The Dual Faces of Oestrogen: The Impact of Exogenous Oestrogen on the Physiological and Pathophysiological Functions of Tissues and Organs.

Oestrogen plays a crucial physiological role in both women and men. It regulates reproductive functions and maintains various non-reproductive tissues through its receptors, such as oestrogen receptor 1/oestrogen receptor α (ESR1/Erα), oestrogen receptor 2/oestrogen receptor ß (ESR2/Erß), and G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 (GPER). This hormone is essential for the proper functioning of women's ovaries and uterus. Oestrogen supports testicular function and spermatogenesis in men and contributes to bone density, cardiovascular health, and metabolic processes in both sexes. Nuclear receptors Er-α and Er-ß belong to the group of transcription activators that stimulate cell proliferation. In the environment, compounds similar in structure to the oestrogens compete with endogenous hormones for binding sites to receptors and to disrupt homeostasis. The lack of balance in oestrogen levels can lead to infertility, cancer, immunological disorders, and other conditions. Exogenous endocrine-active compounds, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and organic phosphoric acid esters, can disrupt signalling pathways responsible for cell division and apoptosis processes. The metabolism of oestrogen and its structurally similar compounds can produce carcinogenic substances. It can also stimulate the growth of cancer cells by regulating genes crucial for cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, with long-term elevated levels linked to hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. Oestrogens can also affect markers of immunological activation and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Hormone replacement therapy, oral contraception, in vitro fertilisation stimulation, and hormonal stimulation of transgender people can increase the risk of breast cancer. Cortisol, similar in structure to oestrogen, can serve as a biomarker associated with the risk of developing breast cancer. The aim of this review is to analyse the sources of oestrogens and their effects on the endogenous and exogenous process of homeostasis.

Exposure to Chlorpyrifos Alters Proliferation, Differentiation and Fatty Acid Uptake in 3T3-L1 Cells.

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are important factors in the etiology of many diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a representative of OPs, chlorpyrifos (CPF), on viability, proliferation, differentiation, and fatty acid uptake in 3T3-L1 cells. The effect of CPF exposure on preadipocyte proliferation was examined by the MTT, NR, and BrdU assays. The impact of CPF exposure on the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes was evaluated by Oil Red O staining and RT-qPCR. The effect of CPF on free fatty acid uptake in adipocytes was assessed with the fluorescent dye BODIPY. Our experiments demonstrated that exposure to CPF decreased the viability of 3T3-L1 cells; however, it was increased when the cells were exposed to low concentrations of the pesticide. Exposure to CPF inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. CPF exposure resulted in decreased lipid accumulation, accompanied by down-regulation of the two key transcription factors in adipogenesis: C/EBPα and PPARγ. Exposure to CPF increased basal free fatty acid uptake in fully differentiated adipocytes but decreased this uptake when CPF was added during the differentiation process. Increased free fatty acid accumulation in fully differentiated adipocytes may suggest that CPF leads to adipocyte hypertrophy, one of the mechanisms leading to obesity, particularly in adults. It can therefore be concluded that CPF may disturb the activity of preadipocytes and adipocytes, although the role of this pesticide in the development of obesity requires further research.

Chlorpyrifos alters expression of enzymes involved in vitamin D3 synthesis in skin cells.

Skin acts as a mechanical barrier between human body and environment. Epidermal cells are regularly exposed to many physiological and environmental stressors, such as pesticides, like chlorpyrifos (CPS). It is recognised that CPS may affect metabolism of other exo- and endogenous substances by affecting enzyme activity and expression. This study aims to investigate the effect of CPS on expression of CYP27A1, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, the enzymes involved in synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D3, in human keratinocytes HaCaT and human fibroblasts BJ. Synthesis of vitamin D3 in cells was initiated by irradiating with UVB. Expression of CYP27A1, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Our experiments revealed that expression of all tested cytochrome P450 isoforms in cells exposed to CPS changed significantly. Exposure of HaCaT keratinocytes to CPS decreased CYP27A1 mRNA levels, but increased CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 mRNA levels. This was confirmed at the protein level, except for the CYP27A1 expression. Outcome for the BJ cells was however less conclusive. Though exposure to CPS decreased CYP27A1 and CYP27B1 mRNA levels, at protein level increasing concentration of CPS and UVB intensity induced expression of CYP27A1 and CYP24A1. The expression of CYP27B1 isoform decreased in line with mRNA level. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that CPS may therefore interrupt vitamin D3 metabolism in skin cells, but further studies are required to better understand such mechanisms.

