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Sustainability is definitely one of the top priorities of the current highly competitive global society. For almost three decades, the EU has been declaring its commitment to sustainable growth, while progressively recognizing that the concept of shared values, the multi-stakeholder model and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are indispensable. The EU moved, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other events, from mere Directives to Regulations, i.e. the genuine reporting about sustainability is becoming a duty for certain businesses, especially in the financial sector. This political and legislative trend is boosted by the engagement of three special EU institutions (ESAs) entrusted with the development, standardization and monitoring of sustainability-related disclosures based on Regulation 2019/2088. Who belongs in this triumvirate? What are their competencies and tasks? And most importantly, how is this triumvirate and its operations perceived? A holistic multi-disciplinary research of legislative sources and performed surveys and studies yields both quantitative and qualitative data. An open-minded critical analysis of such data, along with a comparison, Socratic questioning and forensic glossing brings answers to these three burning questions and offers fresh recommendations regarding EU pro-sustainability endeavours as well as modern European integration.

The article is an attempt of interpretation of seven poems written by Wawrzyniec Korwin which were inserted in St. Bonaventura`s homilies and constitute forms of prayers to be said daily by Christians. The author analyses the artistic skill of the language used by the poet. His poems keep fascinating their readers because of their language, i.e. style as a system of remarkable pattern of linguistic elements and ancient metre.

In this article the author discusses scientific and cultural Polish-German relations at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. These considerations are based on the old Polish cosmographers: Wojciech of Brudzew, Jan of Głogów, Wawrzyniec Korwin and Jan of Stobnica. These works show that German scholars were regarded as scientific authorities and were an inspiration and source of knowledge for Polish scholars. However, the cosmological treatise by Jan of Głogów shows that Poles associated Germans with vice and crime, as evidenced by the example of Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, who was attributed German origins. The picture of Germans and their lands painted by Old-Polish cosmographers is apparently based on ancient and later authors, especially Solinus, Strabon and Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini. Significant excerpts from these works were also made available to Polish readers to show them a multifaceted panorama of the Germanic lands. Wawrzyniec Korwin’s treatise also contains the opinions of Germans about Poland and Poles. The western neighbors of Poland–Lithuania were particularly keen on Cracow and its famous university and academic staff. The two nations were undeniably fascinated by each other’s science.

The article offers a survey of the reception of Ovid in the Wawrzyniec Korwin’s astronomical dissertation Cosmographia dans manuductionem in tabulas Ptolemaei (ed. 1496) by applying literary perspectives of such Ovid`s poems as Metamorphoses, Fasti, Epistulae ex Ponto, Amores and Heroides. The title Korwin’s take on Ovid hints at the actual and real potential of his heritage that is both a fixed, poetic base shared by Korwin since his study at the Cracow Academy as well as a body of references constantly being reinterpreted in response to astronomical and geographical challenges of the work of the Polish writer. The reader is given an insight into the processes shaping Korwin’s borrowings from Ovid and the importance of Cosmographia to the Polish Renaissance culture.

The reasons and sources of firm growth are a part of economic research since approximately 50 years. Studying various empirical studies all over the world, it is no doubt, that the problematic issue is just how to measure growth of the firm. The main objective of the paper is to discuss the measures of growth of the firm in economics and business studies. The article consists of two sections. The first section reviews basic measures of growth. The second section elaborates on a particular case of growth – measures of high-growth and hyper-growth. The articles is bases on in-depth literature review and its critics.

We develop complementary connections between McLuhan’s media ecology notion of media as ‘extensions of man’ and the Extended Mind Thesis of Andy Clark.

Interview with Robert K. Logan by Marcin Trybulec.

Po velmi krátké době zlatého věku Eurozóny nastaly pro evropskou integraci těžké časy, které odhalily praskliny v samotných základech a (až do té doby) skryté myšlenky a názory klíčových hráčů na EU scéně. Nedávné emoce a různé úrovně pocitu závazku se vypořádat se současnými problémy spíše rozdělují než sbližují velké duo, tažné síly Eurozóny, a dokonce i samotné EU. Je třeba poznamenat, že evropská integrace po druhé světové války je produktem spojení francouzského a německého myšlení. V roce 2013 se zdá, že tato účelová dualita se rozpadá. Smyslem tohoto příspěvku je výzkum a analýzu několik aspektů a prvků francouzsko- německého polaristického vztahu scenérii Eurozóny. Pozorování a komparatistika vedou k řadě překvapující výsledků, které jsou podloženy daty.

