Prevention of cancer-Melanoma development and its diagnosis among Silesian Voivodeship residents: Preliminary results.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor with the highest growth rate in the incidence and is the leading cause of death due to skin cancers. In Poland, approximately 1500 cases of melanoma are detected annually in advanced or metastatic stages. Intensive preventive measures can contribute to its early-stage diagnosis, consequently reducing the number of fatalities. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of melanoma risk factors among the residents of Silesia region and their knowledge about the diagnosis and prevention of this cancer. An original questionnaire was used in the study, and its completion was anonymous. The study was conducted among the residents of the Silesian Voivodeship. A total of 400 (100%) individuals were examined. Among them were 243 women and 157 men. The participants' ages ranged from 16 to 84 years (mean age = 34.38 ±â€…18.39). The participants were burdened with melanoma development risk factors such as fair skin complexion (235; 58.75%), having more than 50 pigmented lesions (158; 39.50%) and sunburns (105; 26.25%). Over 40% (166; 41.50%) of the participants had never examined their pigmented lesions. A staggering 78% (311; 77.75%) of the respondents had never undergone dermatoscopic examination, and over 50% (215; 53.75%) did not know what this examination entailed. Just under 16% (63; 15.75%) of the participants stated that their family doctor had examined their pigmented lesions, and almost % (154; 97.47%) of those with numerous pigmented lesions had never been referred to a dermatologist for dermatoscopy. The surveyed residents of the Silesian Voivodeship were burdened with numerous risk factors for melanoma development, with the most common being fair skin complexion, having more than 50 pigmented lesions, and sunburns. The knowledge of the participants regarding the diagnosis and prevention of melanoma development was insufficient, thus highlighting the necessity for conducting systematic educational initiatives in the mentioned field. These initiatives should ultimately lead to the preservation of health and life, as well as the maintenance of its high quality.

The impact of exclusive breastfeeding on breastfeeding duration.

BACKGROUND: While breastfeeding is globally recommended, its duration still represents a public health issue. AIM: To examine the association between the period of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and the duration of overall human milk nutrition, and to identify determinants associated with the duration of EBF and overall human milk nutrition length. STUDY DESIGN: The presented study is a cross-sectional study. A total of 209 healthy Polish women of Caucasian origin, aged 19-42 years, who were the mother of a child aged 3-12 months, were enrolled in the study. Data were collected from 2018 to 2020 using an anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses included one way ANOVA and liner regression. RESULTS: After birth almost all newborns were exclusively breastfed (96.7 %), but the supply of mother's milk declined as the children's ages increased. The duration of breastfeeding is strongly associated with EBF, especially until the child is six months old (p < 0.001). Mother's breastfeeding self-efficiency and her will for breastfeeding, comfortable latch, younger infant age, avoiding of a pacifier and excluding additional food may explain 36 % of variation of EBF duration (p < 0.001) and could be useful information for exclusive breastfeeding support. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of exclusive breastfeeding strongly affects overall breastfeeding duration. The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, rather than of overall breast milk supply, is crucial.

Association Between SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Development of Antinuclear Antibodies Among Students.

INTRODUCTION: Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are the hallmark of many connective tissue disorders (including lupus), which comprise roughly 5% to 10% of chronic debilitating diseases causing morbidity and mortality. In society, fear of these diseases increases illness-related uncertainty because the prognosis of progression is often difficult to determine and at least some symptoms fluctuate unpredictably. In the anti-vaccination movement, the question of the possible connection between vaccination and connective tissue disorders and other autoimmune diseases has grown to rank as an important argument for rejecting vaccination. In 2021, every fifth Polish first-degree nursing student decided to not be vaccinated against COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies in students vaccinated and unvaccinated against COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A single university cross-sectional study was performed in a small academic centre in Poland, where 210 students were recruited in 2022. All the participants were screened for SARS-CoV-2 IgG and antinuclear antibodies. RESULTS: The mean age of the students who rejected vaccination was higher than that of those who were vaccinated. Among nursing students, 30.0% of vaccinated and 58.3% of unvaccinated individuals had COVID-19. The frequency of antinuclear antibodies was 3 times lower in vaccinated students than in unvaccinated students (2/159 vs 2/51; P > .05). CONCLUSION: The results of our study did not confirm the rationality of rejecting vaccinations against COVID-19 for fear of developing autoimmune diseases among healthy students.

