Changes in the HIV Epidemic in Lower Silesia, Poland, Between 2010 and 2020: The Characteristics of the Key Populations.

The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) epidemic remains a significant public health issue, requiring ongoing access to preventive methods. This study aimed to analyze the evolution of the HIV epidemic in Lower Silesia from 2010 to 2020, focusing on the key populations. A retrospective analysis of the medical records from newly diagnosed HIV patients at a major HIV clinic in Wroclaw was conducted, examining demographic data, infection routes, and laboratory results. An 84% increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases was observed over the decade, with the most common route of infection being sex between men (70% among those with a known infection route). These patients were generally in better clinical condition compared to their heterosexual counterparts, as indicated by a higher median CD4+ T cell count (465/µL vs. 250/µL). The changes in clinical status and infection routes were statistically significant. The HIV epidemic in Lower Silesia has shifted, with a notable rise in new infections among men who have sex with men. Heterosexual patients were often diagnosed at more advanced stages. Prevention strategies should adapt to these changing trends, with education and testing accessibility remaining priorities nationwide.

Whole genome characteristics of hedgehog coronaviruses from Poland and analysis of the evolution of the Spike protein for its interspecies transmission potential.

BACKGROUND: The hedgehogs have been recently identified as possible reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus like (MERS-CoV-like). These viruses were classified as a distinct Betacoronavirus erinacei (BCoV-Eri) species within the MerBCoV-Eriirus subgenus. As coronaviruses are known for their ability to jump between different hosts, including humans, this can pose a particular threat to people in direct contact with hedgehogs, such as those working at animal asylums. Our previous studies have shown the presence of BCoV-Eri strains in animals collected in the wildlife rehabilitation centre. This study aimed to investigate the presence of CoV in subsequent hedgehogs collected from the urban area of Poland and their molecular characteristics. RESULTS: Monitoring for the presence of coronavirus infection in hedgehogs revealed five positive individuals. The presence of BCoV-Eri was found in a total of 20% of animals tested. Our analyses revealed no correlation between CoVs positivity and animal health conditions but a higher probability of such infection in juveniles and females. The whole genome of two Polish Hedgehog coronavirus 1 strains were sequenced and compared with available counterparts from European and Asian countries. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both CoV strains formed common cluster with other similar MerBCoV-Eriirus, but they were also found to be genetically variable and most changes in the S protein were identified. Our analysis revealed that some S protein sites of the Hedgehog coronavirus 1 strains evolved under positive selection pressure and of five such sites, three are in the S1 region while the other two in the S2 region of the Spike. CONCLUSIONS: BCoV-Eri is to some extent prevalent in wildlife asylums in Poland. Given that the S protein of BCoVs-Eri is highly variable and that some sites of this protein evolve under positive selection pressure, these strains could potentially acquire a favourable feature for cross-species transmission. Consequently, the threat to humans working in such asylums is particularly high. Adequate biosecurity safeguards, but also human awareness of such risks, are therefore essential.

Attitudes and Barriers of Polish Women towards Breastfeeding-Descriptive Cross-Sectional On-Line Survey.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition. Successful breastfeeding depends on many factors, including the help of medical personnel in teaching breastfeeding, the need for professional work, and breastfeeding-friendly places in public spaces. The main goal was to identify various barriers among mothers to breastfeeding. METHODS: This study used a quantitative descriptive research design. We recruited 419 mothers aged at least 18 years old through social media. Results were analysed using Pearson's chi-squared and Fisher's tests of independence for pairs of dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: Most often, women gave birth at the age of 25-30, had one or two children, and attended higher education. Almost half of them lived in a large city and gave birth to a child by caesarean section. A total of 83.1% of mothers planned to breastfeed, but not all of them were able to do so for various reasons. One-third of them felt sorry for themselves that they had to change their feeding method. The majority of mothers did not receive sufficient help in the hospital in terms of learning how to breastfeed (61%), did not use the help of a lactation consultant (67%), and answered that there was no lactation consultant in their place of residence (65%). Only 43.2% of mothers returned to work without ceasing breastfeeding. A total of 42% of mothers experienced feelings of embarrassment when breastfeeding in a public place. The most frequently indicated barrier to breastfeeding in a public place was the lack of a suitable location where a woman would feel comfortable, calm, and intimate. CONCLUSION: There are various barriers towards breastfeeding: too few lactation consultants, problems with breastfeeding when the mother wants to return to work, and unfriendly places for breastfeeding in public spaces. Efforts must be made to support mothers in breastfeeding.