Wywiad z Robertem K. Loganem. Rozmawiał: Marcin Trybulec.

Rozwijam powiązania pomiędzy McLuhanowską ideą mediów jako „przedłużeń człowieka” w ekologii mediów a Tezą Umysłu Rozszerzonego autorstwa Andy’ego Clarka.

In the article Robert K. Zawadzki examines the representation of the Vandals in the historical work entitled Chronica Polonorum of Maciej of Miechów. This race who settled on the south coast of the Baltic Sea provided fertile ground for the Polish writer to articulate his ideas about the origins of the Polish nation. By examining these historical tales, the author shows how the author constructed an image of journeys of the great nation in keeping with the patriotic and moralistic goals and context of his own work, while individually creating a vision of Poles as Vandals who occupied Transdanubian Pannonia, attacked the Roman provinces, devastated wide areas of Gaul, crossed into Spain, moved into North Africa and captured Rome. This combination of such historical narrative material aims to highlight both the splendor of ancient Polish history and the fundamental unity of the Polish and European history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a synthesis of interpretive research undertaken to examine the benefits for consumers and to assess the development potential of the insurance market thanks to the functioning of the secondary life insurance market. The solutions adopted worldwide regarding introducing insurance companies› obligation to inform about the existence of the secondary life insurance market were analyzed as a potential model to be used in Poland. A study of the literature and legal regulations regarding the functioning of the life insurance market was carried out as an analysis of legal acts in force in the world and in Poland, as well as an examination of the regulations and mechanisms for selling life insurance policies on the secondary market around the world. It has been shown that life insurance policyholders are not aware of the existence or possibility of a secondary market. The lack of an active secondary market means fewer benefits for consumers from the functioning of the insurance market, and the competitive potential of the entire insurance market becomes limited.

Stroke is a very serious life-threatening condition. It is the second cause of death worldwide [5], while even in non-fatal cases it can result in severe disability and complications [5, 8]. Of all cases, ischaemic stroke is the most common, accounting for 87% of all ischaemic stroke cases [4]. Some hope is offered by the fact that modifiable risk factors are responsible for 90% of ischaemic stroke cases [7, 14]. Consequently, a number of recommendations have been made regarding health-promoting behaviours and treatment goals for diseases associated with an increased risk of stroke in high-risk populations. The aim of this work is to present risk groups, i.e. patient groups at higher than population risk of stroke, and to assess the effectiveness of the recommendations and the impact of their application on stroke risk. Methods and materials We reviewed the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar using the words: Stroke, ischemic stroke, prevention, epidemiology Summary The data analysed clearly indicate that modifiable risk factors are responsible for the majority of cases (up to 90%) of stroke. Identifying risk groups on the basis of the Life's Essential 8 proposed by the American Heart Association for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, yields measurable results in lowering the risk of stroke among patients. Clearly defined standards can also set therapeutic targets for the treatment of conditions and diseases strongly associated with stroke risk and further improve population health. Primary care plays a very important role, as it is often the patient's first contact with the health care system. Keywords: Stroke, ischemic stroke, prevention, epidemiology

Introduction Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in developed countries. It also occurs in men. The primary therapy for these cancers is surgery; chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy are also used. More and better treatments are being sought for this disease. The use of PARP inhibitors in the treatment of breast cancer has shown good results, so in this article we have done a review of the results of various studies on this topic. [1] In this review, the results of studies on the use of various PARP inhibitors in breast cancer of different hormonal status are presented. Purpose This article aims to give you an overview of the trials that have looked at the effects of different PARP inhibitors in the treatment of breast cancer. PARP inhibitors are a relatively new cancer therapy with good results, so it is important to pay attention. State of Knowledge In this article, I used the PubMed database and considered papers from the last 15 years, but most of the information in this review comes from papers published after 2020. I have also taken into account the recommendations of the FDA and the European Medicines Agency on the use of PARP inhibitors. Conclusions PARP inhibitors have shown significant effects on breast cancer outcomes. The differences in outcomes depending on the type of cancer, the PARP inhibitor used, and the previous therapies used in a given patient tell us how important it is to individualize therapy in oncology. The findings of the studies presented in this review also point to the need for further research that could focus on identifying patients who may best benefit from treatment with PARP inhibitors, as well as studying synergistic effects in combination with other forms of therapy, such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy. The changes in treatment outcomes that these drugs can bring underscore the importance of exploring new therapeutic strategies in oncology.