Sewage sludge fertilization affects microbial community structure and its resistome in agricultural soils.

Global sewage sludge production is rapidly increasing, and its safe disposal is becoming an increasingly serious issue. One of the main methods of municipal sewage sludge management is based on its agricultural use. The wastewater and sewage sludge contain numerous antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and its microbiome differs significantly from the soil microbial community. The aim of the study was to assess the changes occurring in the soil microbial community and resistome after the addition of sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in central Poland, from which the sludge is used for fertilizing agricultural soils on a regular basis. This study used a high-throughput shotgun metagenomics approach to compare the microbial communities and ARGs present in two soils fertilized with sewage sludge. The two soils represented different land uses and different physicochemical and granulometric properties. Both soils were characterized by a similar taxonomic composition of the bacterial community, despite dissimilarities between soils properties. Five phyla predominated, viz. Planctomycetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes, and they were present in comparable proportions in both soils. Network analysis revealed that the application of sewage sludge resulted in substantial qualitative and quantitative changes in bacterial taxonomic profile, with most abundant phyla being considerably depleted and replaced by Proteobacteria and Spirochaetes. In addition, the ratio of oligotrophic to copiotrophic bacteria substantially decreased in both amended soils. Furthermore, fertilized soils demonstrated greater diversity and richness of ARGs compared to control soils. The increased abundance concerned mainly genes of resistance to antibiotics most commonly used in human and animal medicine. The level of heavy metals in sewage sludge was low and did not exceed the standards permitted in Poland for sludge used in agriculture, and their level in fertilized soils was still inconsiderable.

Fostering social health of people with dementia: evaluation of the Razem przed siebie dementia awareness campaign in Poland.

Background: Due to the need to increase social awareness about dementia and the needs of patients living with dementia in Poland, the Razem przed siebie (eng. Forward with Dementia) campaign was created. The aim of the study was to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: To disseminate key campaign messages to the target audiences (people with dementia, carers, health and social care professionals [HSCP] and general public) a website, social and traditional media promotions, webinars and social activities were created. The campaign ran between September 2021 and April 2022. Mixed methods (online survey, reach estimates and interviews) were used to evaluate the campaign. Results: Almost 1,300 people visited the website during the campaign period. Of these, 55 carers and HSCP responded to the online survey. The most read section of the website was Understanding the diagnosis (carers [56% of 25] and HSCP [80% out of 30]). The website was mostly accessed by carers (68%) and HSCP (66.7%) through word-of-mouth recommendations. 80% carers and 90% HSCP found the website very or extremely helpful. Over 90% of carers and HSCP expressed an intention to revisit the website. Based on 31 interviews, campaign effects, change mechanisms and limitations were identified. Campaign events elicited positive emotions among people with dementia, providing them with a feeling of belonging and engagement. Esteeming personal interactions over informational campaign materials, those with dementia felt acknowledged and empowered by the events. Carers also reported positive experiences and increased interest and knowledge, though they expressed disappointment with the lack of respite care, an issue beyond the campaign's scope. HSCP perceived the campaign events positively and identified significant gaps in the dementia care system. Conclusion: Evaluation of the Razem przed siebie campaign revealed successes and limitations. While effectively incorporating anti-stigma campaign recommendations and enhancing social health for individuals with dementia, the campaign clearly showed the pressing need for systemic solutions. Despite positive perception of the campaign, there is a need for a better diagnostic and post-diagnostic support for people with dementia and their carers.

