Aim of the study One of the critical steps in molecular oncology diagnostics is obtaining high quality genomic DNA. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and compare the techniques used to extract DNA from tissue samples. Since formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues are routinely used for both retrospective and prospective studies, we compared three commercially available methods of nucleic acid extraction in terms of quantity and quality of isolated DNA. Material and methods Slides prepared from 42 FFPE blocks were macro-dissected. Resulting material was divided and processed simultaneously using three extraction kits: QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit (QIAGEN), Cobas DNA Sample Preparation Kit (Roche Molecular Systems) and Maxwell 16 FFPE Plus LEV DNA Purification Kit (Promega). Subsequently, quantity and quality of obtained DNA samples were analysed spectrophotometrically (NanoDrop 2000, Thermo Scientific). Results of quantitative analysis were confirmed by a fluorometric procedure (Qubit 3.0 Fluorometer, Life Technologies). Results The results demonstrated that the yields of total DNA extracted using either Maxwell or Cobas methods were significantly higher compared to the QIAamp method ( p < 0.001). The Maxwell Extraction Kit delivered DNA samples of the highest quality ( p < 0.01). However, the highest total yield of extracted DNA was achieved with the Cobas technique, which may be due to a higher volume of eluate compared to the Maxwell method. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first paper which directly compares three extraction methods: Cobas, Maxwell and QIAamp. The data herein provide information required for the selection of a protocol that best suits the needs of the overall study design in terms of the quantity and quality of the extracted DNA.

The paper examines the dynamics of regional income at the NUTS3 level of the new EU Member States from Central and Eastern Europe in the years 1998-2005. The authors apply a wide range of methods and tools including classical beta and sigma convergence analysis supplemented by transition matrices, kernel density estimations and spatial autocorrelation statistics. Results of such a multi-dimensional empirical study reveal some previously unrecognized patterns of regional growth in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). Well-acknowledged metropolization and marginalization processes that cause regional divergence at the national scale are accompanied by the following processes. Firstly, at the macroregional scale, regional convergence has been observed as a result of differences in growth rates between individual countries. Secondly, at the national scale, petrification of existing regional structures has been prevailing in majority of the countries. Furthermore, weak convergence of clubs has been observed separately among the richest metropolitan regions and between the group of the poorest regions. In general, the polycentric spatial structure of the macroregion has reduced the impact of rapid growth of rich capital city-regions on convergence processes. Simultaneously, diffusion of development processes had a rather limited range and polarization in larger metropolitan regions have been a characteristic feature of CEECs.

Research background: Poland and Spain share many common features resulting both from similarities of historical experience, and also cultural, political, socio-demographic factors. Both countries have a similar area, population and GDP structure. They also share historical experience related to political and economic transformation after a long period of non-democratic, centralized governments. Therefore, the experience of Spanish membership in the EU is often considered as a model for Poland. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this research is to perform a comparative empirical analysis of income convergence processes in Poland and Spain on a regional level. We aim to verify if and how these processes are related to one an-other (show similar paths). Special attention is paid to the periods after accession of these countries to the EU. Convergence patterns in both countries are compared with several tools. Methods: Spatial econometric model for absolute beta convergence, sigma convergence indicators and the analysis of distribution dynamics — transition matrices and kernel density estimation. Findings & Value added: The impact on EU accession on income convergence in Spain was positive both at the national and regional level. Regional convergence processes sped-up and interregional disparities decreased. The poorest subregions had relatively high probability to increase their income and catch-up with initially more developed regions. In the first decade after accession to the EU Poland has also achieved a significant improvement of income indicators at the national level. However, empirical analyses of GDP per capita distribution and its dynamics at the regional level in Poland show that the above mentioned progress does not spread out proportionally on all regions. Neither beta nor sigma convergence is observed. Instead, relatively fastest growth of initially richest regions (mostly large cities) introduces convergence of clubs leading to polarization. EU accession has accelerated divergence processes in Poland.

In this paper we approach the regional unemployment dynamics in Poland. Using policy relevant NUTS4 level data from 1999 to 2006, we employ tools typically applied to income convergence analyses to inquire the patterns of unemployment distribution. We apply diverse analytical techniques to seek traces of convergence, including β and σ convergence as well as pass-through analysis.We demonstrate that the unemployment rate distribution is highly stable over time, while only weak 'convergence of clubs' is supported by the data and only for the high unemployment regions. Results suggest no support in favour of β-type convergence, i.e. convergence of levels. Even controlling for nation-wide labour market outlooks (conditional convergence) does not provide any support to this hypothesis. Further, regions with both very high and very low unemployment show signs of high persistence and low mobility in the national distribution, while those in the middle tend to demonstrate higher mobility and essentially no persistence of regional unemployment differentials. This diagnosis is confirmed by σ-convergence analysis which indicates no general divergence or convergence patterns. Transitions seem to be slightly more frequent, but at the same time less sustainable for middle range districts, while movements up and down the ladder occur predominantly for the same districts.This methodology allows to define the patterns of local labour market dynamics, pointing to differentiated divergence paths. Importantly, these tendencies prevail despite cohesion financing schemes, which allocate relatively more resources to deprived regions.

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