Determination of protective properties of Bardejovske Kuple spa curative waters by rotational viscometry and ABTS assay

Mineral waters from Bardejovske Kupele spa are natural, strongly mineralized, with healing effects. They are classified as hydrocarbonic - containing chloride and sodium - carbonic, cold, hypotonic, with a relatively high boric acid content. Potential anti-oxidative effects of curative waters from Bardejovske Kupele were investigated against the hyaluronan (HA) degradation. High-molar-mass HA was exposed to the action of ascorbate and cupric ions, which initiate free-radical chain degradation. Time-dependent changes of dynamic viscosity (h) of the HA solutions were monitored by rotational viscometry. The radical scavenging capacity of curative waters was determined by the ABTS assay. Despite a significantly high content of transition metal ions, especially iron, remarkable protective effects of the two curative spa waters were found, namely Alzbeta and Klara. Even though “Alzbeta´s“ iron content was 3.5-fold higher than “Klara´s“, “Alzbeta“ was shown to have better protective properties against the HA degradation compared to “Klara“. Bolus addition of ferric ions to the reaction system instead of the natural iron-containing curative water caused a significant HA degradation. The ABTS decolorization assay revealed that the curative spa waters were proven as poorly effective scavengers of the ABTS·+ cation radical

Political and philosophical strategies of Roman Epicureans in the Late Republic

This thesis examines the political careers and strategies of the Roman adherents of Epicurean philosophy in the final three decades of the Republic. I offer a detailed exploration of the network of affiliates of the School, as well as their teachers and patrons, and examine how their self-­‐presentation, social ties, and incorporation of philosophical doctrine into their career strategies enabled them to thrive in such an unstable and dangerous period. In Part One I examine as a series of case studies the role of Epicureanism in the ascent of three individuals who attained the rank of Consul or Consul Designate (L. Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, C. Vibius Pansa Caetronianus and C. Cassius Longinus), as well as one notable failure (C. Memmius). I argue that they deliberately avoided the traditional routes to power and electoral success: military glory and public oratory, and focused on factional and individual loyalty. I then assess the extent to which the patronage and leadership of C. Iulius Caesar was instrumental in the success of these politicians, and how this benefitted him. In Part Two I examine an alternative application of Epicurean philosophy to Roman politics, that of professed quietude and eschewal of office, as characterized by T. Pomponius Atticus. I argue that this choice was far from apolitical, but represented an alternative route to power and self-­‐ preservation, incorporating many of the same strategies employed by the politically active adherents. I explore how Atticus deliberately cultivated the image of a philosophical conscientious objector, yet wielded a significant amount of power in Rome, thanks to his wealth, his contacts, his provincial holdings and his role as financial administrator to the political elite. This thesis posits, in conclusion, that the unique political climate of the late Republic, in particular the incipient shift from limited-­‐term magistracies to single rule, facilitated a novel approach to the acquisition of power and personal security. Basing their actions on Epicurean teachings on society, friendship, religion and pleasure, the Roman adherents exploited their utility to those in power, Caesar in particular, to carve out a relatively stable niche in a tumultuous era

The Effect of Raw Soybean on Oxidative Status of Digestive Organs in Mice

The present study was undertaken to specify the effect of raw soybean on oxidative status of digestive organs in mice. For this purpose, thirty male (C57BL/6J) mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed on different diets as follows: Group 1 was fed on control diet, Group 2 was fed on raw soybean diet and Group 3 was fed on raw soybean diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg cysteamine. After two weeks of feeding, duodenum, liver and pancreas samples were collected to measure oxidative and antioxidative parameters. The results show that ingestion of raw soybean markedly increased contents of superoxide anion and malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), T-AOC and content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in digestive organs of mice (P < 0.05). In the group fed with raw soybean diet supplemented with cysteamine, oxidative stress was mitigated. However, oxidative parameter levels were still higher than those of control diet-fed group. The present study indicates that ingestion of raw soybean could result in an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant, and thus induce oxidative stress in digestive organs of mice

Establishing a recovery-focused rehabilitation unit: a case example

This study highlights lessons learnt from establishing a new recovery-focused inpatient rehabilitation unit in a typical regional city of New South Wales. We have learnt that the most important aspects are recruitment, retention and training of dedicated staff and a belief that recovery is possible. Strategies employed to meet the challenges of integrating a recovery-based practice into this type of setting may be transferable to other new services or existing services of a similar nature. We have provided a summary of standard outcome measures reflecting the performance of the unit for the first 2 years of functioning