found in rural communities (from 53.1% in 2000-2004 to 77.7% in 2010) and in Wrocław (56.8% and 74.2%, respectively). In the study group, the number of patients with invasive CC (C53) detected in the local stage of the disease increased systematically from 61.5% in 2000-2004 to 74.3% in 2010. The introduction of the population-based screening program improved the curability rate in CC patients in the Lower Silesian voivodeship. In order to maintain the recent positive trends, further education should be continued, and activities aimed at increasing adherence to screening tests should be intensified, especially in urban-rural communities.

Can a city reach energy self-sufficiency by means of rooftop photovoltaics? Case study from Poland

Abstract The process of decarbonising economies has to take place on multiple levels. One of the objectives is to ensure renewables-based energy self-sufficiency of cities. Cities have become home to the majority of the world’s population, and at the same time contribute enormously to environmental pollution. Considering the above, the purposes of this paper are threefold: to formulate a methodology for estimating rooftop photovoltaics (PV) potential in urban areas based on detailed Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data; to calculate the spatial variability of load and photovoltaics energy supply, and thus to distinguish zones with various levels of energy self-sufficiency; and finally, to scrutinise the economic and environmental aspects of such a solution in given conditions. Wroclaw, the capital city of the Lower Silesia voivodeship in south-west Poland (Central Europe), was selected as a case study. The city has a population of close to 650,000 and an annual electricity consumption slightly exceeding 2.2 TWh. Industry constitutes 46% of that demand, and households 31%. The results show that up to 850 MWp of rooftop PV can be installed in the city, which has the potential to reduce the electrical energy related emissions by almost 30% and simultaneously to increase the city’s energy self-sufficiency. Although energy storage, in the form of batteries, slightly improves both the autarky and environmental indices, the relation between potential PV generation and load makes them very infrequently useful (mostly in summer) and not economically justified.

MACIEJ SZYMCZYK, RAINER SACHS, RAFAŁ EYSYMONTT, JAN BAŁCHAN, MONOGRAPH ON THE PAPER MILL IN DUSZNIKI-ZDRÓJ, DUSZNIKI-ZDRÓJ 2018, PP. 407

The historic paper mill in Duszniki-Zdrój (Lower Silesia Voivodeship) was granted Poland’s Historic Monument status in 2011, which confirms the complex’s historic and artistic worth. Currently, attempts are made to make it enter the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, actually together with the Czech Velke Losiny paper mill and the German one in Homburg. It should also be borne in mind that in 2018 Poland’s only Museum of Papermaking located on its premises celebrated 50 years of its existence. The Museum’s employees, headed by Maciej Szymczyk PhD, have recently been extremely successful as far as organization, investments, displays, and publications are concerned. As for the latter, preparations for an extensive Monograph on the Paper Mill in Duszniki-Zdrój have to be pointed to; the book is an academic attempt at presenting the facility’s complex history, beginning from the 16th century, as well the individuals related to it; furthermore, efforts to preserve the precious facility and its adaptation to serve museum purposes are described. The presented publication can be viewed as a successful crowning of the todate research, providing solid grounds for the documentation to support the UNESCO List entry application. The strongly factual and richly illustrated monograph should be analyzed on various levels, one of them speaking of the effect of the coherent and consistent activities of museologists.

Współczesne role kół gospodyń wiejskich w społecznościach lokalnych (na przykładzie województwa dolnośląskiego)

Artykuł prezentuje wyniki badań dotyczących działalności kół gospodyń wiejskich. Praca ma na celu przedstawienie głównych działań podejmowanych przez te organizacje. W dalszej części zaprezentowano, jak koła gospodyń wiejskich oceniają swoją rolę w społecznościach lokalnych. Podstawą analizy są badania jakościowe – 24 wywiady swobodne z listą poszukiwanych zagadnień, przeprowadzone na obszarze województwa dolnośląskiego.

Polonium-210 in honey samples from southern Poland

Abstract Polonium (210Po) concentrations in different honey samples from Lower Silesian Voivodeship and Lesser Poland Voivodeship (southern Poland) were determined. Significantly higher 210Po concentrations were observed near mining heaps and former excavations versus background areas. Differences in 210Po concentrations were also observed for honeydew versus nectar honey and between the two voivodeships.

