Using Geiger Dosimetry EKO-C Device to Detect Ionizing Radiation Emissions from Building Materials.

The purpose of the article is to check and assess what radiation is emitted by particular building materials with the passage of time. The analysis was performed with the EKO-C dosimetry device from Polon-Ekolab. The scope of the work included research on sixteen selected construction materials, divided into five groups. The analysis of the results showed that samples such as bricks (first group) and hollow blocks (second group) emit the highest radiation in the tested objects. When comparing these materials, the highest value was recorded when measuring the ceramic block of 15.76 mSv·yr-1. Taking into account the bricks, the highest value of radiation was shown by a full clinker brick, 11.3 mSv·yr-1. Insulation materials and finishing boards are two other groups of building materials that have been measured. They are characterised by a low level of radiation. In the case of materials for thermal insulation, the highest condition was demonstrated by graphite polystyrene of 4.463 mSv·yr-1, while among finishing boards, the highest value of radiation was recorded for the measurement of gypsum board of 3.76 mSv·yr-1. Comparing the obtained test results to the requirements of the Regulation of the Council of Ministers on ionizing radiation dose limits applicable in Poland, it can be noted that the samples examined individually do not pose a radiation risk to humans. When working with all types of samples, the radiation doses are added up. According to the guidelines of the regulation, the total radiation dose does not exceed 50 mSv·yr-1 and does not constitute a threat to human health.

Comparison of Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils from Different Botanical Organs of Pinus mugo Growing in Poland.

The essential oils from needles, twigs, bark, wood, cones and young shoots of Pinus mugo were analyzed by GC, GC/MS, and 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. More than 130 compounds were identified. The oils differed in the quantitative composition. The principal components of the oil from twigs with needles were 3-carene (23.8 %), myrcene (22.3 %), and α-pinene (10.3 %). The needle oil contained mainly α-pinene (18.6 %), 3-carene (11.3 %), and bornyl acetate (8.3 %). The oils from twigs without needles, young shoots, bark, and wood were dominated by 3-carene (28.6 %, 15.0 %, 18.5 %, and 34.6 %, respectively) and myrcene (23.4 %, 24.0 %, 24.6 %, and 9.4 %, respectively). In the cone oil (E)-ß-caryophyllene was the main constituent (24.0 %).

Lizard tail spinal cord: a new experimental model of spinal cord injury without limb paralysis.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a well-known devastating lesion that sadly is very resistant to all treatment attempts. This fact has stimulated the exploration of multiple regenerative strategies that are examined at both the basic and clinical level. For laboratory research, differentin vivomodels are used, but each has many important limitations. The main limitation of these models is the high level of animal suffering related to the inflicted neurologic injury. It has caused a growing tendency to limit the injury, but this, in turn, produces incomplete SCI models and uncertainties in the neuroregeneration interpretation. To overcome such limitations, a new experimental SCI model is proposed. Geckos have been extensively examined as a potential animal model of SCI. Their spinal cord extends into the tail and can be transected without causing the typical neurologic consequences observed in rat models. In this study, we compared the gecko tail SCI model with the rat model of thoracic SCI. Anatomic and histologic analyses showed comparability between the gecko and rat in diameter of spinal canal and spinal cord, as well as applicability of multiple staining techniques (hematoxylin and eosin, immunostaining, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy). We tested the suitability ofin vivostudy with 3 prototype implants for the reconstruction of SCI: a multichannel sponge, a multilaminar tube, and a gel cylinder. These were compared with a spinal cord excision (control). A 20-wk observation revealed no adverse effects of SCI on the animals' well-being. The animals were easily housed and observed. Histologic analysis showed growth of nervous tissue elements on implant surface and implant cellular colonization. The study showed that the gecko SCI model can be used as a primary model for the assessment of SCI treatment methods. It provides a platform for testing multiple solutions with limited animal suffering before performing tests on mammals. Detailed results of the experimental conditions and testing techniques are provided.-Szarek, D., Marycz, K., Lis, A., Zawada, Z., Tabakow, P., Laska, J., Jarmundowicz, W. Lizard tail spinal cord: a new experimental model of spinal cord injury without limb paralysis.

