Opole University Research Articles

1st International Conference MRTBS 2024 Modern research trends in biomedical sciences: a holistic approach to health care BOOK OF ABSTRACTS SUPPLEMENT 3

Human health is a complex web of interactions between physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. nowadays, a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to medicine is not only important but essential for a comprehensive understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of individual and population health problems.Th e exchange of ideas between researchers from diff erent branches of science, from basic research to studies that aff ect people and whole populations, is crucial, especially today when there is so much going on in science. Researchers from diff erent fi elds often approach problems with unique perspectives and methods, inspiring each other and leading to innovative solutions and breakthroughs. Collaboration enables a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues related to human health and society by incorporating fi ndings from diff erent disciplines. In addition, collaboration enables the translation of fundamental discoveries into practical applications, such as new treatments or strategies. Ethical considerations are also of utmost importance, especially when research is conducted on humans or entire populations, and ethical research requires collaboration between researchers from the fi elds of health sciences, ethics, social sciences, and biomedicine. Research fi ndings have the greatest impact when they address real-world problems and challenges. Th erefore, it is important to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure research is relevant to the needs of society. In addition, collaboration promotes the validation and replication of research results, which improves the robustness, transferability, and generalizability of results in diff erent contexts.Th e MRTBS2024 conference brings together scientists from diff erent disciplines in health sciences and those from diff erent countries and cultures, which is important for creating a holistic approach to health sciences. By bringing together experts from different fi elds, such as medicine, public health, psychology, physiotherapy, nursing, dietetics, medicinal chemistry, biology, etc., this conference off ers a comprehensive understanding of health issues. Th e integration of these diff erent perspectives promotes a more holistic understanding of health, taking into account cultural beliefs, practices, and social determinants that infl uence health outcomes, and provides an opportunity for researchers from diff erent disciplines to collaborate on research projects and initiatives, promoting the integration of diff erent methods, theories, and approaches. By bringing together researchers from diverse cultural backgrounds, we also wanted to promote cultural sensitivity and its relevance in health research.We hope that this extraordinary event will not only be a breakthrough for Opole University and the city of Opole but will also leave a lasting impression on the Polish and international stage in the fi eld of medicine and health sciences.The project is conducted as a part of the Excellent Science II Program announced by the Minister of Education and Science 2023

Zmarnowana szansa. O nowym-starym wydaniu dzieł Świętosława Orzelskiego

A wasted opportunity. On the new-old edition of Świętosław Orzelski’s works Between 2019 and 2022, Włodzimierz Kaczorowski, a historian affiliated with Opole University, published a total of five volumes (with one volume being published twice) containing the works of Świętosław Orzelski, a sixteenth-century Polish parliamentarian, orator, and chronicler. It is, in fact, a reissue of the translations of these works made and published by Włodzimierz Spasowicz almost one hundred and seventy years ago with the addition of scholarly enhancements. Kaczorowski enriched the volumes with introductory notes, afterwords, extensive footnotes, and indexes. The article is a critical analysis of the result achieved, pointing out numerous errors, misrepresentations, and raising questions about the advisability of “revitalisation” of an outdated translation. The reviewer justifies the concern that issuing a source publication in such a form can do more harm than good to research on the history of Poland in the sixteenth century.

Współpraca Uniwersytetu Opolskiego z jednostkami naukowo-edukacyjnymi Ukrainy w stanach zagrożeń: praktyczny wymiar

The Polish-Ukrainian scientific cooperation at the University of Opole has a long history, which has acquired new meanings in the conditions of pandemic and military threats. The restrictions resulting from ministerial regulations caused by the COVID-19 emergency, and the subsequent attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine, significantly inhibited the ongoing scientific activities between the nations of Poland and Ukraine; however, thanks to people firmly committed to the good of science, it was possible to maintain this cooperation to a certain extent by its substantial relocation to a virtual platform. Among other scientific units, such a situation occurred, at the University of Opole.For example, at its Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology scientific and research events were organised with the full involvement of researchers, doctoral students, and students of both parties. The scientific internships of representatives from both countries have taken place and resulted in joint work expressed in publications, speeches at conferences and seminars. The given examples of international activities of the University of Opole demonstrate stability and adaptability of Polish-Ukrainian scientific cooperation while the society suffers from the crysis conditions.