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.

Antibacterial and therapeutic potential of historic deposits of Silesian healing clay - terra sigillata Silesiaca.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The increasing evolution of pathogen resistance is a global problem that requires novel solutions. Recently, an increased interest in ethnomedicinal sources can be observed in the derivation of new medicines. The return to traditional medicinal formulations handed down for generations is being followed, but it is necessary to revise them again, taking into account the generally accepted research protocol. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of historical deposits of Silesian healing clay (SHC), used in ethnomedicine against Gram-positive bacteria and to assess their biological activity using a primary dermal fibroblast line (NHDF) and a model monocyte line (THP1). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on medicinal clay deposits that occur in Silesia and are traditionally used in ethnomedicine or ancient medicine and known as terra sigillata Silesiaca or SHC, was selected on available source materials and old prints and maps from the archives of the Polish Geological Institute (Wroclaw, Poland). Subsequently, their places of occurrence were identified and traced in the field by taking three deposits from the Silesia territory: Upper Silesia (D1), Opole Silesia (D2), and Lower Silesian (D3) Voivodeships for analysis. Their basic parameters and antimicrobial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria, Gram-positive streptococci and staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant strains, were examined. The study evaluated the effects of clays on growth and vitality using a primary dermal fibroblast line (NHDF) and a monocytic line (THP1). Studies were performed on a cell culture model to determine the effects on tissue regeneration (fibroblasts) and anti-inflammatory effects (monocytes). The study attempted to identify the mechanism of antimicrobial action, especially the textural characteristics and geochemical composition, as well as the environmental reaction (pH). RESULTS: SHCs were classified into the following textural classes: clay loam (D1), clay (D2), and sand (D3). The tested deposits have antimicrobial properties that reduce the bacterial population (104 CFU) compared to the control (108 CFU). The antimicrobial effect depends on the type of clay and the species or strain of bacteria used. In-house studies clearly showed that Staphylococcus aureus PCM 2054 and Staphylococcus epidermidis MRSE ATCC 2538 cells were completely adsorbed by clay minerals from clay D3.13. Furthermore, 10% leachates also showed an antimicrobial effect, as a reduction in bacterial populations was observed ranging from 91 to 100%. The results showed stimulation of fibroblast culture proliferation and inhibition of the growth of inflammatory cells (monocytes). CONCLUSION: SHCs tested have antimicrobial potential, in particular D2.7, D2.11, and D3.13. The D3.13 deposit had a bactericidal effect against the staphylococci tested. Aqueous solutions of clays also showed bacteriostatic effect. The results obtained in cell culture model tests indicate properties that modulate the healing process - stimulation of fibroblast growth (NHDF line) and inhibition of monocyte growth (THP1 line).

"Vaccinating your child during an emergency is more important than ever": a randomised controlled trial on message framing among Ukrainian refugees in Poland, 2023.

BackgroundSince February 2022, the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, millions of women and children have fled the country. Vaccination of refugee children is important to protect this vulnerable population from disease.AimWe investigate the determinants of vaccination intention in refugee mothers from Ukraine residing in Poland and test the effect of three message frames.MethodsParticipants were randomised into either a control group or one of three intervention groups encouraging vaccination using a specific frame: (i) trust in the Polish health system, (ii) ease of access to vaccination or (iii) risk aversion. Primary outcomes were intention to vaccinate a child in Poland and clicking on a vaccination scheduling link.ResultsThe study was completed by 1,910 Ukrainian refugee mothers. Compared with the control group, the risk aversion message significantly increased vaccination intention (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25-4.42) and clicking on the vaccine scheduling link (AOR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12-2.09). Messages around trust and ease of access did not have an effect. Important determinants of vaccination intention were perceived importance of vaccination (AOR: 1.12 95% CI: 1.01-1.25) and trusting vaccination information official health institutes (AOR: 1.40 95% CI: 1.06-1.83) and social media (AOR: 2.09 95% CI: 1.33-3.27).DiscussionUsing a risk aversion frame highlighting the vulnerability to infection that refugees face resulted in increased vaccination intention and clicks on a vaccination scheduler. Health workers who interact with Ukrainian refugees could use this frame in their vaccination communication.