Two Sides to the Same Coin-Cytotoxicity vs. Potential Metastatic Activity of AgNPs Relative to Triple-Negative Human Breast Cancer MDA-MB-436 Cells.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in many fields of industry and medicine. Despite the well-established antimicrobial activity, AgNPs are foreseen to be used as anticancer drugs due to the unusual feature-inability to induce drug resistance in cancer cells. The aim of the study was to assess biological activity of AgNPs against MDA-MB-436 cells. The cells were derived from triple-negative breast cancer, a type of breast cancer with poor prognosis and is particularly difficult to cure. AgNPs were toxic to MDA-MB-436 cells and the probable mechanism of toxicity was the induction of oxidative stress. These promising effects, giving the opportunity to use AgNPs as an anti-cancer agent should, however, be treated with caution in the light of further results. Namely, the treatment of MDA-MB-436 cells with AgNPs was associated with the increased secretion of several cytokines and chemokines, which were important in breast cancer metastasis. Finally, changes in the actin cytoskeleton of MDA-MB-436 cells under the influence of AgNPs treatment were also observed.

Malignant testicular tumour incidence and mortality trends.

AIM OF THE STUDY: In Poland testicular tumours are the most frequent cancer among men aged 20-44 years. Testicular tumour incidence since the 1980s and 1990s has been diversified geographically, with an increased risk of mortality in Wielkopolska Province, which was highlighted at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. The aim of the study was the comparative analysis of the tendencies in incidence and death rates due to malignant testicular tumours observed among men in Poland and in Wielkopolska Province. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the National Cancer Registry were used for calculations. The incidence/mortality rates among men due to malignant testicular cancer as well as the tendencies in incidence/death ratio observed in Poland and Wielkopolska were established based on regression equation. The analysis was deepened by adopting the multiple linear regression model. A p-value < 0.05 was arbitrarily adopted as the criterion of statistical significance, and for multiple comparisons it was modified according to the Bonferroni adjustment to a value of p < 0.0028. Calculations were performed with the use of PQStat v1.4.8 package. RESULTS: The incidence of malignant testicular neoplasms observed among men in Poland and in Wielkopolska Province indicated a significant rising tendency. The multiple linear regression model confirmed that the year variable is a strong incidence forecast factor only within the territory of Poland. A corresponding analysis of mortality rates among men in Poland and in Wielkopolska Province did not show any statistically significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Late diagnosis of Polish patients calls for undertaking appropriate educational activities that would facilitate earlier reporting of the patients, thus increasing their chances for recovery. Introducing preventive examinations in the regions of increased risk of testicular tumour may allow earlier diagnosis.

Enzymatic activity of fungi isolated from crops.

AIM: To detect and assess the activity of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and to find differences in enzymograms between fungi isolated from wheat and rye samples and grown on Czapek-Dox Broth and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth enriched with cereal (wheat or rye). Isolated strains were also classified in the scale of biosafety levels (BSL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study used 23 strains of fungi cultured from samples of wheat and rye (grain, grain dust obtained during threshing and soil) collected in the Lublin region (eastern Poland). API ZYM test (bioMérieux) was carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. Classification of BSL (Biosafety levels) was based on the current literature. RESULTS: High enzymatic activity was found in strains cultured in media containing 1% of wheat grain (Bipolaris holmi, Penicillium decumbens) and with an addition of 1% of rye grain (Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus versicolor, Alternaria alternata). The total number of enzymes varied depending on the type of media, and in most cases it was higher in the culture where an addition of cereal grains was used. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated strains of fungi reveal differences in the profiles of the enzyme assay. It can be assumed that the substrate enriched in grains stimulate the higher activity of mold enzymes.

Drugs as important factors causing allergies.

Medications can cause many adverse reactions, both non-immunologic and immunologic ones. Allergies can take many forms, allergic reactions include all types of reactions according to Gell and Coombs. Typically, allergic reactions to drugs are manifested by skin lesions such as maculopapular rash or urticaria and life-threatening systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Allergy to drugs is diagnosed based on medical history and a number of specific tests: skin tests, blood tests. In diagnosing the causes of anaphylaxis, the basophil activation test is used to exclude false negative and false positive results of skin tests and specific IgE levels. Allergic reactions to medications usually resolve themselves after discontinuation of the drug. Sometimes in the treatment anti-allergic drugs are used to inhibit the development of skin lesions. After observing any signs of drug allergy it is important to accurately diagnose the cause, since the subsequent exposure to the drug may lead to a strong anaphylactic reaction and consequently death.