Review: International Scientific Conference “The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age – In Specific Terms”, Miskolc, 1 December 2022

The University of Miskolc – Central European Academy in partnership with the Ferenc Mádl Institute of Comparative Law, Central-European Association for Comparative Law, Hungarian Association for Comparative Law, Slovak Association for Comparative Law, Scientific Association for Comparative Law Poland, Association for the Advancement of Comparative Law Researches in Serbia, Romanian Association for Comparative Law and the University of Opole on the 1st of December had organized an International Scientific Conference under the title “The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age – in specific terms”. The conference was held in the building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, which additionally increased the solemnity of the event. The aim of the conference was to present the results of the Central European Professorial Network’s “Right to Privacy” research group through analytical and summary presentations by participating professors and to raise awareness about privacy issues. The research project, “Central European Professorial Network 2022”, involved experts in comparative law from seven Central European countries: the Czech Republic, Croatia, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

From the Editors

The year 2022 marked the 800th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Padua, one that Poles have eagerly chosen as the site of their education since its founding, and one of Europe’s finest intellectual centers of the humanist era. For many years, Polish researchers have pointed out the importance of the university to our country, its culture, science and comprehensive development. The Polish elite of the 15th, 16th and early 17th centuries, including Paweł Włodkowic, Nicolaus Copernicus, Jan Kochanowski and Jan Zamoyski were educated in Padua, but these are just some of the many Polish names associated with the university. In view of the significant importance of the “Paduans” for Polish culture, we have decided to devote the theme section of this issue of Perspectives on Culture to the classical inspirations and cultural aspirations of the promoters of Polish culture in Padua, and to place it under the editorship of Prof. Dr. hab. Mirosław Lenart and Dr. Sławomir Marchel from the University of Opole. His Magnificence Father Rector of the Jesuit University Ignatianum in Cracow, Fr. Dr. Tomasz Homa SJ, AIK Professor, also included his introductory word in the issue.

Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of acute heart failure patients over 65 years of age (analysis from the OP-AHF registry)

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by a grant from the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, Poland. Introduction Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the most common causes of hospitalizations and deaths in the developed countries. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases and the increase of life expectancy have resulted in the fact that we are increasingly hospitalizing elderly patients, often with multi-diseases, which is a significant challenge for health care. Purpose The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of patients with AHF over 65 years of age compared to the younger ones. Methods As part of the prospective Acute Heart Failure Registry (OP-AHF), data from 122 patients hospitalized in ICCU were collected from June 2019. Inclusion criteria were hospitalization for AHF and the use of at least one of: intravenous diuretics, catecholamines or mechanical circulatory support. All patients were then followed for 12 months. Results Patients older than 65 years constituted 64% of patients with AHF (78 out of 122 people). Compared to younger ones, they were more often males (36% vs 14%, p = 0.01), smokers (85% vs 55%, p <0.01) and had a significantly lower BMI (29 vs 32 kg / m2, p = 0.02). Older patients had more often history of renal failure (54% vs 44%, p <0.01), diabetes (58% vs 42%, p = 0.07) and arterial hypertension (47% vs 53%), p = 0, 02). Dyspnea was the dominant symptom in both groups (79% vs 94%, p = 0.04). Left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF was insignificantly lower in the elderly (40% vs 44%, p = 0.18). In both groups, NTpro-BNP was increased on admission (9722 vs 8221 pg / ml, p = 0.08) and then decreased on discharge (8057 vs 5377 pg / ml, p = 0.11). Significantly lower hemoglobin values were noted on admission in the group of patients over 65 years of age (12.5 vs 13.8 g%, p <0.01). Elderly patients had higher 12-month mortality (29% vs 14% in younger patients, p = 0.06; HR = 2.34 [95% CI = 0.95-5.76]; adjusted for age, sex, LVEF and NTpro-BNP HR = 2.64 [0.99-7.01], p = 0.05. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of rehospitalizations within 12 months after hospital discharge (27% in both groups, corrected HR = 0.95 [0.45-1.99]). Conclusions Elderly patients >65 years of age have higher risk of death within 12 months after an episode of acute heart failure than younger ones. However, despite greater burden of comorbidities, they are not more often rehospitalized due to cardiovascular reasons. Fig. Actual and adjusted for age, sex, LVEF and NT-pro BNP 12- month survival of patient over 65 years of age