Book review

In the article the author explores the reflections of Jan of Stobnicy on the soul. A group of Aristotelian notions became important categories in the Polish writer's lectures, and the terms such as substance, essence, matter and form grew into fundamental conceptions used by Jan of Stobnica to describe the soul. The soul is the form of a living being - the spiritual part of plants, beasts and humans. That is the reason why the Polish writer, like Aristotle, posited three kinds of soul: the vegetative soul, the sensitive soul and the rational soul. Humans have a rational soul. The article presents a consideration that interrogates the ancient lore to uncover the ways in which the Bible and the Greek philosophers created images of God and angels as spiritual beings. Via a survey of Aristotelian sources about the Jan's of Stobnica reflections on the soul and a study of his views of God and angels, the article reveals how this author was innovatory for the Polish philosophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THE PROBLEM OF DE FACTO STATES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DURING THE DECOLONISATION IN AFRICA: THE CASE OF KATANGA AND SOUTH KASAI In modern history of Sub-Saharan Africa there have been several attempts of secession, most of which failed. Some of them were successful, such as Eritrea or South Sudan, others were close to success, such as Katanga in the Belgian Congo or Biafra in Nigeria, and some others never had any practical chances of success, such as Cabinda, aiming to separate from Angola, or South Kasai from Congo. The Republic of Congo, one of the largest countries in Sub Saharan Africa, was the first of the independent states in this region to experience civil war and separatism. This former Belgian colony gained independence on 30 June 1960 and was plunged into an internal conflict just two weeks later. The military rebellion and the chaos that arose in the country after the declaration of independence were used by politicians from the mineral-rich Katanga and South Kasai provinces. The conflict, taking place in the realities of the Cold War and decolonisation, became an element of a larger international game between the Western world, the Eastern bloc, and non-aligned countries. Katanga is the only example so far when the international community has made an effort towards ending secession of an unrecognised state and has tried to restore state unity using military force through the United Nations.

The medicinal use of mountain arnica (Arnica montana L.) has a long tradition in Europe and is currently confirmed by the documented biological activity of extracts from its flowers and helenalin isolated from them. The main groups of specialized metabolites found in Arnicae flos are: sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, phenolic acids. The anti-inflammatory effect that justifies most of the uses of arnica is primarily due to helenalin derivatives, which are currently being studied, among others, in terms of anticancer activity and against selected parasitic protozoa causing tropical diseases. The development of new solutions for obtaining large amounts of arnica material for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, as well as the search for an efficient source of helenalin derivatives, is therefore justified by biological activity and the expanding range of possible medicinal applications. The high demand for plant raw materials and the prohibited collection from natural sites of strictly protected mountain arnica contributed to the optimization of the cultivation of this species, the acquisition of plant material with comparable qualitative and quantitative characteristics from other species (primarily meadow arnica), as well as the use of biotechnological methods in plant in vitro cultures. In this area, the most numerous publications concern the development of effective micro-propagation of arnica for cultivation. Biotechnological procedures used to develop methods for obtaining helenalin derivatives from plant in vitro cultures have value as the natural science research as well as economic importance and this potential may also be covered by patent protection. In this study, we present the traditional uses of mountain arnica in Europe in the 20th century and summarize the current directions of research in the 21st century, with particular emphasis on the use of plant in vitro cultures. Besides historical documents, the cited works are related to obtaining valuable plant material from arnica based on selected review publications and original research works available in publication databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect). There are also mentioned plants of other species belonging to Asteraceae family, commonly called „arnica” in the regions of Brazil or Mexico (known as: Brasilian arnica, Mexican arnica, false arnica), which are the subject of research works on detailed phytochemical analysis and biological activity, including their anti-inflammatory effect.