Sacituzumab Govitecan for Second and Subsequent Line Palliative Treatment of Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Polish Real-World Multicenter Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) is approved for patients with previously treated metastatic or locally advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), as per the ASCENT trial results. Real-world studies (RWSs) cover more diverse patients than clinical trials, offering crucial data for healthcare policies. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of SG in real-world Polish patients with previously treated metastatic TNBC. METHODS: In this ambispective multicenter cohort study, we collected demographic and clinical data. Premedication, adjustments in SG dosage, and treatment regimen adhered to the product's characteristics. RESULTS: We included 79 female patients. The median age at SG initiation was 53 years; 32% of patients were initially diagnosed with a non-TNBC subtype. The median number of previous palliative lines was 2. Seven patients presented with brain metastases. The median overall survival was 10.3 months, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.4 months. The overall response rate was 35%, with a median time to response of 2 months. SG was discontinued by 70% of patients, primarily due to disease progression (95%). Treatment delays due to adverse events (AEs) occurred in 67% and dose reductions in 25% of patients, with neutropenia being the most common. Grade ≥ 2 AEs included neutropenia (43%), anemia (10.1%), and diarrhea (4%). A longer interval between breast cancer diagnosis and SG initiation or between metastasis diagnosis and SG initiation correlated with improved PFS, likely reflecting the disease's biological aggressiveness rather than treatment efficacy. CONCLUSION: In this RWS, SG demonstrated effectiveness and safety in patients with previously treated metastatic TNBC, consistent with ASCENT trial outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the efficacy of SG in different patient populations and healthcare systems.

The prevalence of root canal treatment, periapical status, and coronal restorations in elderly patients in the Polish population.

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the prevalence and correlations between root canal treatment, periapical status, and coronal restoration detected using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the elderly Polish population (60-79 years). Methods: A total of 480 CBCT images were assessed. Collected data included: age, gender, the tooth location, direct restoration, decay, single crown, abutment of fixed bridge, the quality of the restoration, root canal treatment, post and core, apical periodontitis (AP), and quality of root filling. Results: The number of teeth in the elderly patients decreased, while the number of endodontically treated teeth increased with age. More teeth were preserved in mandible, the most common group of teeth were incisors. AP was more often detected in the maxilla in general, and in mandibular molars. The over-filling was observed more frequently in maxilla, in maxillary molars and in mandibular premolars, while the short-filling in maxillary and mandibular molars. AP was significantly more often observed in short-filled root canals than in other length criteria (overfilled, adequately, lack of filling). Conclusions: Inadequate prosthetic restoration, presence of post, pulpotomy, missed canals and root canal treated teeth were associated with increased prevalence of AP. Clinical significance: The article indicates the need of treatment of elderly population in Poland. There is the demand to enhance the quality of endodontic and restorative treatment in this population. Additionally, CBCT examination, if indicated, should be implemented in the course of endodontic therapy to provide adequate information to clinicians.

Synthetic opioids in Poland-A cause for concern or a media distraction?

BACKGROUND: The North American continent has been battling a major health crisis defined by opioids like OxyContin and fentanyl for over two decades now. In that time, it seemed that Europe is rather resilient to a similar problem, and heroin retained its position as a the most problematic opioid. This does seem to be changing and European media, including in Poland, is starting to report on growing popularity of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. METHODS: We use official data showing the number of prescriptions for synthetic opioids; data showing the percentage of people entering treatment due to different opioids; police data on drug interceptions as well as lab closures, and data on opioid related poisonings. RESULTS: The data demonstrates that although Polish physicians are increasingly more likely to prescribe synthetic opioids like OxyContin or Fentanyl, their problematic use remains low. CONCLUSION: Poland currently does not seem to be in a position that resembles an early stage of an opioid crisis. With this article we want to calm a heated public debate that is currently taking place in Poland, and redirect attention to a much more substantial problem of synthetic cathinones.

Heavy rainfalls in Poland and their hyetographs.

In the light of observed variability in precipitation patterns, there is a growing need for comprehensive data mining of regularly updated rainfall recording databases. Therefore, an analysis of heavy rainfall and hyetographs was conducted using a 30-year high-resolution dataset from 100 rain gauges across Poland, covering 31 646 rainfall events. Distributions of rainfall depths, durations, and intensities were explored, and maxima were compared to global records. Spatial analysis revealed significant variations in the frequency, depths, and durations of extreme rainfall across different regions. Cluster analysis determined model hyetographs for each station. The likelihood of regions belonging to clusters with three to five model hyetographs was assessed using Indicator Kriging. Findings underscore the importance of using local, characteristics rainfalls in hydrodynamic modelling of drainage systems and future rainfall scenarios. These results provide a foundational step towards understanding and monitoring the impacts of climate change on rainfall characteristics, especially extremes, in future decades.