Comparative analysis of ischemic and non-ischemic etiology of acute heart failure - analysis from the "OP-AHF" registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This work was supported by a grant from the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, Poland. ROCHE Diagnostics Poland. Introduction Current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology define acute heart failure as the rapid onset of symptoms and/or signs of heart failure, severe enough for the patient to seek urgent medical attention, leading to an unplanned hospital admission or an emergency department visit. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics, treatment, and 12-month outcomes of patients with ischemic(I-AHF) and non-ischemic acute heart failure(NI-AHF). Materials and Methods As a part of the open prospective Acute Heart Failure Registry (OP-AHF),data 122 patients hospitalized in the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit were collected in the period from June 2019. The inclusion criteria were hospitalization for acute heart failure and the need to use at least one of: intravenous diuretics, catecholamines or mechanical circulatory support. The project was approved by the Bioethical Committee. Results Patients with ischemic etiology of acute heart failure (I-AHF) constituted 43% of the study group (53 of 122 patients). Compared to patients with non-ischemic etiology of acute heart failure (NI-AHF), patients with I-AHF were older (69 vs. 64 years, p = 0.04) and slightly more frequently male (79% vs. 67%, p=0.12). BMI was similar in both groups (29 vs. 30, p=0.21). On admission, they reported more frequently chest pain (49% vs. 33%, p = 0.08), and less frequently than NI-AHF patients, edema (40% vs. 54%, p = 0.12) and dyspnoea (91% vs. 97%, p =0.25). History of diabetes (60% vs. 20%, p<0.01) and chronic kidney disease (38% vs. 20%, p =0.03) were predominant in I-AHF patients,but atrial fibrillation (36% vs 57%, p=0.02) was less common than in NI-AHF patients. Laboratory results on admission showed significantly higher NT-proBNP levels in the I-AHF patients (11078 vs 7785 pg/ml, p < 0.004). Left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower on admission (29% vs 35%, p= 0.02) and at discharge (34% vs 39%, p = 0.19) in I-AHF patients. At 12-month follow-up, there was no improvement of LVEF in I-AHF patients in contrast to NI-AHF patients (34% vs 47%, p <0.001). Death during hospitalization occurred more frequently in the I-AHF patients group (15% vs 3%, p=0.01). The rates of cardiovascular rehospitalisations within 12 months was 23% in patients with I-AHF patients compared to 32% in NI-AHF patients, p=0.3;HR=0.70 (95% CI = 0.35-1.38). The risk of death from any cause within 12 months was lower in patients with I-AHF (17% vs. 32%, p=0.056; HR = 0.49 (95% CI = 0.23-1.02)), nevertheless, after adjustment for age, sex, LVEF and NT-proBNP, mortality was essentially identical in both groups, 24% inI-AHF and 23% in NI-AHF, p=0.99; HR=1.00 (0.45-2.24). Conclusions Despite a worse in-hospital outcomes, ischemic etiology of acute heart failure was not associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular rehospitalization and death at 12-month follow-up than non-ischemic etiology.