Influence of chlorpyrifos exposure on UVB irradiation induced toxicity in human skin cells.

BACKGROUND: Although chlorpyrifos (CPS) has been banned in many developed countries, it still remains one of the best-selling pesticides in the world. Widespread environmental and occupational exposure to CPS pose a serious risk to human health. Another environmental factor that can adversely affect human health is ultraviolet radiation B (UVB, 280-315 nm wave length). Here we attempt determine if exposure to CPS can modify toxic effects of UVB. Such situation might be a common phenomenon in agriculture workers, where exposure to both factors takes place. METHODS: Two skin cell lines; namely human immortalized keratinocytes HaCaT and BJ human fibroblasts were used in this study. Cytotoxicity was investigated using a cell membrane damage detection assay (LDH Cytotoxicity Assay), a DNA damage detection assay (Comet Assay), an apoptosis induction detection assay (Apo-ONE Homogeneous Caspase-3/7 Assay) and a cell reactive oxygen species detection assay (ROS-Glo H2O2 assay). Cytokine IL-6 production was also measured in cells using an ELISA IL-6 Assay. RESULTS: Pre-incubation of skin cells with CPS significantly increased UVB-induced toxicity at the highest UVB doses (15 and 20 mJ/cm2). Also pre-exposure of BJ cells to CPS significantly increased the level of DNA damage, except for 20 mJ/cm2 UVB. In contrast, pre-exposure of HaCaT cells, to CPS prior to UVB radiation did not cause any significant changes. A decrease in caspase 3/7 activity was observed in HaCaT cells pre-exposed to 250 µM CPS and 5 mJ/cm2 UVB. Meanwhile, no statistically significant changes were observed in fibroblasts. In HaCaT cells, pre-exposure to CPS resulted in a statistically significant increase in ROS production. Also, in BJ cells, similar results were obtained except for 20 mJ/cm2. Interestingly, CPS seems to inhibited IL-6 production in HaCaT and BJ cells exposed to UVB (in the case of HaCaT cells for all UVB doses, while for BJ cells only at 15 and 20 mJ/cm2). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study indicates that CPS may contribute to the increased UVB-induced toxicity in skin cells, which was likely due to the induction of ROS formation along with the generation of DNA damage. However, further studies are required to gain better understanding of the mechanisms involved.

The influence of silver nanoparticles on the process of epithelial transition in the context of cancer metastases.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can occur in a variety of occupational situations. Ultrafine particles of natural and anthropological origin toxicity has been described in epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the risks associated with NPs exposure are not comprehensively assessed. A wide spectrum of NPs toxicity has been demonstrated, mainly through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Among the newly described mechanisms of NPs toxicity is the induction of fibrosis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is also a key mechanism of cancer metastasis. The effect of NPs on EMT in the context of metastasis has not been sufficiently described so far, and the results of studies do not allow for the formulation of unambiguous conclusions. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the biological activity of silver NPs against MDA-MB-436 triple-negative breast cancer cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can occur in a variety of occupational situations. Ultrafine particles of natural and anthropological origin toxicity has been described in epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the risks associated with NPs exposure are not comprehensively assessed. A wide spectrum of NPs toxicity has been demonstrated, mainly through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Among the newly described mechanisms of NPs toxicity is the induction of fibrosis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is also a key mechanism of cancer metastasis. The effect of NPs on EMT in the context of metastasis has not been sufficiently described so far, and the results of studies do not allow for the formulation of unambiguous conclusions. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the biological activity of silver NPs against MDA-MB-436 triple-negative breast cancer cells. RESULTS: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) cause a statistically significant increase in relative expression of all tested mesenchymal EMT markers - cadherin 2, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. At the same time, reduction of epithelial cadherin 1 expression was observed. The level of MDA-MB-436 migration and TGF-beta 1 secretion was slighty increased in AgNPs-treated cells, with no influence on invasion potential. CONCLUSIONS: Potentially prometastatic effect of AgNPs encourages further work on the safety of nanomaterials. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(6):541-8.