The article offers an overview of the poetical material circulating in a Latin poem by Rudolph of Wasserburg which was inserted into an astronomical and geographical treatise Introductio in Ptolemaei Cosmographiam cum longitudinibus et latitudinibus regionum et civitatum celebriorum (Cracoviae 1512, 1517) of Jan of Stobnica (1470-1530). As a Sapphic verse, Rudolph's poem offers tales of the achievements of Jan Lubrański, the Bishop of Poznań, which were praised and admired in order to meet the tastes and cultural expectations of contemporary readers, thus becoming a testimony to the bishop's outstanding personality. Among others, the article examines his actions and deeds eulogised in the poem, such as building churches and patronage of the arts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artykuł omawia relacje łączące szlachtę lubelską obradującą na zwyczajowych zjazdach politycznych (sejmikach) z Kościołami różnych wyznań, obrządkami i duchowieństwem. Ze względu na aktywność polityczną i obecność w ruchu egzekucyjnym głównie szlachty innowierczej prezentuje konflikty hierarchów kościelnych z pozywanymi przed sądy kościelne przedstawicielami protestantów. Podstawę tych antagonizmów stanowiła walka na forum lokalnym, jak i państwowym o kompozycje (compositio inter status), czyli o wspomnianą wyżej ochronę przed pozywaniem świeckich przed sądy kościelne, dziesięciny i możliwość nabywania przez kler dóbr ziemskich. Przedstawia również krytyczne stanowisko lublinian w kwestii wszelkiego rodzaju konfliktów na tle religijnym, a także ich punkt widzenia związany z królewską polityką nominacyjną biskupów. W tym kontekście istotnym zagadnieniem są też przekazy dokumentujące bliskie kontakty szlachty lubelskiej z hierarchami kościelnymi, przede wszystkim ubiegającymi się o uzyskanie dobrze uposażonego biskupstwa, prymasami, a także nieufność wobec przedstawicieli Stolicy Apostolskiej w Rzeczypospolitej. Tylko w niewielkim zakresie odnosi się do spraw związanych z funkcjonowaniem Kościoła unickiego, jego rywalizacji o świątynie i dobra ziemskie z Kościołem prawosławnym. W dalszej części artykułu niemałą uwagę poświęcono także obecności zakonów w świecie szlacheckim, przede wszystkim dominikanów i brygidek. Do istotnych problemów wielokrotnie omawianych przez szlachtę lubelską podczas zgromadzeń sejmikowych należał również udział duchowieństwa w wojnach prowadzonych przez państwo polsko-litewskie. Ważną częścią całej pracy jest także zagadnienie dotyczące zabezpieczenia dóbr duchownych przed szkodami i przestępstwami popełnianymi przez formacje wojskowe.

Cartilage degeneration is a serious health condition in modern society, leading to problems in mobility and significant reduction in the quality of life of patients of all ages. It is mainly caused by obesity, workload, sports or trauma to the joint. Proper diagnosis is crucial to implement appropriate treatment to stop the further degeneration of the tissue. Usually the assessment is performed by using magnetic resonance. This paper describes the design and application of an alternative measurement system for vibroartography of the knee joint. The use of such device allows for fast, safe, easy and cheap assessment of joint condition, which in turn can lead to proper treatment planning. Similar portable systems can be rapidly deployed and used by entry level medical staff in hospitals, clinics or at patient’s home. The system consists of an orthosis, set of three vibroacoustic sensors, encoder for reading knee position, microcontroller with galvanic barrier and battery power and a computer for data storage and processing. The system is light, simple and portable. Data is recorded in both closed and open kinematic chains. Results show over 90% diagnostic accuracy based on the data obtained in the process of testing this device. In the future, the system will be further miniaturized and completely placed on the orthosis, leading to more portability and diagnostic merit.

Sprawiedliwość jest bez wątpienia fundamentem istnienia oraz funkcjonowania demokratycznego państwa prawa, tworzenia relacji społecznych, a także niezbędnym czynnikiem służącym budowaniu i pogłębianiu zaufania. Samo zaś pojęcie jawi się jako niedookreślone, mgliste, nieostre, opisywane nierzadko mianem niejasnego. Sprawiedliwość miała, ma i pewnie zawsze mieć będzie dwa oblicza – pozytywne i negatywne. Pod żadnym pozorem nie powinno się interpretować jej jako jednorazowego, chwilowego porywu emocji, wywołanego jakimś impulsem z zewnątrz, lecz jako nabytą długotrwałym wysiłkiem moralnym sprawność rozumu i woli. Sprawiedliwość towarzyszy ludzkości od początku jej istnienia. To swoisty fenomen, o którego istocie podejmowane były rozważania na przestrzeni wieków przez wielkie umysły tego świata: filozofów, poetów, autorów biblijnych. Myśląc o sprawiedliwości, intuicyjnie wyczuwamy, że jest to jedno z najważniejszych zagadnień dla ludzkości w ogóle – zagadnienie wszechogarniające.