Usefulness of the Klotho protein, FGF-23 and GDF-15 in assessment of the new onset Acute Heart Failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This work was supported by a grant from the Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, Poland. Background Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening multifaceted clinical condition requiring intensive and expensive treatment. Earlier studies highlighted the difference in characteristics and prognosis of new onset AHF (NO- AHF) and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Protein Klotho and FGF23 could be attractive tools in the evaluation of patients with AHF. GDF-15 is a recognized marker of the risk of death and complications, including bleeding in many cardiovascular diseases. Aim The aim of the study was to compare selected biomarkers (Protein Klotho, FGF-23, GDF-15) with clinical characteristics and 12-month outcomes of patients with NO-AHF and ADHF. Methods As part of the prospective Acute Heart Failure Registry (OP-AHF), data from 112 patients hospitalized in Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) were collected from June 2019. Inclusion criteria were: hospitalization for AHF and the use of at least one of: intravenous diuretics, catecholamines or mechanical circulatory support. Blood samples were collected on admission, at discharge as well as at the 30-day. Patients were than follow-up for one year. Results Patients with NO-AHF constituted 46% of the study group (52 out of 112) and compared to patients with ADHF they were more often aged under 65 years (44% vs. 30%, p=0.12), better educated (25% vs. 8%, p=0.03), less frequently with diabetes (31% vs. 43%, p=0.17), hypertension (58% vs. 83%, p=0.03), and prior myocardial infarction (19% vs. 45%, p=0.004). In both groups there were more men (69% vs. 80%,p=0.19) and ischemic etiology of heart failure were more frequent (33% vs. 51%, p=0.42) in NO-AHF and ADHF, respectively. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was insignificantly higher in patients with NO-AHF on admission (30% vs. 26%, p=0.6) and at discharge (35% vs. 30%, p=0.27).Only patient with NO-AHF improved LVEF at the 12- month follow–up (50% vs. 35%, p=0,003).It was no signifcant differences between median value of Klotho protein in both groups at admission, discharge and 30–day follow up visit. We observed significant reduction in FGF-23 and GDF-16 at tree time points (Table 1). 12-month mortality in patients with NO-AHF was insignificantly lower (17% vs. 28% in ADHF HR=1,7 (95% Cl=0.25-1.18)),also after correction for age, sex and ,LVEF- 20% vs. 25%, respectively, p=0.58; HR=1,26 (0.3-1.8). In the Cox multivariate model, the risk of death was presented as hazard ratio (HR) and was highest for GDF-15 in both groups (Table2). Conclusion Patients with the NO- AHF have different clinical profile than patients with acute decompensated heart failure with a tendency to lower 12-month mortality. There were no significant differences in the median value of Klotho protein in both groups. Reduction of the FGF-23 during hospitalization can serve as a marker of AHF compensation, thus FGF-23 could be a valuable tool for assessing response to treatment. GDF-15 seems to be the strongest predictor of death in both groups of AHF.

Environmental Emissions Dispersion Modelling, Principles and Algorithms; Cross-Border CZ-PL Course for Master’s Students

Abstract Regular mathematical modelling of the dispersion of emissions from large sources is required by law in all EU countries. It is also used in risk analysis to predict releases of toxic substances from various technologies, from volcanic activity and possibly also terrorist acts. However, there is a shortage of experts in this very specific and demanding profession in the labour market in most EU countries. In a collaboration between academicians from neighbouring University of Hradec Králové and University of Opole and experts from important ecological companies of both regions we designed and verified as a part of a four-year pedagogical project supported by the EU a comprehensive education system in mathematical modelling of emission dispersion with exchange field trips and internships of students during cross-border Polish-Czech university education. The paper consists of two separate parts. The first part is focused on implementation of innovative lesson “Principles, algorithms, and differences of environmental dispersion emissions models”, used on both sides of Polish-Czech border region. An example of the use of the educational package of the Gaussian plume model with PC Templates, who was modified in cooperation between teachers from both cross-border universities and experts from professional companies is presented here too. Our four-year experience with student motivational field trips to professional companies in both border regions and exchange one-month professional internships for interested students to two Czech professional companies, where students learn to work with to the Gaussian plume model and one Polish professional company, where students are introduced to the Gaussian puff model is also discussed. The following separate second part will be focused on the innovative lesson of multivariate statistical methods of environmental data analysis, which are required for processing materials for modern mathematical modelling of the dispersion of emissions in practice. The target users of this two-part innovative courses are students of the MSc degree in Physical Measurement and Modelling at the University of Hradec Králové and students of the MSc degree in environmental studies at the University of Opole. However, it is also open to other Czech and foreign students and professionals.

