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This article describes the narratives about refugees and migrants as well as information about the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of mutual understanding, solidarity with others, community-building in a crisis, all presented through the media of photographs. This article is the result of an analysis of visual images on the internet. These two crises reveal different attitudes to solidarity in Europe, both among the citizens as well as politicians of different countries.

Historical Memory of Cities. The Concepts of City Diplomacy Cities play a very important role in contemporary international relations. We introduce the concept of city diplomacy in this paper. Many important themes addressed by cities within the framework of city diplomacy are those related to history. Cities often build their promotional narratives around them. We look at selected contemporary cities and their policies in the area of cultural diversity, taking into account the historical perspective. For many cities, the building of a community of memories and the running of a coherent narrative using history are becoming very important elements in strengthening their identity and image. The article will point to museums as an example of such activity.

Introduction and objective Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes difficult with treating infections, especially in the immunocompromised and patients with some underlying disease. The aim of the study is to assess the antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and the presence of genes encoding various virulence factors in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Material and methods Seventy-three clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) and carbapenemases production was performed in accordance with the EUCAST guidelines. The ability to form biofilm was assessed by crystal violet assay. Genes encoding selected virulence factors were detected using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Among the 73 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, 41.1% were resistant to imipenem, 61.6% to meropenem, 30.1% to ciprofloxacin and 15.1% to tobramycin. Over 20% of isolates were producers of MBL. Antibiotic resistance profiling revealed that 23.3% of strains were sensitive to all antibiotics, 60.3% were LDR phenotype, and 16.4% were MDR phenotype. The majority of strains (73.6%) were strong-biofilm producers, 17.0% were moderate and 9.4% were weak biofilm producers. PCR analysis showed the presence of lasB, aprE and prpL genes in most of the tested strains (93.1%, 87.7% and 74.0%, respectively). Among strong biofilm producers, 22.2% were MDR, 63.0% of strains represented LDR phenotype, and 14.8% were sensitive to all antibiotics. Moderate and weak biofilm producers were LDR and sensitive phenotypes only (respectively, 58.3% and 42.9 - LDR, 41.7 and 51.7% - sensitive). Conclusions High frequency of MDR strains and their ability of biofilm formation and virulence factors may be a threat to effective therapy, and can increase morbidity and mortality of infected patients.

One of the diseases leading to chronic end-stage renal disease is membranous nephropathy (MN). The main cause of this disease is the formation of antibodies to foreign and native antigens. Membranous nephropathy can be conventionally divided into 2 types: primary form (when the primary disease is unknown) and secondary form. Detection of appropriate antibodies is one of the methods to recognize and differentiate primary and secondary forms. A large role in non-invasive diagnosis of MN and differentiation of the primary form from the secondary play antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antibodies against granulocyte cytoplasm (ANCA), antiglomerular basement antibodies (anti-GBM) and phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies (anti-PLA2R). Differentiation matters when choosing a treatment choice. In the primary form, it is immunosuppression, and in the form of secondary treatment, it consists in curing or controlling diseases that can cause symptoms of MN. The aim: Analysis of serological methods helpful in immunodiagnosis of membranous nephropathy.

The results of high-resolution records of pollen, plant macroremains and charred plant particles, diatoms, Cladocera and geochemistry from a 14C-dated core, and geomorphological studies enabled the reconstruction of landscape development at a site in western Poland which was occupied by Mesolithic hunter-gatherer groups. Special attention was paid to the evidence of human activities recorded in the sediments of the palaeolake located next to the archaeological site. The presence of pollen types from communities characteristic of openings in the forest, macroscopic/microscopic charcoal, and charred particles of herbaceous plants (mostly from between 5500 and 4600 bc, with clearly visible maxima ca 5300, 4900 and 4700 bc) evidence the changes related to these various kinds of activities. These analyses allowed us to reconstruct the fire events at and around the site as well as to consider whether they originated from natural or human induced fires. The increase in the biogenic sediments of elements such as Na, K and Mg indicate an intensive erosion of mineral soil between 5100 and 4600 bc, mirroring human activity in the vicinity of the Kopanica site. In addition, Cladocera analysis permitted a detailed recognition of palaeolake eutrophication ca 7200–4600 bc, also eutrophication induced by human impact between 5100 and 4600 bc.