In the article Robert K. Zawadzki relates how Wawrzyniec Korwin, a little - known Old - Polish writer described the Iberian peninsula in his astronomical treatise Cosmographia dans manuductionem in tabulas Ptolemaei. This author produced a specific picture of Spain that shared affinity with the Roman and Greek writers' literary manner of writing about this country. The ancient literature had tended to see Spain as a land of prosperity and a district in which gold could be found as a mineral in the rivers. Korwin adopted this view of Spain. A separate section of Spanish threads in his dissertation are the Roman writers from the Iberian peninsula. The Polish author evokes the figure of Seneca and Lucan to quote fragments of the most important works of these writers. Bringing together Korwin's remarks and ancient texts which he uses, RKZ demonstrates that the Korwin's description of Spain although seen by some as an anachronism achieved its aim, it persuaded audiences of the magnificence of Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative analysis is an appropriate tool to disentangle the impact of various recent shocks on price inflation in Poland. This article presents an econometric macro-model of prices and wages in which the direct impact of supply shocks transmitted from energy commodity markets on inflation is highlighted, and the impact of these shocks on the wage-price nexus. Due to the secrecy of data on the prices and volumes of natural gas imports from Russia to Poland, we propose a method for estimating the natural gas import deflator based on data on other main energy resources (crude oil and coal). The model allows us to assess to what extent domestic prices (CPI) depend on trends in world markets, including energy commodity prices. It is also possible to estimate the impact of fiscal policy on price developments. The equations of the model are constructed using cointegration methods for disaggregated consumer and import price indices. The properties of the system of 19 equations are investigated using multiplier analysis. We present the results of a simulation in which no anti-crisis measures were assumed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The obtained results indicate the important role of fiscal policy in shaping prices.

Over the last thirty years, Poland has witnessed significant changes in individual mobility and car ownership. This paper identifies the determinants of car ownership at the local level in 2005 and 2019. Spatial econometrics models and data covering more than 36 million cars aggregated to the level of the powiat (the second-lowest administrative unit in Poland) reveal that car ownership in those years was determined by everyday work mobility and housing type. The role of other factors, such as income, population density, expenditure on public transport, and demographic structure, changed during the years in question.

The article is an attempt of interpretation of seven poems written by Wawrzyniec Korwin which were inserted in St. Bonaventura's homilies and constitute forms of prayers to be said daily by Christians. The author analyses the artistic skill of the language used by the poet. His poems keep fascinating their readers because of their language, i.e. style as a system of remarkable pattern of linguistic elements and ancient metre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SOMALILAND AND TAIWAN – THE COOPERATION OF UNRECOGNIZED COUNTRIES IN THE SHADOW OF THE GEOPOLITICAL GAME OF SUPERPOWERS IN THE HORN OF AFRICA Separated by thousands of kilometers and very different cultures, histories, and economies, Taiwan and Somaliland appear to have little in common. Like Taiwan, Somaliland was created in the aftermath of a civil war. The consequences of those conflicts continue to shape the political status of both countries. Since the declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991, Hargeisa, like Taipei, has been trying to secure its existence, because both states cannot count on international recognition, and their independence is contested by the states from which they seceded. Despite being forced to exist on the periphery of the international community, both de facto states still try to be active participants in global affairs. Relations between unrecognized states are also an element of the game between the main players in this region, the US and China. Washington, concerned about Beijing’s political and economic expansion in the Horn of Africa, is trying to limit it, and one of the elements of this policy is indirect support for the strategically located Somaliland through its ally from Taipei.

The aim of the research was to identify the financial consequences of introducing IFRS 9 in a leading commercial bank in Poland. The research period was six years and covered the years 2015-2020. It was established, inter alia, that IFRS 9, compared to the previously applicable IAS 39, changed the method of measuring financial assets and thus led to changes in the balance sheet and financial results. The introduction of IFRS 9 also increased financial provisions for loans to be repaid in the bank's portfolio,

The text contains a report of a scientific conference organized by the Chair of Cost Ac-counting, Tax Management and Controlling at the University of Economics and Business in Wroclaw from 10 to 12 October 2022 in Polanica Zdrj. The Conference in the Accounting and Control cycle addressed today's problems and challenges in measuring and reporting performance under the motto Measuring and reporting performance in the sustainability of enterprises and institutions.