The effect of active and passive maternal smoking before and during pregnancy on neonatal weight at birth.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Data on the correlation between passive maternal smoking and pregnancy outcomes remain limited. We investigated the effect of active smoking and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) during pregnancy on neonatal birthweight, including the risk for low birthweight (LBW). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted between 2010 and 2012. A group of 8625 women were surveyed during postpartum hospitalization. Outcome measures included mean birthweight of newborns. Additionally, odds ratios with confidence intervals were calculated to investigate the risk for LBW in active and passive smoking groups of mothers. RESULTS: Lower birthweight (46 g - 307 g; p < 0.05) and a higher risk for LBW (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05-1.75; p < 0.05) were observed in all infants born to smoking mothers. A negative effect of ETS in pregnancy on the reduction of mean birthweight was also found. Additionally, we analyzed the cumulative effect of active and passive smoking on neonatal birthweight. A statistically significant reduction in neonatal weight at birth was found in a group of women who smoked actively and passively during pregnancy (130 g; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking is associated with decreased birthweight and in a group of active smoking mothers increased risk for LBW. This effect is dose-dependent and is also present in a group of women who smoked before pregnancy. There is also a cumulative effect of active smoking and ETS causing decreased neonatal birthweight and increased risk for low birthweight.

Application of Blue Filters Increases the Usefulness of Moreland Test in Anomaloscopic Color Vision Assessment for Blue-Green Color Range.

The effect of blue light filters on the anomaloscopic examination was analyzed. Thirty subjects (18-43 y, 20 female, 10 male) without color vision disorders were examined in 4 filter conditions: no filter (F-0), Blue Control Hoya (F-BC), Med-1 JZO (F-Med1) and 450 Eschenbach (F-450). Both Rayleigh test (red-green axis) and Moreland test (blue-green axis) were performed. Application of F-BC filter shows negligible effect on color vision perception in both tests. Contrary to this, the application of strong F-450 filter causes significant shift in Moreland test towards tritanopy and the decrease in correlations of Moreland parameters with Rayleigh test parameters. The application of medium strong F-Med1 filter causes the slight shift in Moreland test towards the center of the Moreland scale and increases the Spearman correlations between Moreland and Rayleigh test parameters. This observation suggests that the about 15-40% reduction of blue diode intensity in the Moreland test may be beneficial in detecting mild changes in color vision perception in the blue-green axis and may improve its usefulness in evaluating the color vision perception disorders accompanying different illnesses, such as diabetes, glaucoma, neuritis optica, or cataract. The discussion concerning the modifications of Moreland test construction is also presented.

Inhibition of Quinolone- and Multi-Drug-Resistant Clostridioides Difficile Strains by Multi Strain Synbiotics-An Option for Diarrhea Management in Nursing Facilities.

Diarrhea is a common problem in nursing homes. A survey among nursing facilities in Poland was used to characterize diarrhea outbreaks, the burden caused for residents and caregivers and the employed measures. Survey results confirmed that diarrhea is a common problem in nursing homes and in most cases affects groups of residents. The related burden is high or very high for 27% of residents and 40% of caregivers. In 80% of nursing facilities pro or synbiotics are part of the measures used to manage diarrhea. Administration of these kinds of products has been suggested for the management of diarrhea, especially in cases caused by Clostridioides (C.) difficile. C. difficile is one of many potential causes for diarrhea, but is of particular concern for nursing homes because it is responsible for a large proportion of diarrhea outbreaks and is often caused by multi-drug resistant strains. In vitro inhibition of a quinolone-resistant and a multi-drug resistant C. difficile strain was used to evaluate the growth inhibitory effects of commonly used products containing probiotic microorganisms. Growth of both strains was best inhibited by multi-strain synbiotic preparations. These findings suggest that multi-strain synbiotics can be considered as an interventional option for diarrhea caused by C. difficile.

Prenatal Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Exposure and Pregnancy Outcomes-Analysis of Term Pregnancies in Poland.

Air pollution is currently one of the greatest threats to global health. Polish cities are among the most heavily polluted in Europe. Due to air pollution 43,100 people die prematurely in Poland every year. However, these data do not take into account the health consequences of air pollution for unborn children. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the fine particulate matter air pollution (less than 2.5 µm in diameter) on pregnancy outcomes. An analysis of pregnant women and their children was made using a questionnaire survey from a nationwide study conducted in 2017. Questionnaires from 1095 pregnant women and data from their medical records were collected. An analysis of air pollution in Poland was conducted using the air quality database maintained by the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Poland. A higher concentration of PM2.5 was associated with a decrease in birth weight and a higher risk of low birthweight (i.e., <2500 g). We also observed lower APGAR scores. Thus, all possible efforts to reduce air pollution are critically needed.

