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PURPOSE: Introducing the issues of stress management in the Police, it is worth emphasizing that there is a growing tendency. Crime is on the rise, as evidenced by more and more frequent terrorist attacks., APPROACH/METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: This article presents the results of research on the determinants of occupational stress among police officers, as well as the types and level of stress occurring among them. It has been prepared against the background of the characteristics of tasks performed by police officers., FINDINGS: In research conducted by various institutions, the profession of police officer (not only in Poland) belongs to the group of profession the practice of which is associated with the occurrence of severe stress. A policeman is required to behave impeccably, to have an appropriate moral attitude and to be fully professional., PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Considerations indicate that the phenomenon of stress occurring in policemen should be taken into account in managing organizational units of the abovementioned organization., ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of work emphasizes the nature of work, which requires officers to be constantly ready (available), physical and mental endurance, and the ability to cope with difficult and dangerous situations., peer-reviewed

Aim The aim of the study was to compare semiquantitative metabolic parameters of primary tumor assessed in vivo in 18F-FDG- and 18F-FLT in cervical cancer patients. Material & Methods 39 patients with histologically confirmed cervical cancer underwent PET/CT scans acquired on separate days 60 min after i. v. injection of 364 ± 75 MBq of 18F-FDG and 259 ± 40 MBq of 18F-FLT. The reconstructed PET images were evaluated using a dedicated workstation for primary tumor semiquantitative parameters: SUVmax, MTV, TLG (for 18F-FLT-TLP) and heterogeneity (AUC-CSH). Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and ROC curves were used for statistical analysis. Based on data from the local cancer registry and 3y- to -5y follow up patients were divided into 2 groups with regard to prognosis. Also differences between histopathological type and FIGO classification in two tracers were assessed. Results Depending on PET/CT results, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 with disease limited only to the cervix, group 2 with disease limited to the cervix and iliac lymph nodes, and group 3 with disseminated disease. Statistically significant differences were found between keratinizing and non-keratinizing SCC in SUVmax (p = 0.03) and AUC-CSH (p = 0.04) only in 18F-FLT-PET/CT. Following cut-off values for nodal involvement in SUVmax, MTV, TLG/TLP and AUC-CSH were calculated using ROC curves: 13.5, 39.22, 255.94, 0.59 respectively for 18F-FDG and 12.1, 37.59, 140.01, 0.46 respectively for 18F-FLT. Higher values in both tracers in MTV and TLG/TLP were found in a group with worse prognosis. Conclusion This preliminary study suggests that higher values in MTV and TLG/TLP in both tracers might be associated with worse outcome in cervical cancer patients.

The aim of this paper is to present the most relevant clinical applications of positron emission tomography/computed tomography, scintigraphy and single photon emission tomography with different radiotracers allowing to visualize e.g. glucose metabolism, amino acids metabolism, receptor density or inflammation and infections in diabetology.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present development in the alcohol policy area in Europe in the last 30 years. Design/methodology/approach Description of policy instruments and analysis of legal basis are used in this study. Findings Progress has been achieved in some areas; however, as complicated policy areas, it requires constant effort and engagement of all public health actors. Research limitations/implications Continuous advocacy effort leads to increased policy actions, interest and research in the area. Lack of policy instruments jeopardises the future of the field. Practical implications This study provides a brief overview of policy landscape and aims to spark readers interest in the alcohol policy. Originality/value This study provides an overview of a policy field, not only looking at the legal basis but also meshing with the experience of working in an alliance of civil society organisations.

The use of any of the four types of CBRN weapons in various acts of terrorism could lead to undermining economic stability, public security and the integrity of the European Union. Recent attacks in Europe have shown once again that home-made explosives and firearms remain the weapon of choice for terrorists. Despite the fact that, so far, there has not been any terrorist attack using a dirty bomb, one which combines radioactive material with conventional explosives, according to the European Parliament briefing terrorists from ISIL/Da’esh in their future attacks may use non-conventional weapons, and the most probable of these is the use of an improvised explosive device containing radioactive materials. This type of attack could potentially lead to severe consequences for large number of people. Such consequences can be significantly reduced thanks to properly prepared and exercised emergency response procedures for first responders. The aim of this article is to present first response procedures in the case of terrorist incidents with ionising radiation. These procedures are based on a specially prepared TMT Handbook which contains the collective views of an international group of experts in the radiological and nuclear field. These procedures are also recommended and presented by the European Commission during the training courses it organises in cooperation with experts from Member States. Furthermore, these procedures have been modified and adapted according to our practical experience and the legislative procedures currently in force in Poland.