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During COVID 19 pandemic- related restrictions it was observed that people were more willing to spend time in nature and the thus number of forest visitors doubled. It has been proven that communing with nature reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, alleviates stress, improves concentration and vitality. It also strengthens the immunological response of the body and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Being in nature encourages people to show prosocial behaviour, strengthens social bonds, and even reduces the level of violence. There is a connection between lowering blood serum levels of cortisol, dopamine and norepinephrine and spending a significant amount of time in nature. Walking in the forest can be effective in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to summarize the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, while indicating the therapeutic properties of the forest that can prevent or mitigate the effects of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, it was indicated what are the possibilities and tasks of forest pedagogy in encouraging people to take advantage of the benefits of forest recreation.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that usually affects the central part of the face. The primary symptoms include facial flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia, inflammatory pustules and papules. Based on groups of these symptoms, four basic rosacea subtypes have been defined: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, ocular, phymatous; and one variant, granulomatous rosacea. Although the pathophysiology of this disorder is not fully known, many components such as immune and neurovascular dysregulation, oxidative stress, genetic background, gut microbiome, skin microbiome as well as external aspects are thought to play a role. In this article, we present the main factors that are speculated to be involved in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Methods and materials: We reviewed the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar using the words "rosacea”, „rosacea pathogenesis”, „demodex”, „reactive oxygen species”, „rosacea microbiome”. Summary Rosacea is a chronic dermatosis whose etiology, despite many studies, is not fully understood. Currently, an abnormal inflammatory reaction caused by excessive stimulation of TLR-2 receptors is suspected as the main factor in the pathomechanism of the disease. Vascular disorders, transmission disorders, genetic factors, skin and intestinal dysbiosis also participate in the pathogenesis of rosacea. It is assumed that exogenous factors such as diet and exposure to UV radiation also play a role in the development of the disease.

Introduction and purpose: All over the world, patients suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESRD). Patients can choose to undergo hemodialysis in a specialist center or use peritoneal dialysis in their own home. The aim of this study is to answer the question which of the above methods has a better impact on the quality of life of patients. Materials and methods: The literature available on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar was reviewed using the words “peritoneal dialysis”; “hemodialysis”; “quality of life”. Description of the state of knowledge: Patients with better physical and emotional functioning have a reduced burden of kidney disease, improved physical ability, pain relief, better overall health, enhanced social function, and more energy. Studies comparing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) have consistently found that PD is more effective in improving various aspects of quality of life (QOL), such as the physical component score, social component score, cognitive status, emotional function, physical function, body pain, burden of kidney disease, impact of kidney disease on daily life, symptoms/problems, sexual function, finances, and patient satisfaction. Summary: Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease who were treated with PD experienced better overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to patients treated with HD. This result was measured min. using the SF-36 and EQ-5D questionnaires.

Introduction and purpose: Gene therapy can be defined as a modification of gene expression in a patient's body. There are two main strategies: the abuse of "classical" gene therapy and strategies of RNA interference with gene transfer. The aim of the study is to analyze scientific literature on gene doping, with a focus on the advantages and disadvantages of using genes related to sports. Materials and methods: The literature available on PubMed was reviewed using the words “gene therapy”, “sport”. Description of the state of knowledge: The potential modification of genes such as EPO, IGF1/GH, HIF-1, PPAR have been identified as having beneficial effects for athletes. Modifying the EPO gene could lead to an increase in red blood cells and oxygen in the blood, which could increase muscle endurance. Modification of the IGF1/GH gene can lead to muscle hypertrophy, block muscle atrophy. The HIF-1 gene codes proteins involved in the hypoxia process and can increase endurance by facilitating the adaptation of cells to low oxygen conditions. Modifying the PPAR gene can impact carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, regulating body mass. Gene therapy could provide a potential cure for diseases such as acute anemia and muscular dystrophy. However, it is important to consider the ethical and health implications of gene doping. Summary: "Gene doping" is a practice that can lead to improved athletic performance but also to serious health problems. The introduction of regulations and doping tests detecting changes in the genome would exclude this practice among athletes who take risky and morally incorrect actions. Increasing the expression of genes such as EPO, IGF-1, HIF-1, PCK1 results in increased muscle endurance and performance. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms and effects of gene therapy. Genetic modification has the potential to bring benefits such as treating diseases such as acute anemia resulting from kidney failure.