Indicators of biochemical control of diabetes mellitus during limited availability of health service in the context of hypoglycemic therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread disease that leads to many complications if not adequately controlled. The pandemic and its limitations on healthcare access impaired the management of chronic conditions. The aim of our study was to examine its effects in context of different antidiabetic therapies on key health related factors in patients with T2DM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: To the study we enrolled 598 adult patients with diagnosed T2DM treated in diabetology outpatient department of the University Clinical Centre (UCC) of the Medical University of Warsaw. Data on body weight, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and creatinine concentration were collected throughout the first COVID-19 pandemic wave and compared to the results obtained before the 4th of March, 2020 (1st confirmed COVID-19 case in Poland). RESULTS: Results: The HbA1c mean baseline level was 7.15% (±1.39) and increased significantly (7.34% (±1.37), p=0.02) during observation. Importantly, the attendance of patients for HbA1c testing decreased by 57.82% in comparison to the pre-pandemic period. Similarly, creatinine concentrations increased (from 1.27 mg/dl (±0.76) to 1.34 mg/dl (±1.02), (p=0.004)). The increase in creatinine concentration was significantly lower in the group treated with regimens including metformin compared to other regimens. Somewhat surprisingly, the mean body mass remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The pandemic period had a significant impact on the tested biochemical parameters. The lesser changes of renal parameters in the group of patients treated with metformin confirms its nephroprotective effect and its value as a first-line treatment in T2DM.

Challenges and opportunities in the Polish healthcare sector from the implementation of telemedicine solutions in the field of gerontology and geriatric medicine: own experience.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To analyze and summarize the implementation of telemedical solutions in geriatrics and gerontology within the Polish healthcare sector, aiming to develop innovative strategies for improving elderly care through telemedical technologies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: An interdisciplinary pilot project in geriatrics was implemented, focusing on health, organizational, and technological areas. The project involved continuous monitoring of health parameters, remote consultations, and the use of telemedical devices and platforms. Key data collection tools included digital clinimetric outcomes from the FRA-MNA-SARC model, with data transmitted to a telemedical platform. RESULTS: Results: The pilot project demonstrated significant positive outcomes for senior participants. Continuous monitoring of health parameters allowed for early detection and timely intervention, leading to noticeable improvements in chronic disease management. This proactive approach reduced emergency hospital visits and enhanced overall health stability. The medication adherence support system, with automated reminders, ensured patients took their medications as prescribed, resulting in improved compliance and health outcomes. Telemedical solutions efficiently reduced the need for frequent in-person visits, allowing healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust therapies in real-time. The project also effectively engaged patients and caregivers, increasing confidence in health management and providing valuable support and real-time information. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Implementing telemedical solutions in geriatrics within the Polish healthcare sector shows significant potential to improve elderly care. Telemedicine can effectively support chronic disease management, enhance seniors' quality of life through continuous health monitoring, and provide a practical framework for personalized and efficient healthcare delivery.

Why do patients refuse hospital meals? Reflections on the nutritionDay Audit at the University Hospital in Krakow.

I n t r o d u c t i o n: Despite increased awareness of malnutrition and improved nutrition-related policies, there are still cases of deterioration of nutritional status during hospitalisation. NutritionDay is an audit organised by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), the Medical University of Vienna and the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) to prevent the onset of malnutrition and to improve hospital policies to deal with this problem. The aim of the study was to analyse the results of the audit with regard to factors that may contribute to the deterioration of a patients' nutritional status in hospital setting. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary teaching hospital and was part of an international audit. The questionnaires used were provided by the nutritionDay office, and included information on weight loss, patients' appetite, dietary restrictions, food intake and reasons for food rejection during hospital stay. R e s u l t s: Of the examined patients, 61% reported weight loss prior to the current hospital stay. We identified 25 patients who did not consume a whole portion of their main meal on the day the audit took place. Approximately 17% of the patients' complaints could be resolved within a hospital ward. C o n c l u s i o n s: Hospital patients often eat less than a standard meal portion. Identifying the reasons for meal rejection may be helpful for development of standards for nutritional care in the hospitals.

Polish translation, cultural adaptation, and validity confirmation of the Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment.