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils from Different Morphological Parts of Pinus cembra L.

The essential oils from needles, twigs, bark, wood, and cones of Pinus cembra were analyzed by GC-FID, GC/MS, and 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. More than 130 compounds were identified. The oils differed in the quantitative composition. The principal components of the oil from twigs with needles were α-pinene (36.3%), limonene (22.7%) and ß-phellandrene (12.0%). The needle oil was dominated by α-pinene (48.4%), whereas in the oil from bark and in the oil from twigs without needles there were limonene (36.2% and 33.6%, resp.) and ß-phellandrene (18.8% and 17.1%, resp.). The main constituents of the wood oil as well as cone oil were α-pinene (35.2% and 39.0%, resp.) and ß-pinene (10.4% and 18.9%, resp.). The wood oil and the cone oil contained large amounts of oxygenated diterpenes in comparison with needle, twig, and bark oils.

[Biomaterials engineering strategies for spinal cord regeneration: state of the art]. / Strategie inzynierii biomaterialów dla regeneracji rdzenia kregowego: aktualny stan wiedzy.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries are very serious burden for the organism of affected human population, and are more critical because mostly touching the young cluster of population. Physical, emotional and economic problems caused by traumatic spinal cord injuries as a general rule significantly limit the individual patient functionality and are burden for the society. The spinal cord has considerable lack of ability for spontaneous and functional regeneration, hence the spinal cord injury cause a solemn and frequently permanent disabilities. The pathophysiology of spinal cord injury is the results of sequential two phenomena, primary physical and biochemical secondary mechanisms of injury. After physical injury, the spinal cord undergoes a sequential progression in biochemical pathologic deviations increasing after injury, that are mutually deteriorating and cause further damage in the spinal cord. Consequently series of pathological processes lead to haemorrhage, oedema, neuronal necrosis, axonal fragmentation, demyelination of the remaining axons, and formation of ultimately cyst. Furthermore spinal cord injuries can immediately result in neural cells death and cause disruption of the blood supply to the site of the injury. The most important difference between peripheral and central nervous system is the fact that in the spinal cord the neuronal cell bodies are damaged, while in the peripheral nervous system only axons are injured. In the surroundings of the spinal cord, one of the major factors hampering regeneration is the glial scar expansion. The spreading of densely packed astrocytes on the site of injuries effectively inhibit axon growth through the nerve grow blocking. Glial scar, which consists mainly of overactive astrocytes and fibroblasts, as well as the presence of growth-inhibitor molecules such as chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (derived from the breakdown of damaged nerve cells) form a physicochemical barrier for effective regenerating axons. The recent scientific progress in medicine, biology and biomaterials engineering, and predominantly in the fields of neurosurgery, cell culture and tissue engineering, creates the opportunity for the development of new therapies, which support healing of the effects of traumatic spinal cord injuries and prevent further neurodegenerative processes. The most promising effects so far have been obtained using well-designed polymer scaffold as structural support for axon regeneration combined with drug delivery system or therapeutic cell line and neurotrophic factors. This review article focuses on the application of selected biomaterials for the regeneration of traumatic spinal cord injuries. First, the basic anatomical structure of the spinal cord has been described. Then the injury and neurodegenerative mechanisms within the peripheral and central nervous system have been compared. The pathophysiology of the spinal cord damage has been referred to the current strategy of biomaterials engineering in experimental therapies supporting neuroregeneration processes. In the summary, the promising interdisciplinary therapeutic strategies aimed at the regeneration of the spinal cord have been highlighted.

[The outlook for the use of polymeric scaffolds in the reconstruction and the regeneration stimulation of traumatic brain injuries]. / Perspektywy wykorzystania polimerowych rusztowan w rekonstrukcji oraz stymulacji regeneracji pourazowych uszkodzen mózgu.