BETWEEN A POLICY OF ENGAGEMENT AND POSITIVE NEUTRALITY: LIBYA AND TUNISIA ON THE ISSUE OF WESTERN SAHARA The unresolved issue of Western Sahara has been causing serious divisions in the Maghreb region for 48 years, which affects not only political relations, but also economic cooperation. The division into states supporting the independence of Western Sahara and those backing Morocco’s position has very strongly polarized the Maghreb region, as well as practically all states of the African continent. Moreover, during the Cold War, this dispute fed into division between states in the Western camp and those identified with the Eastern bloc and socialism, such as Libya. Tunisia was the only country in North Africa, which consistently tried to implement a policy of positive neutrality and because of that it was doomed to occupy a liminal space not only in the region – between Algeria and Morocco, but also in the bipolar world – between the West and the Eastern bloc. This article aims to present the two countries of Tunisia and Libya from the perspective of 48 years of the Western Saharan crisis. Both states, although they do not have a direct border with the territory of Western Sahara, are sometimes involuntarily, as in the case of Tunisia, involved in the largest regional dispute, which to this day casts a shadow over relations in North Africa.

The article offers a survey of the reception of Ovid in the Wawrzyniec Korwin's astronomical dissertation Cosmographia dans manuductionem in tabulas Ptolemaei (ed. 1496) by applying literary perspectives of such Ovid's poems as Metamorphoses, Fasti, Epistulae ex Ponto, Amores and Heroides. The title Korwin's take on Ovid hints at the actual and real potential of his heritage that is both a fixed, poetic base shared by Korwin since his study at the Cracow Academy as well as a body of references constantly being reinterpreted in response to astronomical and geographical challenges of the work of the Polish writer. The reader is given an insight into the processes shaping Korwin's borrowings from Ovid and the importance of Cosmographia to the Polish Renaissance culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and objective Acute infections of the respi-ratory system in children constitute a significant health, epi- demiological and social problem. Due to the high frequency of infections in children and their repeated severe course, prophylactic measures are of particular importance. The aim of the study was to analyze and evaluate the efforts undertaken by parents in the prevention of acute respiratory infections in children Material and methods Research was carried out among 122 parents of children diagnosed with acute respiratory infection. The study used the method of own diagnostic survey Results The vast majority of parents (95.4%) confirmed that their children were vaccinated in accordance with the current vaccination schedule. The majority of respondents (55%) in-dicated that their children were not breastfed until 6 months of age. The results revealed that the mean incidence of pneu- monia was higher in those who were not breastfed (0.44 ±0.89) than in the group of children breastfed up to 6 monthsof age (p = 0.0412). In almost half of the children, the durationof walks / regular physical activity during the day was only 60 minutes – 48.1% of the respondents. Conclusions In the group of factors increasing the risk of acute respiratory infections in children, the attendance to nur-series / kindergartens dominated. The most frequent actions taken by parents to reduce the risk of acute respiratory infec- tions in children included: observing the vaccination schedule, adequate number of hours of sleep in the child, administration of vitamin D, and parents who do not smoke cigarettes.

Kościół od samego początku wziął na siebie troskę o tych, którzy zamierzali się pobrać. Dlatego nałożyła na swoich duchowych pasterzy obowiązek przygotowania wiernych do Sakramentu Małżeństwa. Świadomy tego, że małżeństwo jest tak ważnym wydarzeniem w życiu narzeczonych, jak iw życiu całej wspólnoty wiernych, Kościół czuł się zobowiązany do niesienia pomocy duszpasterskiej młodzieży w przygotowaniu do małżeństwa. Nic dziwnego, że Codex Iuris Canonici z 1917 r. zobowiązuje przewodników duchowych do starannego i rozsądnego nauczania wiernych o sakramencie małżeństwa i jego przeszkodach. Temat ten znalazł również swoje odzwierciedlenie w uchwałach I Synodu Diecezji Tarnowskiej. Uchwały kładą kres zgodnemu z prawem rozstrzygnięciu tematu egzaminu przedmałżeńskiego stwierdzającego wolność do zawarcia małżeństwa oraz ogłaszania zapowiedzi w celu usunięcia przeszkód do zawarcia małżeństwa. Przedstawiony w ten sposób – stosując środki ostrożności – proboszcz sumiennie usuwa te przeszkody, pozwalając mu w sposób poważny i przyjemny pomóc w dopełnieniu małżeństwa.