Niniejszy artykuł ma na celu połączenie dwóch aspektów badań w ramach stosunków międzynarodowych: studiów nad diasporami oraz dyplomacją, jak również uwzględnia innych aktorów takich jak miasta i ich rolę w stosunkach międzynarodowych. Staramy się odpowiedzieć na pytanie kim są aktorzy zaangażowani w ten proces, w jaki sposób on przebiega oraz jakie są jego kierunki. Artykuł ma również wskazać powiązania między diasporami a dyplomacją miast. Przyglądamy się współczesnym miastom, ich polityce i relacjom z diasporami, ale z perspektywy historycznej. Interesuje nas bowiem w jaki sposób można skutecznie wykorzystać w obecność przez lata w przestrzeni publicznej diaspor prowadzenie dziś polityki integracji społecznej i realizacji zadań z zakresu city diplomacy.

Background Depending on metabolic profile, two different PCOS phenotypes may be distinguished- the metabolic phenotype related to insulin resistance (IR) and the reproductive one, with persistent insulin sensitivity. Hyperandrogenemia, the main feature of PCOS, leads to increased visceral fat and muscle masses and thus to lower insulin sensitivity. In turn, IR leads to metabolic consequences and hormonal imbalance. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency, which is common in PCOS patients, is also associated with insulin resistance. Aim To compare the hormonal profiles and vitamin D status in women with PCOS depending on insulin sensitivity status. Materials and methods One thousand three hundred women with PCOS, aged 18 to 40, were recruited. The patients were divided into two groups depending on their insulin sensitivity status. Metabolic and hormonal parameters were assessed in subjects from each group. Blood samples were collected between the second and the sixth day of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase)for the quantification of hormonal parameters using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) methods or colorimetry. Results Patients with insulin resistance have a significantly higher concentration of DHEAS and TSH, higher Free Androgen Index, and significantly lower vitamin D concentration. Moreover, cortisol and estradiol concentrations are higher and prolactin is lower in patients with IR, but the differences are not statistically significant. There are no significant differences in the prevalence of Hashimoto disease between patients with IR and patients with persistent insulin sensitivity. Conclusions Metabolic phenotype of PCOS is associated with higher androgen concentration and higher TSH concentration compared to reproductive phenotype. Moreover, patients with PCOS and IR often have vitamin D deficiency compared to patients with persistent insulin sensitivity. Therefore the supplementation of vitamin D and regular TSH measurements are important in patients with metabolic PCOS phenotype. Presentation: No date and time listed

Seventy-three clinical isolates ofAmong the 73 clinical isolates ofHigh frequency of MDR strains and their ability of biofilm formation and virulence factors may be a threat to effective therapy, and can increase morbidity and mortality of infected patients.

Bee products have been known for centuries for their versatile healing properties. In recent decades they have become the subject of documented scientific research. This review aims to present and compare the impact of bee products and their components as antimicrobial agents. Honey, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom are bee products that have antibacterial properties. Sensitivity of bacteria to these products varies considerably between products and varieties of the same product depending on their origin. According to the type of bee product, different degrees of activity were observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds and dermatophytes, as well as biofilm-forming microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa turned out to be the most resistant to bee products. An analysis of average minimum inhibitory concentration values for bee products showed that bee venom has the strongest bacterial effectiveness, while royal jelly showed the weakest antibacterial activity. The most challenging problems associated with using bee products for medical purposes are dosage and safety. The complexity and variability in composition of these products raise the need for their standardization before safe and predictable clinical uses can be achieved.

Cities create a transcultural sphere and a platform for transcultural dialogue.Cities play an important cultural-creative role and they try to become policy player onat the international level. The aim of this study is to evaluate the actions taken in cities from two perspectives. On the one hand how the multicultural (multi-lingual and multi-religious) cityscape is shaped, how the city is governed in order to create a space termed as a ‘meeting place’. On the other hand how these undertakings affect the image of the city on the international stage and how they contribute to the city diplomacy strategy.