Farmers’ perceptions and values are a fundamental part of a polycentric approach aimed at improving the financial feasibility of biomass-based enterprises. In this survey-based study, 210 farmers from central (Torun province) and southern (Upper Silesia region) Poland completed a self- instructed questionnaire dealing with their perceptions of the challenges currently facing the biomass market and their willingness to change from traditional farming to feedstock production for energy generation. The results indicate that only 12% of the farmers are willing to switch to biocrop cultivation. Moreover, selected socio-economic and demographic variables (gender, age) had an impact on their willingness to adopt energy crops. All the presented challenges appeared to be of high relevance to the farmers who participated in this study. However, farmers from Torun province attributed substantial relevance to the social transformation in the agriculture sector, and to the lack of seasonal workers. In the Upper Silesia region, the lack of a well-established biomass market was of greatest relevance. A cross-tabulation method revealed statistical differences between the perceived value of farming and the farmers’ perceptions toward the challenges facing the biomass market. These findings are insightful for policies that aim to address the shortcomings in current biomass market development in Poland.

This study evaluated the effect of electron beam irradiation on the cytotoxic activity of anthracycline antibiotics such as doxorubicin (DOX), epirubicin (EPI), and dunorubicin (DAU) in human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line CCRF-CEM and its multidrug-resistant variant CCRF-VCR1000 cell line characterized by the overexpression of ABCB1 gene. Drugs were irradiated at doses of 10 and 25 kGy. Data from EPR studies proved that the highest concentration of free radicals was found in DOX and that the number of stable free radicals is always greater after irradiation. In in vitro studies, a higher cytotoxic activity of irradiated DOX and EPI in multidrug-resistant CCRF-VCR1000 cells was observed. This tendency was maintained during the storage at 4 °C for 90 days. Changes in CCRF-CEM cells' viability were not dependent on the irradiation status and its dose and were only drug-concentration dependent in all measurement time points. It was proved that increased potency of 25 kGy e-beam irradiated drugs results from their enhanced proapoptotic activity. Apoptotic cell death observed in CCRF-VCR1000 cells treated with irradiated drugs was caspase-8, -9, and -3 dependent and related to the increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. No significant differences in the effects of irradiated and non-irradiated drugs on p53 and NFκB transcription factor level and their translocation to the nucleus were noted. Increased activity of the irradiated drugs was not dependent on ABCB1 level.

The objective of this survey-based study was to investigate farmers’ willingness to supply biomass for power generation in the south and in the centre of Poland. In total, 210 farmers participated in this study by filling in a self-instructed questionnaire. The results indicate that the majority of farmers (two-thirds) in both regions appeared unwilling to collect, store and transport biomass to the market or to the energy production facility. It is likely that an unstable biomass market marked by low demand and low prices has led to unwillingness by farmers to engage in bioenergy production in Poland. Increasing the role of biomass as a renewable energy resource and recovering the farmers’ confidence in the market would require fixing the shortcomings in the biomass market and the provision of clear public policies that aim at long-term market stability.

Aim: Without taking into consideration the pedagogical justification for doing the strength training by prisoners, the authors of this study discuss the problem of the consequences of allowing prisoners to do the strength training freely. The study was conducted to determine the frequency and the location of the overload changes in the musculoskeletal system of prisoners who do the strength training as well as the presumable reasons for such changes. Methods: The study was conducted with the use of an interview technique among 44 men, repeat offenders serving a sentence of imprisonment in a prison in Inowrocław, regularly engaged in strength training in their free time. Results: The respondents trained quite often (more than 5 times a week), slightly more than a half of them started the training with the warm up, and 64% did not do any stretching exercises after the training. The overload changes associated with strength training affected 30% of the respondents. Conclusion: The high level of injury among prisoners who do the strength training is due to: too many sessions a week, the lack of warm up and stretching exercises, as well as the insufficient level of knowledge on the prevention from sports injuries.

An analytic comparison was made of cold-pressed rapeseed oil produced from unroasted seeds and cold-pressed oil produced from seeds that had previously undergone roasting at temperatures of 140, 160, and 180°C for 5, 10, and 15 min. It was determined whether the duration and temperature of roasting have any qualitative and quantitative effects on the contents of the native antioxidants (tocopherol, PC-8, phenolic compounds, canolol, and phytosterols) found in rapeseed oil. At the same time, changes in the antioxidant activity of oils produced from roasted seeds were determined. It was shown that roasting has no significant effect on the quality of cold-pressed oils. The peroxide value of the oils ranged from 2.03 to 3.48 meq O2/kg, while the acid value did not exceed 0.68 mg KOH/g. Slight changes were observed in oils in terms of tocochromanol contents. A decrease was seen mostly in the level of the α-T homologue, with an increase in the contents of γ-T and PC-8 (in oil from seeds roasted at 180°C). In the oil from the unroasted seeds, the canolol content was 11.54 μg/g oil. It was shown that increases both in temperature and in duration of seed roasting result in a statistically significant increase in the canolol content of cold-pressed oils. For the seed roasted at 180°C for 15 min, this increase was fifty-fold (609.94 μg canolol/g oil). The same roasting conditions also led to a twofold increase in the antioxidant activity of the oil. Practical applications: Cold-pressed oils are increasingly frequently chosen by consumers due to their reputation as good source of bioactive components. An obvious example of such a food product is cold-pressed rapeseed oil made from roasted seeds, in which the levels of canolol—a product of the decarboxylation of sinapic acid—is markedly increased. This compound is ascribed strong antioxidant properties, as well as antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. Such oils truly deserve to be labeled bioactive products. An analytic comparison was made of cold-pressed rapeseed oil produced from unroasted seeds and cold-pressed oil produced from seeds that had previously undergone roasting at temperatures of 140, 160, and 180°C for 5, 10, and 15 min. It was determined whether the duration and temperature of roasting have any qualitative and quantitative effects on the contents of the native antioxidants (tocopherol, PC-8, phenolic compounds, canolol, and phytosterols) found in rapeseed oil. In the oil from the unroasted seeds, the canolol content was 11.54 μg/g oil. It was shown that increases both in temperature and in duration of seed roasting result in a statistically significant increase in the canolol content of cold-pressed oils. For the seed roasted at 180°C for 15 min, this increase was fiftyfold (609.94 μg canolol/g oil). The same roasting conditions also led to a twofold increase in the antioxidant activity of the oil.