PURPOSE: The Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA©) is a validated nutritional screening, assessment, triage, and monitoring tool. The aim of this study was to perform translation, cultural adaptation, linguistic, and content validation of the translated and culturally adapted version of the PG-SGA for the Polish setting. METHODS: The study was performed in concordance with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Principles. Patients (n = 174) and healthcare professionals (HCPs, n = 188) participated in the study. Comprehensibility and difficulty were assessed by patients for the PG-SGA Short Form, and by HCPs for the professional component. Content validity was assessed for the full PG-SGA by HCPs only. Evaluations were operationalized by a 4-point scale. Item and scale indices were calculated using the average item ratings divided by the number of respondents. Item indices < 0.78 required further analysis of the item, while scale indices ≥ 0.90 were defined as excellent and 0.80-0.89 as acceptable. RESULTS: The PG-SGA Short Form was rated as excellent for content validity (Scale-CVI = 0.90) by HCPs and easy to comprehend (Scale-CI = 0.96) and use (Scale-DI = 0.94) by patients. The professional component of the PG-SGA was perceived as acceptable for content validity (Scale-CVI = 0.80), comprehension (Scale-CI = 0.87), and difficulty (Scale-DI = 0.80). The physical exam was rated the least comprehensible and the most difficult, and with the lowest content validity. We found significant differences in scale indices (p < 0.05 for all) between HCPs with different professions and between those being familiar with PG-SGA and not. CONCLUSION: Translation and cultural adaptation of the PG-SGA for the Polish setting preserved the purpose and conceptual meaning of the original PG-SGA. Validation revealed that the Polish version of PG-SGA is well understood and easy to complete by patients and professionals, and is considered relevant by professionals. However, detailed results indicate the need for appropriate training of the Polish HCPs, especially physicians and nurses, mainly in the worksheets related to the metabolic demand and physical exam.

Longevity of Polish top-class athletes compared to other social elites and well-known people in the years 2001-2021.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to initiate or revive a scientific discussion on the impact of professional life on the parameters of human lifespan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Presented analysis is based on 8578 Polish elite or well-known person who died in 2001-2021. RESULTS: The results of the conducted analysis indicate that in the case of men the highest values of the median age at death were characteristic of freelancers (median [Me] ± quartile deviation [QD] 85.5±8.5 years), followed by scientists and academic teachers of the biological and medical specialty (Me±QD 84.0±7.5 years) and officers of power structures (Me±QD 83.5±8.5 years). Subsequently, the highest value of the median age at death was recorded for social activists (Me±QD 83.0±9.5 years), clergy (Me±QD 82.0±7.5 years) and scientists and academic teachers of specialties other than biological and medical (Me±QD 82.0±8.0 years). Significantly, at the very end of this list are athletes (Me±QD 77.0±9.0 years). Nevertheless, the results of the analysis confirm that professional athletes are characterized by higher median age at death compared to the general population. Analysis made only within athletes group demonstrated that the parameters of lifespan of athletes of endurance disciplines (Me±QD 78.0±8.0 years) are the most favorable compared to athletes of other disciplines, in particular in compare to team sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±10.0 years) or combat sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±7.1 years). CONCLUSIONS: What is new and innovative in this paper is comparing the lifespan characteristics of athletes in comparison to widely represented group of other professions with higher socio-economic status. Unexpectedly, the lifespan of athletes occurred to be lower than for fast all other analyzed occupational groups, except mainly of entertainment musicians. Finally, the results presented in this paper emphasize the need to analyze the lifespan characteristics of athletes in a broader scope than only in relation to the general population. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2024;37(3):335-50.

Investigating the role of source and source trust in prebunks and debunks of misinformation in online experiments across four EU countries.

Misinformation surrounding crises poses a significant challenge for public institutions. Understanding the relative effectiveness of different types of interventions to counter misinformation, and which segments of the population are most and least receptive to them, is crucial. We conducted a preregistered online experiment involving 5228 participants from Germany, Greece, Ireland, and Poland. Participants were exposed to misinformation on climate change or COVID-19. In addition, they were pre-emptively exposed to a prebunk, warning them of commonly used misleading strategies, before encountering the misinformation, or were exposed to a debunking intervention afterwards. The source of the intervention (i.e. the European Commission) was either revealed or not. The findings show that both interventions change four variables reflecting vulnerability to misinformation in the expected direction in almost all cases, with debunks being slightly more effective than prebunks. Revealing the source of the interventions did not significantly impact their overall effectiveness. One case of undesirable effect heterogeneity was observed: debunks with revealed sources were less effective in decreasing the credibility of misinformation for people with low levels of trust in the European Union (as elicited in a post-experimental questionnaire). While our results mostly suggest that the European Commission, and possibly other public institutions, can confidently debunk and prebunk misinformation regardless of the trust level of the recipients, further evidence on this is needed.