In the present study, the crystal structure, microstructure, mechanical, corrosion properties, and wettability of bulk Ti23Zr25Nb-x45S5 Bioglass (x = 0, 3, 6, 9 wt.%) and Ti23Zr25Nb&mdash, 9 wt.% 45S5 Bioglass composites with the addition of 1 wt.% Ag, Cu, or Zn were synthesized and their properties studied. The hardness of these biomaterials is at least two times higher and the elastic modulus lower in comparison to commercial purity (CP) microcrystalline &alpha, Ti. The mechanically alloyed Ti23Zr25Nb&mdash, 9 wt.% 45S5 Bioglass composite was more corrosion resistant in Ringer&rsquo, s solution than the bulk Ti23Zr25Nb alloy. Surface wettability measurements revealed the higher surface hydrophilicity of the bulk synthesized composites. The antibacterial activity of Ti23Zr25Nb-based composites containing silver, copper, or zinc against reference strain Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 was studied. In vitro bacterial adhesion indicated a significantly reduced number of S. mutans on the bulk Ti23Zr25Nb-BG-Ag (or Cu, Zn) plate surfaces in comparison to the microcrystalline Ti plate surface. Ultrafine-grained Ti23Zr25Nb-BG-Ag (or Cu, Zn) biomaterials can be considered to be the next generation of dental implants.

Streptococcus agalactiae is responsible for serious infections in newborn babies, pregnant women, and other patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility, serotype distribution, and virulence determinants of the S. agalactiae isolates derived from clinical specimens considering the global increase of both antibiotic resistance and virulence. A total of 165 isolates were identified and serotyped by PCR techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion method, gradient diffusion method and VITEK&reg, System. Virulence associated genes were investigated by PCR, ability to form biofilm was assessed using a microtiter plate assay. The highest observed MIC value for penicillin G was 0.12 &micro, g/mL, seen in 8.5% of isolates. Resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin were found in 30.38% and 24.8% of the strains, respectively. The serotype III (32.73%), V (25.45%), and Ia (18.18%) were found as the most frequently represented. Previously unidentified strains in Poland, belonging to serotypes VI (three strains) and VII (one strain) were recognized. The presence of genes encoding various virulence factors as well as diverse ability to form biofilm were found. In conclusion, macrolide-resistance and decreased susceptibility to penicillin G were revealed signifying the increasing resistance among group B streptococci. Moreover, the presence of genes encoding various virulence factors and the ability to form biofilm were confirmed indicating their role in the pathomechanisms of the evaluated GBS infections.

Bionanocomposites containing biopolymers and inorganic nanomaterials of natural origin are intensively studied as eco-firendly alternative to non-biodegradable materials for food packaging applications. The preparation and characterization of pectin and alginate films filled with halloysite (Hal) loaded with salicylic acid are presented here. Two types of Hal with different morphology, derived from Dragon and Dunino mines, were used for adsorption of the antimicrobial agent. The adsorption properties of the nanomaterials were comparable after their initial activation with sulphuric acid. The adsorption increased with increasing initial concentration of salicylic acid. The theoretical analysis of experimental data indicated good correlation with Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The in vitro release profiles differed depending on the type of biopolymer and the release medium. The release rates were slightly lower for materials with Hal Dunino than those of Hal Dragon in 20% v/v ethanol. Cumulative release was more controlled and prolonged with alginate films, especially in 50% v/v ethanol mimicking food with lipophilic properties. Moreover, alginate films demonstrated greater antimicrobial activity against selected food spoilage bacteria. Alginate materials were effective against four bacteria strains, while pectin films showed the ability of growth inhibition of only two strains tested.