Neurological disorders and injuries such as ischemic or haemorrhagic strokes or traumatic brain injuries result in the damage of cerebral parenchyma structures and in consequence, the loss of neurological functions. The current clinical strategies for the treatment of the brain nervous tissue disruptions are limited. The aforementioned methods can reduce the tissue degeneration or mitigate the subsequent symptoms, but do not alter the fact that many of the affected people are incapable of returning to the condition before the accident and they need long-lasting rehabilitation. Regenerative strategies based on the cell therapies and the use of polymeric scaffolds seem to be very promising for many patients. Polymer scaffolds may provide an opportunity to enhance the probability of cell therapy success by creating an artificial extracellular matrix which further facilitates cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and promotes integrity of transplanted as well as endogenous cells. This paper presents selected forms of the polymeric scaffolds, which have been tested for the restoration processes within brain tissue and their potential clinical applications of scaffolds in both the treatment of posttraumatic neuronal loss and the neurodegenerative disorders.

Lipid-Lowering Treatment and the Lipid Goals Attainment in Patients with a Very High Cardiovascular Risk.

Hypercholesterolemia is the main cardiovascular (CV) risk factor with a large body of evidence. Our aim was to assess the achievement of the main therapeutic goal of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with a very high CV risk and a high-dose statin therapy. The study group consisted of 1413 consecutive patients hospitalised at the Upper-Silesian Medical Centre in Katowice due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with atorvastatin ≥ 40 mg or rosuvastatin ≥ 20 mg. The lipid profile was performed on admission and within 12 months after AMI. The main therapeutic goal was defined as LDL-C < 55 mg%. The study group (n = 1413) included 979 males (69.3%) with arterial hypertension (83.3%), diabetes (33.5%), peripheral artery disease (13.6%) and nicotinism (46.2%). In the study group, only 61 patients (4.3%) were additionally taking ezetimibe. During hospitalisation, the primary LDL-C goal was found in only 186 patients (13.2%). Subsequently, a follow-up lipidogram within 12 months was performed in 652 patients (46%), and the therapeutic goal was achieved in 255 patients (39%). There were 258 (18.26%) patients who died within 12 months after myocardial infarction. The lowest mortality rate was found in the subgroup of patients with LDL-C < 55 mg% during follow-up (11.02%). The primary lipid goal attainment among patients with a high-dose statin and a very high CV risk is low and far from the expected rate. Patients hospitalised for AMI should be given a combination of statin and ezetimibe more frequently. Low LDL-C levels measured at follow-up predict a lower risk of death at 12-month follow-up in a large group of patients.

Quality of Life 6 Months after COVID-19 Hospitalisation: A Single-Centre Polish Registry.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the entire global population, had an impact on our health and quality of life. Many people had complications, were hospitalised or even died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The health systems of many countries had to radically change their way of functioning and scientists around the world worked intensively to develop a vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. AIM: The aim of this work is to assess the quality of life of patients who were hospitalised for COVID-19, using the SF-36 questionnaire. METHODS: Between May and August 2022, we conducted a telephone assessment of quality of life in patients who were hospitalised for COVID-19 at the Temporary Hospital in Pyrzowice (Silesia, Poland), between November 2021 and January 2022. RESULTS: Quality of life was significantly lower in women (p = 0.040), those with DM2 (p = 0.013), CKD (p = 0.041) and the vaccinated (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: People with chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and women had a lower quality of life after COVID-19 disease. However, people who were vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 had a lower quality of life than non-vaccinated people did. This is possibly due to the higher mean age, and probably the higher disease burden, in the vaccinated group.

What Is Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning?-Examples of Practical Applications in Medicine.

Machine learning (ML), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and deep learning (DL) are all topics that fall under the heading of artificial intelligence (AI) and have gained popularity in recent years. ML involves the application of algorithms to automate decision-making processes using models that have not been manually programmed but have been trained on data. ANNs that are a part of ML aim to simulate the structure and function of the human brain. DL, on the other hand, uses multiple layers of interconnected neurons. This enables the processing and analysis of large and complex databases. In medicine, these techniques are being introduced to improve the speed and efficiency of disease diagnosis and treatment. Each of the AI techniques presented in the paper is supported with an example of a possible medical application. Given the rapid development of technology, the use of AI in medicine shows promising results in the context of patient care. It is particularly important to keep a close eye on this issue and conduct further research in order to fully explore the potential of ML, ANNs, and DL, and bring further applications into clinical use in the future.