Plant cultivation and diversity at the early neolithic settlement in Biskupice in Poland.

The emergence of the Linear Pottery Culture (LBK) during the Neolithic period within Polish territory 5400-4900 BC, introduced plant cultivation, yet the definitive list of cultivated species remains debated. This study examines plant assemblages (fruits, seeds, pollen, and spores) from the LBK settlement in Biskupice, southern Poland, aiming to identify cultivated and wild species used during the development of the first stable settlements in the Carpathian Foothills. Due to extensive sampling, Biskupice yielded over 11,000 macroscopic plant specimens, enabling detailed analysis of plant diversity, distribution, and implications for agrarian and dietary practices. The analysis revealed a focus on emmer and einkorn wheat cultivation, with barley playing a minor role, alongside evidence of flax and pulses. Radiocarbon dating supported the settlement's existence in the 6th millennium BCE, and confirmed the use of barley. However, a younger date excluded bread wheat cultivation at this site. The plant assemblage included a diverse array of herbaceous wild plants like black bindweed, fat hen and brome species, suggesting their economic use. Additionally, the presence of cockspur grass, linked with Southeast Asia, indicates alternative migration routes of weeds in Europe, as supported by radiocarbon dating. Palynological analysis suggests existence of nearby cereal plots or the processing of cereals at the settlement, supporting archaeological evidence.

Polish standard of treatment with racemic ketamine for patients with depressive disorders developed by a Working Group appointed by the National Consultant in the field of psychiatry. / Polski standard leczenia racemiczna ketamina pacjentów z zaburzeniami depresyjnymi opracowany przez zespól roboczy powolany przez Konsultanta Krajowegow dziedzinie psychiatrii.

The Polish standard of treatment with racemic ketamine for patients with depressive disorders was developed by a Working Group appointed by the National Consultant in the field of psychiatry. Despite the wide range of available medications, as many as one-third of depressed patients do not respond to standard antidepressant treatment, raising the need for an ongoing search for new effective and safe therapies. In recent years, the possible role of overactivity of the glutamatergic system in the etiopathogenesis of depression has again attracted the attention of many experts. The possibility of using substances with a modulating effect on the glutamatergic system in the treatment of depressive disorders has been postulated, among others, the long-known anesthetic ketamine, which is a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. This paper summarizes the results of studies on the efficacy and safety of racemic ketamine (administered intravenously) in the treatment of patients with depressive symptoms in the course of both unipolar and bipolar affective disorder, and, meeting the expectations of many practicing psychiatrists wishing to broaden the range of therapies offered to their patients, presents recommendations on indications, contraindications, precautions and the treatment regimen itself with intravenous ketamine for patients with mood disorders.

Borderlines of psychosis - nosological propositions of Polish psychiatrists of the interwar period. / Pogranicza psychozy ­ nozologiczne propozycje polskich psychiatrów dwudziestolecia miedzywojennego.

This paper examines nosological categories relating to borderlines between psychosis and other clinical categories, introduced by Polish psychiatrists in the interwar period. In the United States, the discussion about the borderline between neuroses and psychoses was urged by the 1938 article by psychoanalyst Adolph Stern. In Poland, nosological categories regarding the borderline between neuroses and psychoses were proposed by Adam Wizel, Maurycy Bornsztajn, Jan Nelken, and Wladyslaw Matecki. Wizel coined the term 'underdeveloped schizophrenia', Bornsztajn introduced 'schizothymia reactiva' and 'hypochondriac (somatopsychic) schizophrenia', Nelken described 'mild schizophrenia', first introduced by Moscow psychiatric school of Rosenstein, and Matecki presented the category of neurosis-like (pseudo-neurotic) schizophrenia. Additionally, Julian Dretler, after studying the borderline between schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis, coined the term 'mixed psychosis' and expressed conviction that it is an independent nosological entity. Like in the United States, the majority of Polish pioneers of the nosological studies of borderline cases were influenced by psychoanalysis. As a consequence of World War II and the new regime, which forced dialectical materialism and Pavlovism as an official ideology of psychiatry and condemned psychoanalysis, the categories presented in the article became forgotten and have not impacted Polish psychiatric nosology.