The influence of an inorganic support – halloysite nanotubes – on the release rate and biological activity of the antibiotic encapsulated in alginate-based dressings was studied. The halloysite samples were loaded with approx. 10 wt.% of the antibiotic and then encapsulated in Alginate and Gelatin/Alginate gels. The material functionalized with aliphatic amine significantly extended the release of vancomycin from alginate-based gels as compared to that achieved when silica was used. After 24 h, the released amounts of the antibiotic immobilized at silica reached 70%, while for the drug immobilized at halloysite the released amount of vancomycin reached 44% for Alginate discs. The addition of gelatin resulted in even more prolonged sustained release of the drug. The antibiotic was released from the system with a double barrier with Higuchi kinetic model and Fickian diffusion mechanism. Only the immobilized drug encapsulated in Alginate gel demonstrated very good antimicrobial activity against various bacteria. The inhibition zones were greater than those of the standard discs for the staphylococci and enterococci bacteria tested. The addition of gelatin adversely affected the biological activity of the system. The inhibition zones were smaller than those of the reference samples. A reduction in the drug dose by half had no significant effect on changing the release rate and microbiological activity. The in vivo toxicity studies of the material with immobilized drug were carried out with Acutodesmus acuminatus and Daphnia magna . The material studied had no effect on the living organisms used in the bioassays. The proposed system with a double barrier demonstrated high storage stability.

Vancomycin was used as a template to obtain a molecularly imprinted polymer. The polymer imprinted with the antibiotic was encapsulated in alginate matrix to obtain a potential antibacterial wound dressing. The amount of vancomycin released in the first 24 h after application of the double barrier system decreased with respect to that released from the polymer without the alginate from 87% to 47%. The antibiotic release process followed diffusion and swelling controlled mechanism (non-Fickian transport). The highest correlation coefficients were obtained for Higuchi kinetic model typical of polymer matrices or some transdermal systems. The system studied with vancomycin demonstrated antibacterial activity towards the bacteria strains selected. The diameters of inhibition zone were greater than for the reference samples. The system without the antibiotic had no effect on the growth of bacteria. The material studied has the properties of a dressing for a potential use in a long term wound healing.

This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary study that combines archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research to examine the relationship between environment and human activities in Western Poland during the Late Glacial and Early Holocene. The study area lying within the young moraine landscape produced several Late Palaeolithic and Early Mesolithic sites, varied in terms of size and function. Analyses of pollen, plant macro-remains and molluscs accompanied by geomorphological investigations and supported by series of radiocarbon dates have enabled a detailed reconstruction of environment. It has shown that despite climatic fluctuations during the Allerod and Younger Dryas, the studied area provided favourable conditions for hunter-gatherer occupation. The presence of micro- and macroscopic charcoal, charred particles of herbaceous plants and charred mosses in peat deposits of former water bodies evidence various activities carried out by Federmesser and Swiderian groups, for example...

Introduction: The free androgen index (FAI) values differ among patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome; however, the differences are not fully understood or known. The aim of the study was to evaluate FAI in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in regard to the phenotype of the PCOS and insulin resistance status. Material and methods: Anthropometric, hormonal, and biochemical parameters were assessed in 312 recruited women with PCOS. The FAI values were calculated in the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of PCOS in groups of insulin resistance status based on the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) > 2.0 or fasting insulin (FI) > 10 mmol/L. To test the relationship between individual variables, Spearman’s correlation analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and Student’s t-test were used. Results: The correlation between FAI values and HOMA-IR and FI was 0.42 and 0.47, respectively, in PCOS patients. A two fold higher FAI value was observed in metabolic PCOS phenotype when compared to the reproductive one (8.51 ± 5.56 vs. 4.40 ± 2.45 for HOMA-IR and 8.73 ± 6.09 vs. 4.31 ± 3.39 for FI, respectively; p < 0.05). Conclusions: PCOS patients are not a homogenous group in terms of FAI value. Patients with metabolic PCOS phenotype are characterised by two-fold higher FAI values compared with reproductive PCOS phenotype. Further studies on the metabolic and androgenic status of different types of PCOS phenotypes should be carried out.

Mechanical alloying and annealing at 1150 °C for 2 h under an argon atmosphere were used to prepare Ti–45S5 bioglass nanocomposites. Ti–45S5 bioglass material was chemically modified by silver. The antibacterial activity of Ti–10% 45S5 bioglass nanocomposite containing silver against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus was studied. Nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy equipped with an electron energy dispersive spectrometer and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate phase composition, crystal structure and grain size. In vitro bacterial adhesion study indicated a significantly reduced number of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus on the bulk nanostructured Ti–45S5 bioglass–Ag plate surface in comparison to that on microcrystalline Ti plate surface. Nanostructured Ti-based biomaterials can be considered to be the future generation of dental implants.