The Biological Monitoring as a Source of Information on Environmental Pollution with Heavy Metals

Abstract The influence of environmental pollution on living organisms has been known for a long time, but it was not until the second half of the twentieth century that methodical studies on the influence of anthropopressure on changes in ecosystems began. Living organisms began to be used as biological indicators of environmental pollution. Cyclical and quantitative studies of pollutant concentrations in bioaccumulators have become the basis of modern biological monitoring (biomonitoring) of environmental pollution. Biomonitoring studies are carried out with the passive method (passive biomonitoring), in which living organisms occurring in their natural environment are analysed, and with active methods (active biomonitoring), in which, for example, plants living in the environment with low pollution are transferred and displayed in more polluted ecosystems e.g. heavy metals. The analysis of trace elements, including heavy metals accumulated in algae, mosses and lichens used in biological monitoring provides a lot of information on, among others concentration and origin of pollutants and the directions of their spread. Biomonitoring is used to assess the level of contamination of selected ecosystems, as well as the impact of individual emitters on the environment. An important element in determining the concentrations of trace elements in biological material used in biomonitoring is the proper planning of the experiment, taking into account, among others: methods of collecting or exposing samples, selection of analytical methods and methods of evaluation and interpretation of results. The aim of the presented long-term research, conducted by the Research Team of the Institute of Biology of the University of Opole, was to show that analytical techniques using biota samples can provide reliable data on the past, present and future state of the environment. However, it should be remembered that in order for the results of biomonitoring studies to be reliable and comparable, the applied research methodologies should be consistent and repeatable. In the presented research, Palmaria palmata and Spirogyra sp. algae, Pleurozium schreberi mosses, Hypogymnia physodes and bark of deciduous trees were used. In samples of biological material by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry, the concentrations of heavy metals, including Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, were determined. On the basis of the conducted research, it was unequivocally stated that the biomonitoring methods are a good complement to the classic methods of environmental quality assessment. The analysis of the elements accumulated in the biological material provides us with information about the quality of the examined ecosystems, the introduced pollutants and their potential sources. This information allows for the introduction of effective measures to improve the quality of the environment.

An efficient time-domain fatigue analysis and its comparison to spectral fatigue assessment for construction steel 10HNAP

In the present paper, the capability of two multiaxial fatigue criteria in both estimating the fatigue life and predicting the crack initiation path of metallic components under random loading is investigated. As a matter of fact, it is very difficult to find in the literature the predicted crack initiation path data when the loading has a random nature. To such an aim, an experimental campaign performed at the Opole University of Technology on a construction steel 10HNAP, under biaxial non-proportional random loading, is simulated by means of both a time-domain criterion and a frequency-domain one.

The 16th International Conference: "Mechatronic Systems and Materials" (MSM 2021), 01-02 July 2021

The 16th International Conference "Mechatronic Systems and Materials" (MSM 2021) is being organized by: • Mechanical Faculty of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University• Kaunas University of Technology• Lithuanian Academy of Sciences• Opole University of Technology• Bialystok Technical University• IFToMM National Committee of Lithuania Aim & Scope: Providing opportunity for the scientists to share information and facilitate co-operation in Mechatronics, New Materials, and Engineering Technologies and dissemination of current research results in this multi-disciplinary field.List of Topics of Mechatronic Systems:, Materials, Engineering Technologies:, Education:, Committees, Scientific Editorial Committee:, Organizing Committee, these are available in this pdf.