Ślad wodny jako wskaźnik zużycia zasobów wodnych w produkcji roślinnej na terenie województwa dolnośląskiego

Ślad wodny jako wskaźnik zużycia zasobów wodnych w produkcji roślinnej na terenie województwa dolnośląskiego

Biotransformation of steroids by entomopathogenic strains of Isaria farinosa

BackgroundSteroid compounds are very interesting substrates for biotransformation due to their high biological activity and a high number of inactivated carbons which make chemical modification difficult. Microbial transformation can involve reactions which are complicated and uneconomical in chemical synthesis, and searching for a new effective biocatalyst is necessary. The best known entomopathogenic species used in steroid modification is Beauveria bassiana. In this study we tested the ability of Isaria farinosa, another entomopathogenic species, to transform several steroids.ResultsTwelve strains of the entomopathogenic filamentous fungus Isaria farinosa, collected in abandoned mines located in the area of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, from insects’ bodies covered by fungus, were used as a biocatalyst. All the tested strains effectively transformed dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). We observed 7α- and 7β-hydroxy derivatives as well as changes in the percentage composition of the emerging products. Due to the similar metabolism of DHEA in all tested strains, one of them was selected for further investigation. In the culture of the selected strain, Isaria farinosa KCh KW1.1, transformations of androstenediol, androstenedione, adrenosterone, 17α-methyltestosterone, 17β-hydroxyandrost-1,4,6-triene-3-one and progesterone were performed. All the substrates were hydroxylated with high yield and stereoselectivity. We obtained 6β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,11,17-trione, 15α,17β-dihydroxy-6β,7β-epoxyandrost-1,4-diene-3-one and 6β,11α-dihydroxyprogesterone. There is no evidence of either earlier microbial transformation of 17β-hydroxyandrost-1,4,6-triene-3-one or new epoxy derivatives.ConclusionsIsaria farinosa has a broad spectrum of highly effective steroid hydroxylases. The obtained 7-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone has proven high biological activity and can be used in Alzheimer’s disease and as a key intermediate in the synthesis of aldosterone antagonists. Transformation of progesterone leads to high yield of 6β,11α-dihydroxyprogesterone and it is worth further study.

Demograficzne uwarunkowania rynku pracy w województwie dolnośląskim

W artykule przeanalizowano zmiany liczby ludności ogółem oraz w wieku produkcyjnym w województwie dolnośląskim na tle zmian liczby pracujących i skali bezrobocia. Zmiany struktur demograficznych oraz poziomu zatrudnienia i bezrobocia zostały rozpatrzone także w kontekście przestrzennym, w układzie gmin województwa. Ponadto podjęto próbę określenia współzależności pomiędzy zmianami demograficznymi, będącymi konsekwencją procesu depopulacji a przemianami w zakresie liczby pracujących i bezrobotnych na lokalnych rynkach pracy województwa dolnośląskiego.

Radiological assessment of radionuclide contents in soils in Lower Silesian Voivodeship in the years 1988-2014

Abstract. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster provoked the uncontrolled release of significant amounts of radioactive substances, which caused surface contamination in Poland through radioactive isotopes. The most affected areas are Opole Voivodeship and part of Lower Silesian Voivoideship. Unfavorable meteorological conditions consisting of strong winds blowing from Chernobyl and local heavy rains favored the spread of a radioactive cloud, its shifting towards Poland and the accumulation of artificial isotopes in the soils of those regions [1]. Samples of the soils surface layers (0 - 10 cm) collected in different regions of Lower Silesian Voivodeship during the period 1988 - 2014 were studied. Changes in concentrations over time were analyzed for the following natural and artificial radionuclides: cesium (137Cs and 134Cs), potassium (40K), radium (226Ra) and actinium (228Ac). Since the disaster, the concentration of 137Cs in the surface layer decreased continuously over time. The mean concentration of 137Cs in the surface layer in Lower Silesian Voivodeship in 2014 was 1.46 kBq/m2, higher than the mean concentration for the whole Poland at 1.33 kBq/m2 [2]. Mean concentrations of other natural radionuclide such as 226Ra, 228Ac and 40K in the soils of Lower Silesian Voivodeship were also found to be higher than for the whole Poland [2].

Variability of microbial contamination of edible snail meat depending on species and location

Variability of microbial contamination of edible snail meat depending on species and location