The Taser (full name: Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle) is an electric stun gun, manufactured by Taser International. Its operational range varies from 4.60 metres to 10.6 metres1 thanks to wire electrodes that remain connected to the main device. The electrodes penetrate the skin and soft tissues of the person who is the target for temporary immobilisation. The high voltage generated at low intensity causes severe pain and disruption of the nervous system, resulting in temporary total paralysis. The Taser is a device of direct coercion, whose use is permissible for widespread application in cases where conservative methods of controlling dangerous situations have been exhausted. The natural question that arises is the impact and influence of the electrically active electrodes fired on the surrounding tissues. The aim of the study was a histopathological evaluation and comparison of the effects of the cartridges from the Taser X2 and Taser X26 in terms of the local reaction on a portion of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of domestic pigs fresh from a slaughterhouse. Fragments of the tissue were subjected to histological treatment and analysed using an optical microscope. There were changes in the microscopic image indicating mechanical damage to the epidermis and subcutaneous layers of the dermis due to the use of the devices researched.

The influence of pH and temperature on the stability ofN-[(piperidine)methylene]daunorubicin hydrochloride (PPD) was investigated. Degradation was studied using an HPLC method. Specific acid-base catalysis of PPD involves hydrolysis of protonated molecules of PPD catalyzed by hydrogen ions and spontaneous hydrolysis under the influence of water zwitterions, unprotonated molecules, and monoanions of PPD. The thermodynamic parameters of these reactions, energy, enthalpy, and entropy, were calculated. Also, the stability of daunorubicin and its new amidine derivatives (piperidine, morpholine, pyrrolidine, and hexahydroazepin-1-yl) in aqueous solutions was compared and discussed.

The impact of ionizing radiation generated by a beam of electrons of 25–400 kGy on the stability of such analogs of anthracycline antibiotics as daunorubicin (DAU), doxorubicin (DOX), and epidoxorubicin (EPI) was studied. Based on EPR results, it was established that unstable free radicals decay exponentially with the half-time of 4 days in DAU and DOX and 7 days in EPI after irradiation. Radiation-induced structural changes were analyzed with the use of spectrophotometric methods (UV-Vis and IR) and electron microscope imaging (SEM). A chromatographic method (HPLC-DAD) was applied to assess changes in the contents of the analogs in the presence of their impurities. The study showed that the structures of the analogs did not demonstrate any significant alterations at the end of the period necessary for the elimination of unstable free radicals. The separation of main substances and related substances (impurities and potential degradation products) allowed determining that no statistically significant changes in the content of particular active substances occurred and that their conversion due to the presence of free radicals resulting from exposure to an irradiation of 25 kGy (prescribed to ensure sterility) was not observed.

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells are characterized by failures in the apoptosis pathway and increased proliferation, resulting in the progressive accumulation of B-lymphocytes in blood. Despite the wide range of antileukaemic drugs, CLL remains an incurable disease. However, a breakthrough is expected which will allow more effective treatment. Objective: The study investigates the influence of poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendrimer with peripheral amino groups, 30% of which were coated with maltotriose (PPI-G4-OS-Mal-III), on CLL cells, and demonstrates that it acts through the induction of the apoptotic mechanism. It is important to note that the dendrimer was used as a drug itself and not as a drug carrier. Method: CLL and normal lymphocytes were treated in vitro with the dendrimer, either alone or in combination with fludarabine (FA). The percentages of apoptotic and necrotic cells, and the protein expression, were checked using a flow cytometer. Gene expression was screened using a two-colour microarray with 60-mer probes. Results: The results confirm that PPI-G4-OS-Mal-III influences the viability of CLL cells in vitro and does not exert any significant harmful effect on normal lymphocytes. The dendrimer appears to significantly influence gene and protein expression in CLL cells. Conclusion: Since dendrimers can be specifically targeted, they may be very effective in CLL therapy, especially since in vitro PPI-G4-OS-Mal-III has been found to have stronger effect than fludarabine.