Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variants in the Polish Armed Forces Using Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis.

Military operations involve the global movement of personnel and equipment, increasing the risk of spreading infectious pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Given the continuous engagement of the Polish Armed Forces in overseas operations, an active surveillance program targeting Variants of Concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2 was implemented among military personnel. Screening using RT-qPCR tests was conducted on 1699 soldiers between November 2021 and May 2022. Of these, 84 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples met the criteria for whole genome sequencing analysis and variant identification. Whole genome sequencing was performed using two advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies: sequencing by synthesis and nanopore sequencing. Our analysis revealed eleven SARS-CoV-2 lineages belonging to 21K, 21L, and 21J. The predominant lineage was BA.1.1 (57% of the samples), followed by BA.1 (23%) and BA.2 (6%). Notably, all identified lineages detected in post-deployment screening tests were classified as VOC and were already present in Poland, showing the effectiveness of the Military Sanitary Inspection measures in mitigating the COVID-19 spread. Pre-departure and post-mission screening and isolation successfully prevented SARS-CoV-2 VOC exportation and importation. Proactive measures are vital in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 in military settings, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and response strategies.

Assessment of the Body Composition and Bone Calcification of Students of Police Schools and Police Training Centers in Poland-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The 21st century is considered the age of malnutrition resulting in the unprecedented frequency of civilization diseases. Among these disorders, obesity is particularly distinguished and considered an epidemic-scale disease. For this reason, conducting studies on obesity and counteracting this phenomenon is essential. Research from recent years indicates a problem of excessive body weight among officers of uniformed services, who should be characterized by good health and fitness level due to the specificity of the work. As the problem of obesity affects every fourth Pole, research in uniformed services seems to be essential from health and national security perspectives. The presented study aimed to determine the elements of nutritional status in 289 students of Polish police schools and police training centers. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and bone calcification assessment was conducted by the DXA densitometric method. Based on BMI and body fat content, body weight disorders were found in 31.8% of all examined students. Densitometric test results showed changes in bone calcification of varying severity in 26.6% of the total number of respondents. The presence of obesity in students of police schools and training centers proves that the present nutrition model is energetically unbalanced, while the demonstrated disorders of bone calcification indicate an improper condition of mineral nutrition.

[Methylene blue therapy for vasoplegia after cardiac surgery]. / Zastosowanie blekitu metylenowego w leczeniu wazoplegii po operacji kardiochirurgicznej.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) may be associated with critically decreased vascular resistance (vasoplegia syndrome) and become resistant to noradrenaline. Such a condition may be successfully treated with intravenous methylene blue. CASE REPORT: A 73-year-old patient with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock was admitted to our centre after failed percutaneous coronary interventions to the left anterior descending coronary artery and underwent emergency coronary revascularisation. After surgery, his ejection fraction was 25%. X-ray revealed pulmonary oedema. The patient became severely hypotensive with marked vasoplegia and metabolic acidosis, despite incremental doses of adrenaline and noradrenaline. 2 mg kg(-1) of methylene blue was administered, which quickly stabilized the patient's general condition. CONCLUSION: Methylene blue applied to vasoplegic patients can effectively increase systemic vascular resistance and restore satisfactory organ perfusion.

[Regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous haemodiafiltration in the postoperative period]. / Ostra pooperacyjna niewydolnosc nerek leczona hemodiafiltracja z wykorzystaniem regionalnej antykoagulacji.

BACKGROUND: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is commonly used for the treatment of acute renal failure in haemodynamically unstable patients after cardiac surgery. The main problem associated with CRRT is the need for systemic anticoagulation that may lead to bleeding complications. As an alternative to heparins, and to avoid systemic anticoagulation, the use of regional citrate infusion has been proposed for patients with a high risk of bleeding. CASE REPORTS: We present the clinical course of three patients with a high risk of bleeding after cardiac surgery in which CRRT, based on regional citrate anticoagulation, was conducted safely. Circuit survival times were over 80 hours and filters were changed on schedule, without any signs of dysfunction. Metabolic alkalosis was observed in one patient, who was treated by reducing the circuit blood flow and increasing the dialisate flow. One patient required chronic dialysis, the other two recovering after short-term CRRT. CONCLUSION: Regional citrate anticoagulation during CRRT should be used as a method of choice in patients with a high risk of haemorrhage in the postoperative period.