The aim of this research was to prepare and characterize an alginate-based wound dressing containing vancomycin immobilized at the silica surface. The silica samples functionalized with amine, diol and carboxylic acid groups were loaded with 7.8, 5.7 and 7.1wt.% of the antibiotic respectively. The immobilized drug was encapsulated in alginate or gelatin/alginate gels and the average concentration of vancomycin was about 10mg per g of the dried gel. The effect of functional organic groups at the silica surface on the release rate of the drug was investigated. Only the drug immobilized at Si-amine in alginate matrix was found to demonstrate slower release from the proposed wound dressing. The in vitro release profiles for other silica carriers did not show significant differences in relation to the free loaded drug. The presence of gelatin had a favourable impact on the slowing down of the drug release from the dressing with a double barrier. All the gels studied with vancomycin immobilized at the silica surface demonstrated antimicrobial activity against various bacteria. A reduction of the drug dose to a half had no effect on changing microbiological activity of gels.

Dietary supplements cover a wide range of products, the most popular are those containing plant-based ingredients. Supplements are consumed by consumers of all ages as well as by both healthy and sick people. The lack of unified regulation in this sector increases the probability that supplements are poor chemical and microbiological quality and can be dangerous for patients. The aim of this paper is to highlight selected issues associated with the microbiological quality of dietary supplements containing plant materials. We focus on the most recent reports referring to bacterial and fungal contaminations as well as the presence of mycotoxins. Dietary supplements containing plant ingredients commonly show a variety of microbial contaminants, which might be crucial for consumer safety. They often contain microorganisms potentially pathogenic to humans. Metabolites produced by microorganisms may pose a threat to the health of consumers. Because of that, in this review, we emphasize the risk that may be associated with the lack of appropriate studies of the quality of the supplements.

In the present study, the crystal structure, microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of bulk Ti31MoxHA composites (x = 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 wt %) were investigated. The sintering of Ti31MoxHA powders led to the formation of a bulk composite with grain size of approx. 1 μm. All these composites have elastic modulus lower than CP microcrystalline α-Ti, and their hardness is two times higher. The ultrafine Ti31Mo5HA composite was more corrosion resistant in Ringer solution than the bulk Ti31Mo alloy. Surface wettability measurements revealed the higher surface hydrophilicity of the bulk ultrafine-grained Ti31Mo10HA sample in comparison to microcrystalline Ti sample. Ti31Mo5HA composites with the addition of 1 wt % Ag, 2 wt % Ta2O5 or 2 wt % CeO2 were synthesized, too. The antibacterial activity of Ti31Mo5HA composite containing silver (Ag), tantalum (V) oxide (Ta2O5) or cerium (IV) oxide (CeO2) against Staphylococcus aureus was studied. In vitro bacterial adhesion, study indicated a significantly reduced number of S. aureus on the bulk ultrafine-grained Ti31Mo5HA-Ag (Ce2O3) plate surfaces in comparison to microcrystalline Ti plate surface. Ultrafine-grained Ti31Mo5HA - Ag or CeO2 biomaterials can be considered to be the future generation of medical implants.

Dietary supplements, particularly those containing ingredients of natural origin, may contain microbiological contaminants, both bacterial and fungal.The present study evaluated the microbiological purity of selected dietary supplements containing plant-based ingredients before their release to the market, as well as raw materials of plant origin which are used in the production of such supplements. A total of 122 samples of supplements and 30 materials of plant origin were studied, with 92.1% exhibiting different degrees of bacterial contamination. Eight samples (5.3%) were contaminated by aerobic bacteria in amounts exceeding 105 CFU/g. Five (3.3%) of the studied supplements were found to contain bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae at a level exceeding 103 CFU/g. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of the studied samples (86.8%) contained fungal contamination.Microbiological contamination may contribute to a deterioration in quality and stability of dietary supplements. In addition, high levels of pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms may pose a risk to consumers. Keywords: Dietary supplements, Microbiological contamination, Raw materials