The toxicological analysis of problematic and sophisticated elements (Ni, Cr, and Se) in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) using in pharmacotherapy and clinical nutrition for oncological patients available in Polish pharmacies.

This study focuses on FSMPs for oncologic patients, specifically analyzing the toxicological profiles of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and selenium (Se) within these products available in Polish pharmacies. The presence of these elements was quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results indicated variations in the concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Se across different FSMP samples, with some products exceeding the acceptable limits set by regulatory guidelines. The study highlights the potential health risks associated with nickel exposure, including dermatitis and carcinogenesis, and the complex roles of chromium and selenium, which can be both beneficial and harmful depending on their levels. Our findings reveal significant variability in the elemental content across different FSMP products, i.e.: Ni: 0.155-25.488 µg/portion, Cr: 0.076-28.726 µg/portion and Se: 0.083-20.304 µg/portion). Notably, selenium levels in FSMPs showed considerable discrepancies compared to manufacturers' declarations, averaging only about 20% of the stated values. Regulatory assessments based on the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) and Permitted Daily Exposure (PDE) descriptors indicated that the estimated weekly intake of Ni, Cr, and Se from these FSMPs did not exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values. However, the highest Ni content was 30.58% of the PTWI, raising concerns about potential health risks, including dermatitis and carcinogenesis. The results for Cr underscored the necessity for careful monitoring due to its potential toxic effects. Selenium, despite its essential role, showed levels inadequate to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), potentially impacting its intended health benefits.

Whole-Exome Analysis for Polish Caucasian Patients with Retinal Dystrophies and the Creation of a Reference Genomic Database for the Polish Population.

We present the results of the first study of a large cohort of patients with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) performed for the Polish population using whole-exome sequencing (WES) in the years 2016-2019. Moreover, to facilitate such diagnostic analyses and enable future application of gene therapy and genome editing for IRD patients, a Polish genomic reference database (POLGENOM) was created based on whole-genome sequences of healthy Polish Caucasian nonagenarians and centenarians. The newly constructed database served as a control, providing a comparison for variant frequencies in the Polish population. The diagnostic yield for the selected group of IRD patients reached 64.9%. The study uncovered the most common pathogenic variants in ABCA4 and USH2A in the European population, along with several novel causative variants. A significant frequency of the ABCA4 complex haplotype p.(Leu541Pro; Ala1038Val) was observed, as well as that of the p.Gly1961Glu variant. The first VCAN causative variant NM_004385.5:c.4004-2A>G in Poland was found and described. Moreover, one of the first patients with the RPE65 causative variants was identified, and, in consequence, could receive the dedicated gene therapy. The availability of the reference POLGENOM database enabled comprehensive variant characterisation during the NGS data analysis, confirming the utility of a population-specific genomic database for enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Study findings suggest the significance of genetic testing in elder patients with unclear aetiology of eye diseases. The combined approach of NGS and the reference genomic database can improve the diagnosis, management, and future treatment of IRDs.

Assessment of parameters reflecting the reactivity of the autonomic nervous system of Polish firefighters on the basis of a test in a smoke chamber.

Objective: Measurement and analysis of heart rate variability in a population of professional firefighters based on heart rate (RR) recording. Assessment based on a smoke chamber test in correlation with age, length of service, body mass index. Materials and methods: The smoke chamber test for the officers of the State Fire Service (SFS) is aimed at improving the skills and techniques of working in special clothing and in a respiratory protection set (RPS) under high psychophysical burden. The study was divided into 3 stages: 1. measurement of parameters at rest - sitting position for 5 min, 2. measurement of parameters during the firefighter's activity, effort related to the training path and the test in the smoke chamber, indefinite time (different for each firefighter), 3. measurement of parameters at rest after exercise - sitting position for 5 min. Each firefighter included in the study had fitted onto his chest a Polar H10 band with a sensor (size XXL) that measures parameters HR, HRV (sensor connected via Bluetooth to an application on the phone of a person controlling the test). Results: The study involved 96 firefighters aged 19-45 (Mean 27.9; SD 7.4), with 1-19 years of service (Mean 5.2; SD 4.6). The study included 75 firefighters who completed the entire activity and their results were recorded completely in a way that allowed for analysis and interpretation. Results of 17 firefighters were selected (parameters describing HRV changes was carried out, which are important from the authors' experience: RMSSD, HF ms2, DFA α1). Conclusion: The presence of excessive body weight did not affect HR parameters, which may be related to the limited possibilities of using the BMI index among people with high muscle mass. Longer work experience has a health-promoting effect on heart rate values through increased adaptation of the circulatory system to increased effort and stress. HRV parameter and ANS activity have a wide range of clinical applications, in addition to monitoring health status in the course of diseases, ANS activity can be analyzed in correlation with occupational risk factors.

