Jan Kochanowski University

About: Jan Kochanowski University is a education organization based out in Kielce, Poland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Redshift survey. The organization has 1319 authors who have published 3979 publications receiving 41536 citations. The organization is also known as: Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce & Uniwersytet Jana Kochanowskiego w Kielcach.

Comparison of selected statistical distributions for modelling the diameter distributions in near-natural Abies – Fagus forests in the Świętokrzyski National Park (Poland)

Abstract: The aim of the study is to compare selected theoretical distributions (normal, lognormal, Weibull, gamma, logistic, and exponential) in describing the tree diameter (DBH) distributions of mixed near-natural forests consisting of fir Abies alba Mill. and beech Fagus sylvatica L. growing in various vertical structures. Tree DBH data were collected between 1997 and 2008 from 51 sample plots established in the Świetokrzyski National Park in Poland. The empirical data represent differentiated DBH distributions, ranging from almost symmetric to extremely asymmetric ones. The chi-square test and the modified Kolmogorov–Smirnov test were chosen for the goodness-of-fit testing. In addition to the test statistics, the bias (B), the root mean square error (RMSE) and the graphical method (quantile–quantile plots) were used. In one-storied stands, the most suitable distributions were the normal and logistic distributions; in two-storied and multilayered stands, the Weibull and gamma distribution were the most suitable; and in selection stands, the exponential distribution was the most appropriate to describe the DBH distribution. The order of precision of the tested distributions (from the highest to the lowest) was Weibull, gamma, logistic, normal, exponential, and lognormal. The normal and exponential distribution should be applied only to one-storied and selection forests, respectively. The least suitable distribution for DBH distribution modelling was the lognormal one.

Impact of BRAF V600E and TERT Promoter Mutations on Response to Therapy in Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Abstract: In this study, we examined the relationship between coexisting BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and response to therapy. PTC cases (n = 568) with known BRAF and TERT status, diagnosed from 2000 to 2012 and actively monitored at one institution, were reviewed retrospectively. Associations between BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations and clinicopathological features, Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage, initial risk, response to therapy, follow-up, and final disease outcome were assessed according to American Thyroid Association 2015 criteria and the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Tumor-Node-Metastasis (8th edition) staging system. Median follow-up was 120 months. TERT promoter mutations (any type) were detected in 13.5% (77/568) of PTC cases with known BRAF status. The C228T and C250T TERT hotspot mutations were found in 54 (9.5%) and 23 (4%) patients, respectively, and 22 other TERT promoter alterations were identified. Coexisting BRAF V600E and TERT hotspot promoter mutations were detected in 9.5% (54/568) of patients, and significantly associated with older patient age (P = 0.001), gross extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.003), tumor stage pT3-4 (P = 0.005), stage II to IV (P = 0.019), intermediate or high initial risk (P = 0.003), worse than excellent response to primary therapy (P = 0.045), recurrence (P = 0.015), and final outcome of no remission (P = 0.014). We conclude that coexisting BRAF V600E and TERT mutations in patients with PTC are associated with poor initial prognostic factors and clinical course and may be useful for predicting a worse response to therapy, recurrence, and poorer outcome than in patients without the above mutations.

Effect of hypothermia on radiation-induced micronuclei and delay of cell cycle progression in TK6 cells

Abstract: Purpose: Low temperature (hypothermia) during irradiation leads to a reduced frequency of micronuclei in TK6 cells and it has been suggested that perturbation of cell cycle progression is responsible for this effect. The aim of the study was to test this hypothesis.Materials and methods: Human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells were treated by a combination of hypothermia (0.8°C) and ionizing radiation in varying order (hypothermia before, during or after irradiation) and micronuclei were scored. Growth assay and two-dimensional flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle kinetics following irradiated of cells at 0.8°C or 37.0°C.Results: The temperature effect was observed at the level of micronuclei regardless of whether cells were cooled during or immediately before or after the radiation exposure. No indication of cell cycle perturbation by combined exposure to hypothermia and radiation could be detected.Conclusions: The protective effect of hypothermia observed at the level of cytogenetic damage was n...

Age-Dependent Disparities in the Prevalence of Single and Clustering Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

Abstract: Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide; with age acknowledged as an independent cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) in adults. Appreciating the association between age and classic CRFs is believed to boost all potential benefits of prevention. Purpose Assessment of the prevalence of single and clustered CRFs and their association with age. Patients and methods The survey involved 4735 people (33.6% men) who were PONS project attendees aged 45-64. The study protocol comprised the Health Status Questionnaire, general medical examination, anthropometric measurements, and blood and urine sampling. The prevalence of single and clustered CRFs (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity) in the incrementally split age groups was calculated. The incidence rate of CRFs, against their absence, was determined by Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. Results The prevalence of CRFs was established in 90% of the respondents. Except dyslipidemia and ≥1 CRFs, prevalence of risk factors increased with age, although this trend was the weakest in men. In the total group, and in women, prevalence of dyslipidemia and ≥1 CRFs was unrelated to age, whereas in men, it was on the rise in the younger age groups. The incidence rate of CRFs was strongly related to age, and, with the exception of dyslipidemia, was higher in the older age groups. Conclusion Cardiovascular risk factors are common in the adult population, while their prevalence and clustering are more prevalent in seniors. Apart from dyslipidemia, the risk of CRFs is appreciably age-related, and higher in seniors.