The synthesis and physicochemical properties of a novel porphyrazine possessing an alternate system of two peripheral substituents, 2-(1-adamantyl)-5-phenylpyrrol-1-yl and dimethylamino, are presented. Precursor maleonitriles were characterized using X-ray crystallography. Novel porphyrazine was subjected to spectroscopic studies, including the determination of fluorescence quantum yield and singlet oxygen quantum yield. Moreover, its electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties were investigated. The antimicrobial photodynamic activities of the novel porphyrazine encapsulated in various liposomal formulations were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The region of the Lubusz Lakeland in western Poland where there are a lot of subglacial channels provides opportunity for multi-proxy palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. None of them has not been the object of a specific study. The developmental history of the palaeolakes and their vicinity in the subglacial trough Jordanowo-Niesulice, spanning the Late Glacial and beginning of the Holocene, was investigated using geological research, lithological and geomorphological analysis, geochemical composition, palynological and archaeological research, OSL and AMS-radiocarbon dating. Geological research shows varied morphology of subglacial channel where at least two different reservoirs functioned in the end of the Last Glacial period and at the beginning of the Holocene. Mostly during the Bølling-Allerød interval and at the beginning of the Younger Dryas there took place melting of buried ice-blocks which preserved the analysied course of the Jordanowo-Niesulice trough. The level of water, and especially depth of reservoirs underwent also changes. Palynological analysis shows very diversified course of the Allerød interval.

The possibility of applying radiation sterilization to cefoselis sulfate was investigated. The lack of changes in the chemical structure of cefoselis sulfate irradiated with a dose of 25 kGy, required to attain sterility, was confirmed by ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and chromatographic methods. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies showed that radiation has created some radical defects that concentration was no more than over a dozen parts per million. The antibacterial activity of cefoselis sulfate was unaltered for Gram-positive bacteria but changed for Gram-negative strains, as shown by microbiological tests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In microbiological terms, pharmaceutical products can be divided into two groups: sterile and non-sterile. Non-sterile drugs must satisfy the appropriate microbiological purity criteria which are included in pharmacopoeial monographs. Pharmacopoeial studies are prepared specifically with a view to ensuring that the medicinal product is therapeutically effective and safe for the patient. The analysis comprised the results of microbiological purity tests performed before the products are marketed. Total of 1285 samples of non-sterile drugs manufactured by different pharmaceutical plants in Polish were taken into study. The microbiological quality of drugs was assessed in accordance with the criteria included in the European Pharmacopoeia (EP). An analysis of test results demonstrated that the percentage of non-compliant samples was 1.87%. The groups of drugs, which the most often did not satisfy EPs’ requirements, were drugs containing raw materials of natural origin (5.7%). The samples of studied drugs that did not meet the criteria contained in EP, exceed the maximum allowable microbiological count limits and contained microbes whose presence is prohibited. The most common non-compliance was the excessive levels of the maximum acceptable fungal count (n=12) and the excessive the maximum acceptable aerobic microbial count (n=10).

Vancomycin was immobilized on three different organically functionalized silicas. The materials obtained were used for a controlled release of the antibiotic. The influence of the type of chemical bond on the in vitro drug release was investigated. A weak ionic bonding caused burst release of the drug within one day. A covalent bonding resulted in a slowdown in the release process and uniformity of dosage release. For these two carriers, biological activity of the drug was retained because the minimal inhibitory concentration values against the strains tested were similar to that of a free form of the drug (about 2 μg/mL). A strong ionic bonding of vancomycin adversely affected both the drug release, as well as its biological activity. A strong base on the surface of the silica prevented disconnection of the antibiotic which then became ineffective.