Pelvic girdle morphology in Stagonolepis, with remarks on aetosaur systematics

In recent years, the Upper Triassic deposits at Krasiejów (south-west Poland) have yielded several tetrapod taxa, both aquatic and terrestrial. Stagonolepis olenkae is one of the terrestrial vertebrates recovered there; a quadrupedal, armoured aetosaur, which belonged to the crocodile-line archosaurs with a characteristic shovel-shaped snout. Several previous studies (osteological, histological and taphonomic) have attempted to understand the mode of life, growth pattern and possible dimorphism of this species and on this basis, to interpret palaeoecological, palaeoclimatic and stratigraphical implications. So far, the pelvic girdle of S. olenkae from Krasiejów remained undescribed. Here, the authors record stagonolepid ilia and pubes and a single ischium from collections housed at the University of Opole, and compare these with the pelvic girdles of other aetosaurian taxa. These well-preserved bones have a typical aetosaurian general outline, but also show some peculiar features. For instance, the preacetabular blade of the ilium is short and flattened and does not exceed the pubic peduncle; several small foramina occur dorsally of the supracetabular crest; the number of pubic foramina is two and the pubic symphysis is less than half the length of the pubis. The material is similar to previously known Stagonolepis robertsoni from the Elgin area, except for the length of the symphysis. The bones presented here differ between each other in thickness, morphology of the preacetabular blade or attachment of sacral ribs, which may be connected with sexual dimorphism. The pelvic girdle of most aetosaurs is not well known. This is unfortunate, because it is an important element in the study of the evolution of the pelvic girdle and in phylogenetic analyses. Thus, the ilia, pubes and ischium of the present study are valuable examples that may contribute to the discussion of the ontogeny and sexual dimorphism in Stagonolepis , as well as to our general knowledge of the Aetosauria.

A plaque dedicated to the eminent geobotanist Josias Braun-Blanquet hangs on the wall of the Institute of Biology of the Opole University (Poland)

A plaque dedicated to the eminent geobotanist Josias Braun-Blanquet hangs on the wall of the Institute of Biology of the Opole University (Poland)

Challenges and Prospects for the Art Market Vis-à-vis the Evolving EU Regime for Counteracting Illicit Trade in Cultural Objects (Erika Bochereau talks to Alicja Jagielska-Burduk and Andrzej Jakubowski)

Erika Bochereau is Secretary General of the International Federation of Art and Antique Dealer Associations (CINOA). Established in 1935, CINOA is the principal international confederation of Art & Antique art market professional associations. Affiliated dealers from 30 leading associations cover a wide array of specialties, from antiquities to contemporary art. CINOA’s associate members include leading associations of auction houses and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), which alone represents an additional 22 book seller associations. CINOA, and all of its member organizations, have a strict application process to ensure acceptance of only peer-vetted art professionals that have established businesses, reputable galleries, and/or practices. CINOA-affiliated groups abide by a high standard of business practices and codes of ethics which include strict due diligence. During the past nearly 70 years, dealers have been changing their practices to abide by biodiversity, cultural property, and heritage legislation. The CINOA Code of Conduct is updated regularly to reflect these changes. The vast majority of CINOA’s members are businesses of four people or less who work hard to cultivate their clientele: http://www.cinoa.org. UNESCO uses the term partnership for very specific relationships. I don’t think we can keep this sentence. Alicja Jagielska-Burduk is Editor-in-chief of the “Santander Art and Culture Law Review” (SAACLR) and the holder of the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Property Law at the University of Opole. Andrzej Jakubowski serves as SAACLR Deputy Editor-in-chief and Leader of the project “Legal Forms of Cultural Heritage Governance in Europe – A Comparative Law Perspective”, No. UMO-2019/35/B/ HS5/02084, financed by the National Science Centre (Poland). The present interview was undertaken within the framework of this research project.

Edukacja historyczna: Polska – Europa – świat. Jak przedstawiać historię Polski, by Europa i świat chciały ją poznawać?

This publication has been prepared by a group of doctoral studens at the Institute of History of the University of Opole, as a result of discussions on the prospects for the development of historical education in Poland, Europe and the world, undertaken during the course: Historical education: Poland – Europe – the World. The result of these considerations is this article, which proposes some possibilities of presenting the history of Poland in an objective manner, at the same time one that may arouse interest outside Poland. The content of the article is a proposal to promote prominent figures associated with Poland over the centuries, people of different sexes, professions and fields of activity: St. Wojciech, Radzim Gaudenty, queen Rycheza, the rhodium von Oppersdorff, Jan Ignacy Felbiger, Herbert Clark Hoover, Rosa Bailly and Karl Dedecius. What these characters have in common is their foreign origin and the fact that they liked Poland and its inhabitants, and influenced its history with their activities. The text contains short biographies of these people. Popularization of the activities of these characters can take place on various levels. It is worth devoting to them scientific conferences, looking at their activities from their homelands, various artistic and popularizing projects could be carried out on them. These characters could also be presented to a wider audience through mass culture.