Occurrence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. in snail meat

The objective of the research was to determine the occurrence of microorganisms of the Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. in raw and frozen (cooked) snail meat obtained from both free-living and farmed edible snails. The research material comprised meat samples collected from three snail species (25g from each), that is, Roman snail (Helix pomatia – HP), small brown garden snail (Cornu aspersum aspersum – CAA) and large brown garden snail (Cornu aspersum maxima – CAM). Roman snails came from their natural environment and were harvested in Wielkopolska Voivodeship and Lower Silesia Voivodeship (regions A and B, respectively). The Cornu genus snails were obtained from two heliciculture farms located in the abovementioned voivodeships (farms A and B, respectively). On both farms, the snails were maintained under the mixed rearing system. The raw meat samples taken from the edible portion of snails, that is, the foot with collar and a fragment of the mantle, were obtained after the snails were sacrificed in the laboratory. The frozen meat samples, on the other hand, came from a snail meat processing facility. A total of 300 samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella spp., and 240 for the presence of Listeria spp. The research also included pooled soil samples of 0.5 kg each collected from polytunnels (in the pre-fattening stage) and outdoor farming plots (in the fattening stage). The tests for the Salmonella presence were performed in accordance with Polish standard PN-EN ISO 6579:2003, and the test for Listeria complied with PN-EN ISO 11290-1:1999. Listeria monocytogenes was identified by the PCR technique. Salmonella spp. were not detected in any of the 300 samples of raw and cooked snail meat under study. Nor were these pathogens isolated from the soil samples. The absence of these bacteria in the raw meat samples indicates that Salmonella spp. did not occur in either the natural habitat of Roman snails or the two farms producing Cornu genus snails. On the other hand, bacteria of Listeria spp. were detected in 101 (42.1%) snail meat samples. A particularly high load of microbiota was found in raw meat, as these bacteria contaminated from 60% (for HP from region A and CAM from farm B) up to 75% (for CAA from farm A) of samples. Notably, a markedly lower percentage (35%) of samples containing Listeria spp. was found only among the Roman snail raw meat samples from the region B. Listeria spp. were also detected in all the soil samples. Thermal treatment of meat achieved a substantial reduction in the load of Listeria spp., but did not eliminate it. The frequency of this genus in frozen meat samples was from 63.5% (for CAM from farm A) to 15.4% (for CAA from farm B) of that in raw meat. The PCR technique was used identify 15 selected strains, including 11 from raw meat samples and 4 from cooked meat. A total of 5 isolates were recognized as Listeria monocytogenes (2.1% of all samples examined and 4.95% of samples with Listeria spp.). All of them originated from the raw meat of farmed snails, including one (CAA) from the farm A and four (3 CAA and 1 CAM) from the farm B. Bacteria of the Salmonella and Listeria genera occur in the natural habitat of edible snails, which poses a potential hazard to human health. Effective implementation of control programmes at the primary production stage is the first step that could considerably limit the presence of these pathogens in farmed snails and, consequently, in snail meat. .

Archaeological monuments of the Warmian-Masurian voivodeship – spatial analysis using GIS tools

Archaeological monuments are one of the forms of monument protection in Poland. It includes various objects, among which one can distinguish: field remnants of prehistoric and historical settlements, graveyards, burial mounds and single graves, as well as relics of industrial, religious and artistic activity. All these objects are of great importance in spatial planning, and its location possess a big impact on the possibilities of land development. According to The National Heritage Board of Poland database for September 2018, there are 7 672 archaeological monuments registered in the polish register of objects of cultural heritage. The number of archaeological objects entered in the register in individual voivodeships is varied. The majority of monuments is located in the Lower Silesian voivodeship, the least in Łódź voivodeship. In this article, archaeological monuments in the Warmian-Masurian voivodeship were analysed, in which there are 286 of such objects. Identification with regard to function was carried out, and a detailed location was specified. With the use of GIS tools, a series of maps was created, which after analysing became the basis for formulating final conclusions. Some of it can be used in the preparation of planning documents at the voivodeship and municipal level.

Talent management in the context of human capital

The main objective of the article is to present the research on the talent management process in small and medium-sized companies in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The research was of a pilot nature. The article defines the essence of the concept of “talent”, and describes and characterizes the “house” of the new generation of human resources as well. The results of research on understanding the term “talent” by respondents have been presented. Respondents’ opinions on persons responsible for the implementation of development programs have been quoted. The diagnosis was conducted on the functioning of ‘talent management’ programs in companies employing the surveyed students. The article ends with a summary and presentation of the conclusions from the research.

Badania satysfakcji użytkowników w bibliotekach publicznych województwa dolnośląskiego

A user satisfaction survey was conducted in 44 public libraries in Lower Silesian Voivodeship (a provincial library, urban libraries, urban-rural libraries and rural libraries), with the use of a uniform questionnaire and an examination procedure. The survey was organized and coordinated by the members of the Polish Librarians' Association's Library Effectiveness Investigation Team. The survey aimed at establishing the “User Satisfaction” index which, along with other functionality indices developed due to the project “The Performance Analysis for Polish Libraries”, is a system of complex measurement of library effectiveness.

