Effect of zeolites on the reduction of the ecotoxicity of carbamazepine in the environment.

In this study, the impact of calcination of zeolites on the ecotoxicity of carbamazepine solutions in two matrices, water and synthetic sewage, was assessed. Two types of zeolites were tested: natural zeolite, in the form of a zeolite rock consisting mainly of clinoptilolite, and a synthetic zeolite type 5 A. Additionally, zeolites were calcined at a temperature of 200 °C. The kinetics of carbamazepine adsorption in aqueous solutions and in synthetic sewage matrix was determined. Higher adsorption capacity was obtained for carbamazepine aqueous solutions as well as zeolites after the calcination process. Considering type of zeolite, the highest and fastest uptake of carbamazepine was observed for natural zeolite after calcination. In the case of ecotoxicity, carbamazepine solutions before adsorption was the most toxic towards Raphidocelis subcapitata, next Aliivibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna, regardless to the matrix type. The differentiation in toxicity regarding the type of matrix was observed, in the case of algae and bacteria, higher toxicity was demonstrated by carbamazepine solutions in the water matrix, while in the case of crustaceans-the sewage matrix. After the adsorption process, the toxicity of carbamazepine solutions on zeolites decreased by 34.5-60.9 % for R. subcapitata, 33-39 % for A. fischeri and 55-60 % for D. magna, thus confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method of carbamazepine immobilization.

Psychological principles in regard to the interview with the deceased donor's family.

The purpose of this article is to present the most important rules of the interview process with the family of a patient who has been diagnosed with brain death. Based on data from the literature and their own clinical experience, the authors also describe the psychological mechanisms that make contact with the family of a potential donor particularly difficult. The paper also discusses successive stages in the process of building contact with the family from the perspective of the dual advocacy approach that, in the light of recent data from the literature, can significantly increase the likelihood of the family's acceptance of organ donation, offering both the specific theoretical foundations as well as the strict principles in regard to the interview. The article contains practical suggestions for dealing with difficulties that can arise at all stages of contact with the family: making contact, providing information, providing information about brain death and talking with the family about organ donation from a deceased relative.

Influence of photoperiods on the growth rate and biomass productivity of green microalgae.

The effect of different photoperiods: 24 h illumination and a 12:12-h light/dark (12L:12D) cycle on the growth rate and biomass productivity was studied in five algal species: Neochloris conjuncta, Neochloris terrestris, Neochloris texensis, Botryococcus braunii and Scenedesmus obliquus. The green microalgae examined differ in the reproduction mode. Continuous illumination stimulated the growth of B. braunii and S. obliquus more effectively than the growth of the microalgal species from the genus Neochloris. However, under shorter duration of light of the same intensity (12L:12D cycle), the growth of all the three species of Neochloris was stimulated. Under continuous illumination, the specific growth rate in the first phase of B. braunii and S. obliquus cultures was higher than the growth rate of Neochloris, whereas under the 12L:12D cycle, the specific growth rate of all the three Neochloris species was generally higher than that in B. braunii and S. obliquus. As a result, the light regime influenced algal biomass productivity differently. The maximum biomass productivity was obtained in B. braunii and S. obliquus cultures carried out at continuous illumination. All the Neochloris species produced biomass more efficiently at the 12L:12D cycle, which was two-threefold higher than that of B. braunii and S. obliquus. The unicellular species of the green microalgae from the genus Neochloris, examined for the first time in this study, are promising prospective objects for algal biotechnology.

[Cognitive dysfunction and emotional disturbances in children with neurofibromatosis type one (Recklinghausen's disease). Review of the literature]. / Dysfunkcje poznawcze i zaburzenia emocjonalne u dzieci z nerwiakowlókniakowatoscia typu pierwszego (choroba Recklinghausena). Przeglad pismiennictwa.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with a high risk of the neuropsychological, emotional and psychosocial disturbances in children with NF1. In this research the results of the psychological and neuropsychological studies in children with NF1 were presented. According to data of current research, the most common cognitive deficits are connected with visual-spatial impairment, however verbal, working memory and executive function deficits associated with prefrontal cortex dysfunction are also important. The results indicate that the neuropsychological deficits may increase during the course of the illness.