Hepatitis C in Poland in 2022. / Wirusowe zapalenie watroby typu C (wzw C) w Polsce w 2022 roku.

BACKGROUND: The war invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to mass migration. By January 3, 2023, nearly a million people sought refuge in Poland. The Polish Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens provided comprehensive support, ensuring legal residence, free medical insurance, social benefits, and access to education and employment. Simultaneously, the global public health crisis persisted, with the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic driven by the Omicron variant. The epidemic state in Poland was lifted on May, 2022. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to summarize the epidemiological situation of HCV infections in Poland in 2022, a year characterized by dual crises. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Epidemiological surveillance case-based data on HCV for 2022, diagnosis rates from bulletins for the years 2014-2022, and the number of deaths for 2022 from Statistics Poland were compared with previous years' data. RESULTS: In 2022, the rate of new HCV diagnoses rose to 6.68 per 100,000, totaling 2,528 cases (a 46% increase from the previous year). Polish nationals accounted for 87% of cases. Gender distribution was equal. There was an overall increase in HCV diagnoses across all voivodeships, with a return to pre-pandemic trends observed only in Zachodniopomorskie. Diagnoses were predominantly made in primary healthcare (one-third) and during hospitalization (one-fourth). Twenty-six cases of acute hepatitis C (1%, PL definition) were identified. At diagnosis, 5.6% of infected showed signs of liver damage. Hepatitis C was responsible for 86 deaths. Imported infections accounted for 5.7% of cases. 2.7% of HCV infections in 2022 were diagnosed in refugees from Ukraine, mainly in women aged 40 to 59. All persons of Ukrainian nationality accounted for 10.4% of HCV cases detected in 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Expanding the availability and accessibility of testing is essential, particularly addressing the needs of key populations, including non-Polish speakers. The strategy for HCV elimination should encompass comprehensive measures aimed at prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to effectively curb the virus's spread among subgroups and mitigate its long-term health impacts.

Meningitis and encephalitis in Poland in 2022. / Zapalenia opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych i zapalenia mózgu w Polsce w 2022 roku.

INTRODUCTION: Monitoring of meningitis and/or encephalitis regardless of etiology is part of routine epidemiological surveillance in Poland. In this study, we discuss in detail meningitis and/or encephalitis in 2022 caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and tick-borne encephalitis virus. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was an epidemiological assessment of the occurrence of meningoencephalitis and encephalitis in Poland in 2022, taking into account the analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To analyze the epidemiological situation of neuroinfections in Poland, we used data sent to NIPH NIH-NRI by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations and published in the annual bulletins: "Infectious Diseases and Poisons in Poland in 2022" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2022" as well as individual epidemiological interviews registered in the EpiBase system. RESULTS: In 2022, a total of 1747 cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis were registered in Poland. This was a 79.4% increase in the number of cases compared to 2021, when 974 cases were recorded. For infections of bacterial etiology, including cases of neuroborreliosis, the number of cases increased by 62.3% . The incidence of meningitis and/or encephalitis of N. meningitidis etiology meningitidis increased by 30.8%, with etiology of H. influenzae compared to 2021 increased by 300%, and for S. pneumoniae by 71.9%. Infections of viral etiology accounted for 52% of all registered cases. There was an increase in their number by 99.1% compared to 2021. Among viral infections, tick-borne encephalitis was the most numerous group, with 466 cases compared to 210 in 2021. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: The year 2022 showed an overall upward trend in the number of registered cases of bacterial and viral meningitis and/or encephalitis compared to 2021. Still, the observed number of cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis of both bacterial and viral origin remains below the levels observed in the period before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessing seniors' satisfaction with local government activities in physical activity promotion: a comparative analysis.