Prevalence of Dental Erosive Wear and Possible Risk Factors among Adolescents and Adults in Poland - A National Survey.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and evaluate the determinants of ETW among adolescents and adults in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered three age groups of patients: 15 years old, 18 years old, and adults aged 35-44 years. Calibrated examiners measured ETW according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) scoring system in 6091 patients. The clinical examination of patients was preceded by a socio-medical study based on a questionnaire consisting of items identifying potential risk factors for ETW. RESULTS: In all age groups, erosive lesions were most common in the form of initial enamel damage; more advanced lesions (BEWE 2 and 3) were rarely observed among 15-year-olds, while in the group of older adolescents and adults, the percentages were 13% and 20%, respectively. Acidic diet, gender, level of education, and medical conditions were statistically significantly associated with ETW in the examined population. The analysis showed that, depending on age, multiple and statistically significant risk factors for ETW become most apparent in the 35-44 age group, especially with regard to general health. This suggests that the long-term impact of factors and their cumulative effects are critical to the development of ETW. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large, representative study of ETW in Central and Eastern Europe among adolescents and adults, which indicates the relatively rare occurrence and severity of erosive lesions. The present findings support other longitudinal studies supporting the use of the BEWE system as a valuable standard for assessing erosive lesions and related risk factors among different populations at different ages.

Correlations between well-being of nurses and psychosocial working conditions - a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Work in health care is classified as a difficult profession and nurses are considered among the professional group that is exposed to the permanent impact of occupational stress. Psychosocial working conditions and related hazards are defined as those aspects that have the potential to cause harm to an employee's mental or physical health. Lack of psycho-physical health well-being reduces job satisfaction and thus job commitment. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the overall well-being of nurses and examine the correlation between nurses' well-being and their assessment of psychosocial working conditions in conjunction with occupational and demographic factors. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 526 nurses employed in a selected public clinical hospital in Poland. All nurses provided labor during the survey. A diagnostic survey method using the standardized Psychosocial Working Conditions questionnaire based on the demands-control-support stress model was used for measurement. Results: The examined nurses rated highly job demands (mean 3.46) as well as the scale of desired changes (mean 3.44). The ability to control their work (mean 3.19) and the level of social support (mean 3.21) were rated at a slightly lower level. The scale of well-being was rated highest by respondents (mean 3.68). Several statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) can be observed between the well-being scale and the other scales of psychosocial working conditions across age categories. The least correlated are the well-being and demands scales, although as age increases with higher levels of well-being, the demands scale scores decrease. Conclusion: The well-being of the examined nurses was closely related to sociodemographic data and the individual scales of the Psychosocial Working Conditions questionnaire. Chronic diseases are associated with greater demands at work and reduced well-being. Respondents who receive higher levels of support at work experience higher levels of well-being.

Health risks associated with mercury intake from rice and rice products.

The main route of human exposure to toxic contaminants is through the consumption of contaminated food. To protect against potential negative health effects of rice consumption, the concentration of total mercury (THg) in rice and rice products sold in Poland was determined, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. In this study, the concentration of THg in selected types of rice and rice products was determined and assessed. The determinations were carried out using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) in a DMA-1 mercury analyzer. Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient values (THQ), and tolerable weekly intake (TWI), the toxicological risk associated with the intake of total mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) from the products tested was also estimated. The analysis indicated that the highest Hg content was in rice cakes and the lowest in white rice and rice noodles. Total mercury content was found to be below the maximum permitted level. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) values for THg and MeHg in rice and rice products were lower than 1. These findings suggest that the food items examined pose no health risk.