Chest X-ray Foreign Objects Detection Using Artificial Intelligence.

Diagnostic imaging has become an integral part of the healthcare system. In recent years, scientists around the world have been working on artificial intelligence-based tools that help in achieving better and faster diagnoses. Their accuracy is crucial for successful treatment, especially for imaging diagnostics. This study used a deep convolutional neural network to detect four categories of objects on digital chest X-ray images. The data were obtained from the publicly available National Institutes of Health (NIH) Chest X-ray (CXR) Dataset. In total, 112,120 CXRs from 30,805 patients were manually checked for foreign objects: vascular port, shoulder endoprosthesis, necklace, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Then, they were annotated with the use of a computer program, and the necessary image preprocessing was performed, such as resizing, normalization, and cropping. The object detection model was trained using the You Only Look Once v8 architecture and the Ultralytics framework. The results showed not only that the obtained average precision of foreign object detection on the CXR was 0.815 but also that the model can be useful in detecting foreign objects on the CXR images. Models of this type may be used as a tool for specialists, in particular, with the growing popularity of radiology comes an increasing workload. We are optimistic that it could accelerate and facilitate the work to provide a faster diagnosis.

COVID-19 vaccines in adult cancer patients with solid tumours undergoing active treatment: Seropositivity and safety. A prospective observational study in Italy.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with cancer are presumed a frail group at high risk of contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and vaccination represents a cornerstone in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data on COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients are fragmentary and poor. METHODS: An observational study was conducted to evaluate the seropositivity rate and safety of a two-dose regimen of the BNT162b2 or messenger RNA-1273 vaccine in adult patients with solid cancer undergoing active anticancer treatment or whose treatment had been terminated within 6 months of the start of the study. The control group was composed of healthy volunteers. Serum samples were evaluated for SARS-COV-2 antibodies before vaccinations and 2-6 weeks after the administration of the second vaccine dose. Primary end-point: seropositivity rate. Secondary end-points: safety, factors influencing seroconversion, IgG titers of patients versus healthy volunteers, COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Between 20th March 2021 and 12th June 2021, 293 consecutive patients with cancer-solid tumours underwent a program of COVID-19 vaccinations; of these, 2 patients refused vaccination, 13 patients did not receive the second dose of the vaccine because of cancer progression, and 21 patients had COVID-19 antibodies at baseline and were excluded. The 257 evaluable patients had a median age of 65 years (range 28-86), 66.15% with metastatic disease. Primary end-point: seropositivity rate in patients was 75.88% versus 100% in the control group. Secondary end-points: no Grade 3-4 side-effects, no COVID-19 infections were reported. Patients median IgG titer was significantly lower than in the control group; male sex and active anticancer therapy influenced negative seroconversion. BNT162b2 or messenger RNA-1273 vaccines were immunogenic in cancer patients, showing good safety profile.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Phellodendron lavallei.

The essential oils from inflorescences, fruits and leaves of Phellodendron lavallei Dode were analyzed by GC, GC/MS and IH NMR spectroscopy. About 100 compounds were identified. The principal components in the fruit oil were myrcene (47.7-52.0%) and limonene (38.4-40.9%), followed by germacrene D (1.2-3.2%) and (E)-p-caryophyllene (2.4-2.9%). The inflorescence oil contained mainly myrcene (44.8%), limonene (43.2%) and (E)-ß-ocimene (4.1%). The main constituents of the leaf oil were limonene (26.7%) myrcene (22.1%), (E,E)-a-famesene (5.6%) and a-pinene (5.0%). The antibacterial activity was examined towards both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The fruit oil showed weak activity against the bacteria tested.

Biphasic Polyurethane/Polylactide Sponges Doped with Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) Combined with Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine Applications.