Background: The aging population in Poland poses significant challenges to social and health systems. By 2050, the percentage of people over 65 in Poland is projected to reach 32.7%. Promoting physical activity among seniors is crucial for preventing chronic diseases, improving quality of life, and reducing healthcare burdens. Local governments play a pivotal role in implementing health-promoting measures. Objective: The study aims to analyze seniors' satisfaction with local government activities in promoting physical activity and to identify the best activities and future needs of seniors in the Silesia, Mazovia, and Pomerania regions of Poland. Material and Methods: The survey, conducted between May 2023 and May 2024, utilized the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) method to gather data from 1,500 seniors aged 65 and above across the Silesia, Mazovia, and Pomerania regions. The study population was carefully selected to ensure representativeness in terms of gender, age, education, and place of residence. Data analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression to assess satisfaction levels and identify influencing factors. Results: The survey revealed regional differences in satisfaction levels. Seniors in the Mazovia region exhibited the highest satisfaction (74% positive ratings), followed by the Silesian (64%) and Pomeranian (56%) regions. Factors influencing satisfaction included gender, age, education, and place of residence. Women, older seniors, those with higher education, and urban residents reported higher satisfaction levels. The most appreciated local government activities were related to sports infrastructure and sports programs. Future needs emphasized the demand for more sports programs and better infrastructure, with regional variations in preferences. Conclusion: Seniors' satisfaction with local government activities in promoting physical activity varies significantly across regions. Tailoring activities to regional preferences and continuous evaluation of programs are essential for enhancing effectiveness and satisfaction. Increased funding and support for physical activity programs are necessary, especially in less developed regions.

The Anticancer Potential of Edible Mushrooms: A Review of Selected Species from Roztocze, Poland.

Edible mushrooms are not only a valued culinary ingredient but also have several potential medicinal and industrial applications. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and terpenoids, and thus have the capacity to support human health. Some species have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. We have therefore attempted to summarize the potential properties of the edible mushrooms popular in Poland, in the Roztocze area.

An analysis of health policy programmes on eye health implemented by Local Government Units (LGUs) in Poland, 2015-2023.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Local Government Units (LGUs) in Poland may develop health policy programs on different health conditions according to the rules and templates defined by the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System (AHTATS). This study aimed to analyze health policy programs on eye health implemented by LGUs in Poland between 2015 and 2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of data on health policy programs on eye health implemented by LGUs in Poland from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2023. Data were received from the public information and announcements published by the AHTATS. Full texts of health policy programs on eye health were with particular focus on the target population, type of intervention, timeline, budget, and characteristics of LGU. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2023, a total of 1568 health policy programs were submitted to AHTATS by LGUs, of which only 41 (2.6%) programs addressed eye health. Health policy programs on eye health were prepared by 4 of 16 voivodeships, 2 of 314 poviats, and 30 of 2477 communes. Only 3 of 1464 (0.2%) of rural communes prepared health policy programs on eye health. Program duration varied from 24 to 72 months, whereas 53.7% of programs were planned for 36 months. Only 33 programs were rated positively by ATHATS and could be implemented. Most of the programs (85.4%; n=35) were targeted at primary school children and 78% (n=32) also included parents and caregivers. Out of 41 programs, 92.7% included secondary prevention interventions. Visual acuity test was the most common eye test (n=34; 82.9%) offered within the eye health programs implemented by LGUs. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed significant gaps in the implementation of health policy programs on eye health implemented by LGUs in Poland, especially in rural areas.

Detection and prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus ticks in eastern Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Anaplasma phagocytophilum are tick-borne bacteria affecting both human and animal health. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in questing I. ricinus ticks collected in Lublin Province, eastern Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ticks were collected by the flagging method. Total DNA from ticks was extracted by boiling in ammonium hydroxide. Detection of A. phagocytophilum was performed by amplifying a fragment of the 16S rDNA gene. RESULTS: Overall, 626 I. ricinus ticks were tested for the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA. The prevalence of the pathogenic bacteria was 1.28%. The occurrence of A. phagocytophilum among adults was 1.8%, whereas none of the collected I. ricinus nymphs were infected. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum in I. ricinus in eastern Poland, which constitutes a potential health risk for residents, tourists, forestry, and agricultural workers.

Isolated Unilateral Total Absence of the Pectoralis Minor Muscle: A Rare Finding in Two Cases.

Anatomical variations are observed at times during a routine dissection process and some of them are clinically relevant as they can lead to certain clinical presentations or situations that are difficult to anticipate without the knowledge about their possibility. The unilateral non-syndromic complete absence of pectoral muscles is very rare. Their absence is always found to be associated with syndromes like Poland syndrome or Sprengel's deformity. During the routine anatomical dissection, we encountered two cases of non-syndromic complete unilateral absence of the pectoralis minor muscle. On further inspection of the cadaver in both the cases, no other bony (ribs, scapula), vascular, breast abnormalities, or muscular aplasia (fibers of the serratus anterior or pectoralis major) was noted. As the pectoralis minor muscle serves as the potential surgical landmark and can also be used as the myo-cutaneous flaps for facial reanimation surgeries and in thumb opponensplasty, the absence of the pectoralis minor muscle would come as a surprise for the surgeons during the process of harvesting the flap for these procedures, so the possibility of this kind of rare variation should be documented.