Changing the development path of a region – a case study of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship

Abstract A case study of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship is presented in this article. From the European Union’s perspective, Lower Silesia is an example of a less developed region; however, it is also an example of a region that has improved significantly in regards to development due to a change in its innovation model. The purpose of this article is to identify the factors that have had an impact on the change in the region’s development path (stimulants), as well as to indicate the weaknesses and barriers limiting further development. This article is based on a review of the literature, statistical data analysis as well as structured, in-depth interviews that were conducted with representatives of regional and local authorities, scientific units and business-related institutions. Recommendations for the regional policy of Lower Silesia have been formulated on this basis.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COHESION POLICY IN RURAL AREAS OF DOLNOŚLĄSKIE REGION

The aim of this paper is to present the implementation of cohesion policy in rural areas on the example of Dolnośląskie voivodeship, based on an assessment of the direction and scale of funding for rural areas under two operational programs, the Rural Development Programme for 2007-2013 and the Regional Operational Programme of Lower Silesia Voivodeship 2007-2013. In the present study, expert-based, documentary, and k-means clustering methods were used. Studies indicate that in 2007-2013 the majority of investments from the RDP were related to improving the quality of life of rural residents. The amount of support, both in total and per capita, varied widely. Most municipalities received this support at the lowest level available on the scale of the whole province. Support for investments in rural areas of the ROP of Dolnośląskie voivodeship 2007-2013 was primarily related to the improvement of transport conditions and environmental protection projects.

The impact of the Regional Operational Programme for the Lower Silesia Voivodeship for 2007-2013 for the environment and infrastructure for environmental protection in the voivodeship

State of the environment and environmental infrastructure is one of the factors determining the quality of life of residents in a given territory. The main objective of the Regional Operational Programme for the Lower Silesia voivodeship for 2007-2013 was to increase the level of living in Lower Silesia, and to improve the competitiveness of the region while respecting the principles of sustainable development. Implementation of this objective was to be achieved through the implementation of the objectives assigned to individual priorities. The aim of the priority IV Environment and Ecological Safety was the improvement of the environment, preventing its degradation and conservation of biodiversity and natural assets of Lower Silesia, as well as the improvement of safety in the region through counteracting natural and technological risks and eliminating their effects and to support active in this range of emergency services. Objective of the study is to show how the implementation of projects funded under Priority IV contributed to improve the environment and infrastructure for environmental protection. For this purpose, will be compared with the results of completed projects statistics regarding the state of the environment and environmental infrastructure in the region. The analysis will be carried out in the various environmental components that correspond to the thematic focus of the various activities carried out under Priority IV. The analysis will therefore be conducted in the area of waste, water and wastewater management, air quality, flood protection infrastructure, restoration of degraded land, protect the environment from natural and technological risks and to protect biodiversity.

THE DIFFERENTATION IN POLISH REGIONS IN TERMS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

The article presents the differentiation between the regions in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI). The dominant importance for enterprises with foreign capital has Masovian Voivodeship where for years the most joint ventures has been registered. In this region is located more than 39% of such entities. Another important province for foreign investors are: Lower Silesia, Silesia and Greater Poland. The lowest important for foreign investors are: Świętokrzyskie, Warmia-Mazury and Opole. In terms of employed in joint ventures the most importance has: Masovian Voivodeship , Greater Poland Voivodeship , Silesian and Lower Silesia Voivodeship.
 This disparities are largely due to the potential and resources of the regions themselves, which in turn depends on many factors, such as: geopolitical, or historically shaped the social and economic structure.

Concha Bullosa in Paleoanthropological Material.

Concha bullosa is a variant of the sinonasal anatomy in which the middle nasal turbinate contains pneumatized cells, which leads to turbinate enlargement. The reason for concha bullosa formation is unclear, but the variant is seen in up to half the modern population and it may predispose to paranasal sinusitis. The variant has hitherto featured little in paleopathology. Therefore, in the present study we seek to determine the presence of concha bullosa, with the coexisting hypertrophy of the middle turbinate and signs of sinusitis or other pathology of the paranasal complex, in a population living in Tomersdorf-Toporow in the Upper Lausatia, a historical region in Germany and Poland, presently Zgorzelec County in the Lower Silesian voivodeship, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century. The material consisted of 32 skeletons (24 males, 8 females). The gender, age, and stress indicators and the presence of pathological signs were assessed, followed by CT of the skulls. We found 2 skulls (6.3 %) with concha bullosa. In one case septal nasal deviation was present. We conclude that the incidence of concha bullosa could be lower in the past times than at present. Wider research is necessary to settle whether concha bullosa is indeed a rare respiratory paleopathology or a missed, and thus underreported observation.