Cartilage and bone tissue injuries are common targets in regenerative medicine. The degeneration of cartilage tissue results in tissue loss with a limited ability to regenerate. However, the application of mesenchymal stem cells in the course of such condition makes it possible to manage this disorder by improving the structure of the remaining tissue and even stimulating its regeneration. Nevertheless, in the case of significant tissue loss, standard local injection of cell suspensions is insufficient, due to the low engraftment of transplanted cells. Introduction of mesenchymal stem cells on the surface of a compatible biomaterial can be a promising tool for inducing the regeneration by both retaining the cells at the desired site and filling the tissue gap. In order to obtain such a cell-biomaterial hybrid, we developed complex, biphasic polymer blend biomaterials composed of various polyurethane (PU)-to-polylactide (PLA) ratios, and doped with different concentrations of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp). We have determined the optimal blend composition and nano-hydroxyapatite concentration for adipose mesenchymal stem cells cultured on the biomaterial. We applied biological in vitro techniques, including cell viability assay, determination of oxidative stress factors level, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials as well as cell proteomic analysis. We have shown that the optimal composition of biphasic scaffold was 20:80 of PU:PLA with 20% of nHAp for osteogenic differentiation, and 80:20 of PU:PLA with 10% of nHAp for chondrogenic differentiation, which suggest the optimal composition of final biphasic implant for regenerative medicine applications.

Polyurethane/Polylactide-Blend Films Doped with Zinc Ions for the Growth and Expansion of Human Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs) and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Stem Cells (ASCs) for Regenerative Medicine Applications.

Polymeric biomaterials based on polyurethane and polylactide blends are promising candidates for regenerative medicine applications as biocompatible, bioresorbable carriers. In current research we showed that 80/20 polyurethane/polylactide blends (PU/PLDL) with confirmed biological properties in vitro may be further improved by the addition of ZnO nanoparticles for the delivery of bioactive zinc oxide for cells. The PU/PLDL blends were doped with different concentrations of ZnO (0.001%, 0.01%, 0.05%) and undertaken for in vitro biological evaluation using human adipose stromal stem cells (ASCs) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). The addition of 0.001% of ZnO to the biomaterials positively influenced the morphology, proliferation, and phenotype of cells cultured on the scaffolds. Moreover, the analysis of oxidative stress markers revealed that 0.001% of ZnO added to the material decreased the stress level in both cell lines. In addition, the levels of neural-specific genes were upregulated in OECs when cultured on sample 0.001 ZnO, while the apoptosis-related genes were downregulated in OECs and ASCs in the same group. Therefore, we showed that PU/PLDL blends doped with 0.001% of ZnO exert beneficial influence on ASCs and OECs in vitro and they may be considered for future applications in the field of regenerative medicine.

[Juvenile dermatomyositis in 12 years old girl]. / Przypadek mlodzienczego zapalenia skórno-miesniowego u 12-letniej dziewczynki.

We would like to present a selected case of 12-aged girl, with recognition of dermatomyositis (DM). At the age of 11 in the normally developing child, erythematous-oedematous changes have appeared on the face, particularly intensified in the vicinity of the orbital cavities (so called: pseudoglasses), as well as erythema and teleangiectasis on the dorsum of hands and small-sized diarthroidal joints (the Gottron's symptom). Subsequently, lower physical efficiency and distinctly weakness in the child's extremities occurred. In EMG (quadriceps muscle of the thigh) myogenous traits have been proven. Neurological examination revealed as follows: muscular weakness (adynamia), mainly lower limbs (grade 3 in the Lovett's scale, along with decreased loss of muscles tone), lack of the periosteal reflex near lower limbs, positive Gower's symptom and increased anterior spinal curvature. In the biochemical examinations accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and a rise of activity in muscles enzymes were stated. In the child's blood serum, we disclosed antinuclear antibodies ANA (type of granular luminescence, titre 160), to be rather evident to presence of autoimmunological process. During examinations of the musculocutaneus specimen, DM-markers have been detected. Capillaroscopy proved specific presence of numerous vessels, multiple capillary tubes, individual gemmated vessels and completely invisible dermatomyositous border. Patient was treated with per os sterid--Encorton at the initial dose of 2 mg/day, every other day during the lapse of 6 weeks to reach the normal CPK-activity, and consequently clinical picture under "on-line" surveillance, gradually reducing a specific medicine up to maintenance dose through 18 months. At present, the patient is subjected to check-up and monitoring by Neurological Outpatient and Rehabilitain Clinic for Children.