The article addresses the issue of advertisements in old newspaper texts. Specifically examined are classified private and promotional adverts from a German-language Cracow newspaper “Krakauer Zeitung”, published between 1857 and 1866. To date, few analyses of such texts have been carried out. Jörg Meier (2011) examined old German-language advertising texts published in German-language press of Central Europe, particularly in the Habsburg Monarchy. However, in his research he did not include Galicia. In his research, he considered both extra-textual (language-independent) and intra-textual (linguistic) factors. This article draws on and attempts to continue that research. The analysis takes into account the approach developed by Silvia Bendel (1998) used in the study of older advertising texts. In particular, it is concerned with text actions used in these texts, such as naming a particular product, indicating its price, giving the place of sale, etc. The text function model developed by Brinker (2001) was also taken into account. In addition, Janich’s (2013) model designed to study contemporary advertising texts was applied. The aim of this paper is to establish the features of the textual genre of “advertisement” in the analyzed texts from “Krakauer Zeitung” on the basis of the above-mentioned literature on the subject. It is specifically concerned with intra-textual factors. The study considers aspects such as textual actions, typographic elements, means of persuasion and argumentation. The study includes 20 texts which form a representative corpus. Almost all of the examined texts have a basic appellative function; however, in some of them an informative function was found. Almost all texts contain means of persuasion and argumentation that determine the appellative function. However, this function is not expressed exclusively in a linguistic way. Typographical means such as font type and size play an important role. In the analyzed texts, traces or individual instances of graphic/image elements, which complement or extend the advertising message contained in them, are used.

In this article, we call for greater recognition of friendship as a basic social relation that should play a pivotal role in re-imagining social resilience if it is to be future-proof in the face of social upheaval, such as the current pandemic. Drawing on existing research and early scoping of emergent information about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we suggest that friendship is an important component of heterogenic social realities. The specific focus of our discussion is twofold. Firstly, attention is paid to the narrow lens of social policy that privileges particular familial set-ups and living arrangements, and in doing so marginalises groups which are already disenfranchised; secondly, we consider the dangers of nationalism and Eurocentrism as they relate to these issues. We suggest that thinking in terms of friendship can open up new avenues of academic and political imagination, offering strategies with greater potential for building socially resilient communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently one of the major global health and economic challenges. An efficient method for reducing the transmission of the virus is a still unmet medical need. Existing experimental data have shown that coronavirus survival is negatively impacted by ozone, high temperature, and low humidity. Therefore, it is feasible to use area ozonation in pharmacies – the front line of the healthcare system. Nevertheless, further work is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone disinfection to reduce the transmission of this virus in pharmacies, hospitals, and other public environments. Med Pr. 2021;72(5):529–34

Introduction. Reducing the transmission of infectious diseases both among vaccinated individuals and the general population is only possible with the introduction of mandatory vaccination. The purpose of this article is to analyze the normative acts in force in the territory of the Republic of Poland, regulating mandatory and recommended immunizations. State of the art description. In Poland, immunization is mandatory and carried out in accordance with the Immunization Program for children and adolescents up to the age of 19, and persons particularly vulnerable to disease are published annually as a communiqué of the Chief Sanitary Inspector in the Official Journal of the Minister of Health. The issue of recommended immunizations is clarified by the Regulation of the Minister of Health of September 16, 2010, on the list of recommended immunizations and how to finance and document recommended immunizations required by international health regulations. According to Article 17(6) of the Law, vaccination may be performed by a doctor, feldsher, nurse, midwife, and school hygienist, as long as they have the appropriate qualifications. These qualifications are described in detail in the Ordinance of the Minister of Health of August 18, 2011, on mandatory immunization. According to Article 16 of the Law on Patient Rights and Patient Ombudsman, every patient has the right both to consent and to refuse certain health services. Conclusion. Immunization on the territory of the Republic of Poland is mandatory and is subject to legal regulation in the form of laws, regulations, and announcements, cited above. The exceptions are recommended vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccination, which are voluntary but are also legally normalized.

Book review

The article proposes an overview of some literary aspects of the rich narrative material present in Anselm Polak's account of the visit to the Holy Land undertaken in autumn 1507. As a factual guidebook giving information about Palestine, Anselm's work offers a comprehensive description of both: the places where Christ lived, and historic monuments the Christians worshipped. As for the artifacts analyzed, the Palestinian historical, political and social context was described. This perspective was expanded through a special coexistence of Christians and Saracens. Among others, the article examines the fanciful tales recurring in Anselm's work, such as stories about a snake and the Blessed Virgin. The characteristic style of the writer, both Latin vocabulary and syntax alongside to their deviation from the classical Latin grammar, are also discussed. This presentation of such diverse dimensions of the work aims to highlight the values of Anselm's writing unnoticed by other scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]