A Cross-Sectional Survey to Identify Sociodemographic Factors Associated with the Frequency of Urinalysis in a Representative Sample of Adults in Poland, 2024.

A general urine test is considered one of the basic diagnostic tests using in healthcare. This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic factors associated with the frequency of urine testing in Poland. This cross-sectional survey was conducted using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) between 1 March and 4 March 2024. A representative sample of 1113 adults in Poland (aged 18-86 years, 52.5% of whom were females) took part in the study. The survey showed that 46.3% of adults in Poland had a urinalysis in the last 12 months. One-fifth (20.7%) of the participants had a urinalysis more than a year ago but not more than 2 years ago. Moreover, 26.7% had a urinalysis performed 2-3 years ago. Among all participants, female gender (OR = 1.31 [1.01-1.68]; p < 0.05), being aged 70 years and over (OR = 2.22 [1.23-4.02]; p < 0.01), having children (OR = 1.45 [1.01-2.09]; p < 0.05), and having urologic diseases (OR = 2.34 [1.79-3.02]; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with having urinalysis in the last 12 months. Among respondents without urologic diseases, female gender (OR = 1.33 [1.02-1.74]; p < 0.05), being aged 60 years and over (p < 0.05), and being married (OR = 1.45 [1.09-1.94]; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with having a urinalysis in the last 12 months. There was no significant impact of educational level, occupational status, or financial situation on the frequency of urinalysis.

Changes in Hospital Admissions of Patients with COPD in Poland: A 14-Year Nationwide Analysis (2006-2019).

Poland is a country with a high burden of COPD and its risk factors. This population-wide and geospatial study on COPD in Poland, aimed to analyze changes in hospitalizations of patients with a diagnosis of COPD between 2006 and 2019 as well as to identify changes in the demographic characteristics of patients hospitalized with COPD. This is a retrospective analysis of hospital discharge records of patients with a diagnosis of COPD (ICD-10 code J44 and age 40 and over), hospitalized in Poland between 2006 and 2019. Data were analyzed separately for all patients hospitalized with COPD (primary and secondary diagnosis), for patients admitted due to COPD (primary diagnosis) and patients hospitalized with COPD as a comorbidity (secondary diagnosis). Between 2006 and 2019, a total of 1,663,420 hospital admissions of patients with COPD were reported. Between 2006 and 2019, the annual number of patients hospitalized due to COPD decreased by 53.8%, including 57.3% among men and 46.6% among women. The number of patients hospitalized with COPD as comorbidity increased by 35.8%. The lowest hospital admissions rate was in north-western Poland and the highest in north-eastern Poland. Among patients admitted due to COPD, the percentage of women increased from 32.6% to 37.7%. The percentage of patients admitted due to COPD and living in rural areas decreased from 51.2% in 2006 to 40.8%in 2019. This study provided data on changes in sociodemographic characteristics of hospitalizations of patients with a diagnosis of COPD, including overall reduction in COPD admissions but an increase in COPD burden among women.

Public Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Pharmacy-Based Immunization in Poland-A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, 2024.

Pharmacy vaccinations are a key public health intervention. This study aimed to assess society's knowledge about pharmacy vaccinations in Poland. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 13 May 2024 among 1126 adults; the survey questionnaire contained 13 closed questions. Men (OR: 1.32; [1.02-1.70]; p < 0.05), and people aged 50-64 (OR: 1.55; [1.05-2.28]; p < 0.05), people with higher education (OR:1.74; [1.35-2.26]; p < 0.001), and people declaring trust in the pharmacist's competencies (OR:3.95; [3.03-5.15]; p < 0.001) more often declared knowledge of vaccinations in pharmacies. Support for these services was declared by men (OR:1.74; [1.28-2.36]; p < 0.001) and people with higher education (OR:1.39; [1.02-1.89]; p < 0.05) and participants declaring trust in the pharmacist's competences (OR:20.30; [14.65-28.11]; p < 0.001). Trust in pharmacists was important. People declaring trust in pharmacists were much more willing to get vaccinated against influenza (40.2%) and zoster (38.0%) at a pharmacy and declared that they would vaccinate their children against HPV at a pharmacy (38.8%) compared to people who did not trust the competences of pharmacists (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the case of influenza. People who trusted pharmacists were five times more likely to declare their willingness to get vaccinated against influenza (p < 0.001).