Chemical Composition Variability of the Herb Essential Oil in the Ontogenesis of Artemisia campestris subsp. campestris.

The essential oil from the herb of Artemisia campestris L. subsp. campestris harvested at five ontogenesis phases was analyzed by GC, GC/MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy. More than 130 compounds were identified. Terpene hydrocarbons dominated in the oil. Germacrene D (20.3-30.1%), ß-pinene (3.7-15.4%) and γ-humulene (6.6-9.8%) were the main constituents. The contents of germacrene D and γ-humulene decreased from the phase before bud formation to the beginning of flowering, then increased until the post-flowering phase. The content of ß-pinene at the same periods firstly increased, and then was reduced.

[Cutaneous larva migrans--an unusual case]. / Larwa wedrujaca skórna--niecodzienny przypadek.

Cutaneous larva migrans is the result of human skin infestation by nematode larvae, which penetrate through the epidermis. The case of 21-year-old woman with serpiginous, erythematosus, and linear stripes was reported. The skin lesions lasted for five months. The diagnosis of cutaneous larva migrans was established based on the typical clinical picture of infestation. Thus, it is important for infestation to be recognized clinically, so that effective treatment may be instituted. Various therapeutic modalities, including cryotherapy, topical and systemic chemotherapy, can be used in the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans. It was demonstrated, that cryosurgery is a fast and effective method in the therapy of cutaneous larva migrans infestation.

[Infectious non-venereal diseases affecting male and female external genital area]. / Zakazne nieweneryczne schorzenia zlokalizowane w obrebie meskich i zenskich zewnetrznych narzadów plciowych.

Infectious non-venereal diseases are divided into contagious and non-contagious skin diseases, that have sometimes different and unexplained aetiology. Some diseases caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria, Candida albicans and parasites are the contagious skin diseases. The non-contagious diseases include: contact dermatitis, erythema fixum, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, Reiter's disease and some pre-neoplasmatic lesions. The aim of the study was to demonstrate some skin lesions commonly located on external genital organs in both sexes, that should be differentiated with skin lesions in sexually transmitted diseases.

[Pyoderma gangrenosum--positive effect of cyclosporin A therapy ]. / Piodermia zgorzelinowa--pozytywny efekt leczenia cyklosporyna A.

Although pyoderma gangrenosum is a disorder known since over 70 years, it still remains a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. We describe three subjects with pyoderma gangrenosum; two were females, one was male, one case was associated with colitis ulcerosa, two were without any related disorders. Histopathologic examinations supported the diagnosis in all cases. In spite of intensive topical and systemic treatment with corticosteroids, Dapsone, Clofazimine, no sufficient effects were achieved. Cyclosporin A introduced in the dose of 5 mg/kg/d resulted in dramatic response and complete remission. Serum CyA levels, biochemical parameters of liver and kidney function, blood pressure were monitored during the therapy. No adverse events due to Cyclosporin A were observed.

[Soluble receptors of cytokines in sera of patients with systemic sclerosis--clinical correlation]. / Rozpuszczalne receptory dla cytokin w surowicach chorych z twardzina ukladowa--korelacje kliniczne.

The aim of this study was to examine the levels of some soluble receptors of cytokines in sera from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to evaluate their role as parameters of disease activity and severity. Fifty-four patients with SSc were included in the study. Concentrations of the soluble receptors: sIL-2R, sTNF alpha RI and sIL-6R were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-ELISA. Controls were healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers. The study demonstrated that soluble receptors levels: sII-2R, sIL-6R and sTNF alpha RI were elevated in SSc patients and correlated with progress and severity of the disease. The most important correlations were found for sIL-2R levels, which were increased in 66.7% of patients. The raised levels of sTNF alpha RI were found in 32.4% of patients, and sIL-6R in 23.7% of patients. The concentrations were elevated in diffuse form of SSc and in patients with rapid systemic progression.