Media w ostatnich latach, jak to ujęto we wprowadzeniu, doświadczają mediamorfozy. Dotyczy to także mediów publicznych. Celem artykułu jest ukazanie istoty tych zmian w kontekście polityki pluralizmu kulturowego. A także odpowiedź na pytanie, w jakim zakresie zmiany technologiczne, sposób korzystania z mediów, ale także zmiany społeczne, ruchy migracyjne decydują o zakresie realizacji pluralizmu kulturowego. Za przykład posłużyła Szwajcarska Organizacja Radiowo-Telewizyjna – SRG SSR idee Suisse.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the predominant cause of airway infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) as a result of its ability to form biofilm. Resistance to antimicrobial agents is the most important feature of biofilm infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate biofilm formation and to compare antibiotic susceptibility of P. aeruginosa living in two modes of growth: planktonic and biofilm, isolated from respiratory tract of CF patients. Methods: Biofilm formation and biofilm susceptibility to antibiotics were determined using modified microtitere plate method. For susceptibility testing of planktonic culture to antibiotics serial microdilution broth method were used.Results: More than 95% of isolates were capable to form biofilm. Isolates grown as biofilms were more resistant to tested antibiotics compared to those grown planktonically. Ciprofloxacin showed the highest activity against P. aeruginosa biofilm. In contrast, no bacteriostatic activity was obtain for the highest concentration of piperacillin tested against most of P. aeruginosa strains growing in a biofilm (BIC > 4096 mg/L).Conclusions: Our study indicates the need to develop a standardized susceptibility testing method for biofilm mode of growth of pathogens. It appears that it is appropriate to introduce a biofilm susceptibility testing to routinely performed tests, as the effect of antibiotics on biofilm eradication may be variable and unpredictable.

Many specialists note that the food offered today - as a result of very complex technological processing - is devoid of many components that are important for the organism and the shortages have to be supplemented. The simplest for it is to consume diet supplements that provide the missing element in a concentrated form. In accordance with the applicable law, medicinal products include all substances or mixtures of substances that are attributed with properties of preventing or treating diseases with humans or animals. Permits to admit supplements to the market are issued by the Chief Sanitary Inspector and the related authorities; permits for medicines are issued by the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector and the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products. Therefore, admittance of a supplement to the market is less costly and time consuming_than admittance of a medicine. Supplements and medicines may contain the same component but medicines will have a larger concentration than supplements. Sale of supplements at drug stores and in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids or powders makes consumer often confusing supplements with medicines. Now there are no normative documents specifying limits of microbiological impurities in diet supplements. In Polish legislation, diet supplements are subject to legal acts concerning food. Medicines have to comply with microbiological purity requirements specified in the Polish Pharmacopeia. As evidenced with the completed tests, the proportion of diet supplement samples with microbiological impurities is 6.5%. Sales of diet supplements have been growing each year, they are consumed by healthy people but also people with immunology deficiencies and by children and therefore consumers must be certain that they buy safe products.

In this article a special attention is paid to the to the role of public service broadcaster in cultural diversity societies. The main aims of the author was answering the following questions: how cultural pluralism is implemented by the public service broadcaster in Switzerland? How the Swiss PSB implements the principle of cultural pluralism, particularly in the context of the access of national, language communities and the migrants minorities to the media? Are all groups recognized by the public broadcaster in the same way? The second goal of the author was delivering answer to a question about the manner of how public broadcaster has adopted to the new situation and how the new ethnic groups are recognized by SGR SSR. The considerations are related to a cultural pluralism, which assumes that the media provide a guarantee of cultural diversity in a society. This article is a case study of Swiss public service broadcaster – SGR SSR idee suisse. Artykuł zwraca szczególną uwagę na rolę nadawców publicznych w społeczeństwach wielokulturowych. Głównym celem była przede wszystkim odpowiedź na następujące pytania: w jaki sposób nadawca publiczny w Szwajcarii realizuje zasadę pluralizmu kulturowego, w jakim zakresie pluralizm kulturowy wpływa na prowadzenie polityki medialnej przez nadawcę publicznego oraz w jakim zakresie odmienne społeczności wyznaniowe, językowe, migranci mają dostęp do mediów publicznych w Szwajcarii? Czy wszystkie te grupy są w równym stopniu rozpoznawane przez nadawcę publicznego? Drugim istotnym celem tego artykułu jest analiza zmieniającej się sytuacji w Szwajcarii. Czy w związku z rosnącą liczbą nowych mniejszości zmienia się wobec nich polityka nadawcy publicznego? Artykuł stanowi studium przypadku szwajcarskiego nadawcy publicznego – SGR SSR idee suisse.