Polski patriotyzm jako przywiązanie do wspólnych korzeni cywilizacji Zachodu. Refleksje na marginesie włoskiego wydania traktatu o. Józefa Marii (Innocentego) Bocheńskiego OP

This article is the Polish version of the introduction to the Italian translation of the treatise by Father Józef Maria Bocheński OP (monastic name: Innocent) entitled: On patriotism. The author of the treatise, an outstanding Polish logician, lecturer at many universities in Europe and around the world, published his text originally intended for soldiers of the Polish II Corps fighting in Italy during the Second World War. The context of this edition, as well as the contemporary edition of the text in Italian (in the book: Alla guardia dello spirito e della fede. Il patriottismo polacco sulsuolo italiano neitestiripropostin el centenario della Battaglia di Varsavia (1920) e nel 25° anniversario della morte di padre Józef Maria (Di Innocenzo), a cura di M. Lenart, Opole University Press, Opole 2020) prompted the author of the article to show the value of patriotism in the context of Italian culture, in which this topic, and even the concept itself, is currently being eliminated from the public sphere. Thus, conducting discussions on topics related to patriotism encounters many difficulties despite the widespread belief in close cultural relations between Poland and Italy.

Assessment of nursing and midwifery students’ knowledge of treatment of diabetic foot syndrome using Lucilia servicata larvae

Background. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases, and in recent years its prevalence has been systematically increasing. Untreated or ineffectively treated diabetes leads to the development of many complications. Among these that can significantly affect the quality of life is diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). Larvotherapy is a therapeutic method of treating wounds arising during the course of DFS. Aim of the study. The main objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of nursing and midwifery students on the treatment of DFS using Lucilia sericata larvae. Material and Methods. This study is a cross-sectional, observational study in which 202 nursing and midwifery students of Opole University were surveyed. The study was conducted online between June and November 2020, using a questionnaire developed by the authors. Results. The analysis showed considerable variation in the level of students' knowledge of treatment techniques for DFS. Those with the highest level of knowledge represented 39.15% (n=79), the average level of knowledge was represented by 28.2% (n=57), and the lowest level of knowledge was represented by 32.7% (n=66) of students. Regarding biosurgery in general, the highest level of knowledge about biosurgery was represented by 48.0% (n=97) of students. Nursing students had a higher level of knowledge than midwifery students regarding DFS treatment methods (p=0.001). There was no difference in the level of knowledge about biosurgery between nursing and midwifery students (p=0.503). Conclusions. The research presented in this study indicates that nursing and midwifery students have insufficient knowledge of DFS treatment methods and biosurgery. Nursing students are more likely than midwifery students to derive knowledge of DFS treatment methods from their studies and the literature. Education on treatment methods and techniques for DFS should be increased among students. Students' knowledge can be increased by classes in the course of their education and meetings with professionals.

Educating students during a pandemic in the light of research

The topic of this article is the research that was carried out at the Opole University of Management and Administration during the pandemic. The aim of the research was to answer the question whether and to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic affected the completion of studies by students of the Opole University of Management and Administration. The analysis included the assessment of students from the last semester in the academic year 2018/2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2019/2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), as well as the results from the diploma examination, the coefficient of similarity of the works to others in the uniform anti-plagiarism system and the planned date of taking the final examination. The research was conducted using the data analysis method. The results showed that the students who were supposed to graduate in the time when the pandemic started, much more often than their predecessors did not take the final examination and were not able to finish writing their diploma papers. Additionally, they had lower grades in their practical subjects.

Beirut law school and its place for continued Roman law traditions in late Antiquity and the Middle ages

The review is dedicated to a new and analytical legal and historical study of Dr. Piotr Sadowski, professor of Roman law at the University of Opole, Poland for the Beirut Law School, its teachers, students and its significant place as one of the three imperial law schools (along with Rome and Constantinople), approved by the Emperor Justinian, as well as its place for the continuation of Roman tradition in late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.