Physical activity patterns in third trimester of pregnancy - use of pregnancy physical activity questionnaire in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse pregnancy outcomes are less common among physically active women, and children born to such mothers are less likely to be at risk for macrosomia, obesity and metabolic diseases in the future. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to establish physical activity (PA) patterns among pregnant women in the third trimester, and to determine the attitudes of prenatal care providers to maternal PA during pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2017 using surveys from the Polish Pregnancy-related Assessment Monitoring System program (Pol-PrAMS). The study included 3,451 postpartum women. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to investigate their PA. This part of Pol-PrAMS study was completed by 2,744 postpartum women who were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Sedentary or light physical activity comprised 75% of the overall PA in the third trimester of pregnancy (mean values of energy expenditure: 67 and 93.3 MET-h/week, respectively). Household or caregiving activities accounted for almost 50% of all activities and were the most common PA types (mean energy expenditure: 105 MET-h/week). Restriction of PA in pregnancy was reported by over 60% of the women, most often due to concerns over proper foetal development. Over 85% of prenatal care providers either did not address the issue of PA with the future mothers at all, or recommended PA restriction. CONCLUSIONS: Sedentary and light-intensity PA are the two predominant types of physical activity in the third trimester. The most energy-consuming tasks involve household and caregiving activities. Restriction of activity was reported by the majority of the respondents. Prenatal care providers either did not address the matter of PA in pregnancy or recommended PA restriction.

In-Vitro Growth Inhibition of Bacterial Pathogens by Probiotics and a Synbiotic: Product Composition Matters.

A variety of activities potentially contribute to the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria observed in humans. Among these is a direct inhibition of the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut. The present study characterizes head-to-head the in-vitro pathogen growth inhibition of clinically relevant infectious bacterial strains by different types of probiotics and a synbiotic. In-vitro growth inhibition of Escherichia (E.) coli EPEC, Shigella (Sh.) sonnei, Salmonella (S.) typhimurium, Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae and Clostridioides (C.) difficile were determined. Investigated products were a yeast mono strain probiotic containing Saccharomyces (Sac.) boulardii, bacterial mono strain probiotics containing either Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus GG or L. reuteri DSM 17938, a multi strain probiotic containing three L. rhamnosus strains (E/N, Oxy, Pen), and a multi strain synbiotic containing nine different probiotic bacterial strains and the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Inhibition of pathogens was moderate by Sac. boulardii and L. rhamnosus GG, medium by L. reuteri DSM 17938 and the L. rhamnosus E/N, Oxy, Pen mixture and strong by the multi strain synbiotic. Head-to-head in-vitro pathogen growth inhibition experiments can be used to differentiate products from different categories containing probiotic microorganisms and can support the selection process of products for further clinical evaluation.

Physical activity as an important element in organizing and managing the lifestyle of populations in urban and rural environments.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is one of the basic needs of people throughout their lives. Physical activity prevents many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, which have the highest mortality rate, both among urban and rural populations in Poland. The average life expectancy in Poland and the European Union is increasing. The proportion of children and adolescents under the age of 20 is decreasing slowly but steadily, while the proportion of older people (aged 65+) in the total population is gradually increasing. According to the forecast of the Central Statistical Office, the percentage of older people increased rapidly after 2010, and will reach 22.3% in 2030. The number of the elderly will increase from 5,134,000 in 2007 to 8,195,000 in 2030. The health situation of Poles is less favourable compared to other European Union states. The most common health risks are: nicotine, drug addiction, alcoholism and obesity. One of the causes of obesity is an unhealthy lifestyle. Lifestyle is a basic determinant of human health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present research results based on a literature review on the importance of physical activity for human health as an element of organizing and managing the lifestyle of urban and rural populations. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive measures should be taken to increase public health awareness and promote health education, especially among school-age children and youths, and to provide appropriate sports infrastructure in particularly neglected rural areas.

Environmental variations of nutritional mistakes among Polish school-age adolescents from urban and rural areas.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Many studies have indicated numerous nutrition mistakes among school-aged children and adolescents in both urban and rural environments. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional habits of the Polish population, consisting of 7,974 individuals aged 12-17, from rural and urban environments, as well as to identify environmental variations of these habits and to verify the existing information on the incorrect nutrition of school-age children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research covered a group of 7,974 respondents - school-age adolescents with a similar age structure (12-17 years). The study on subjects from secondary school grades 1 - 3 was conducted in randomly selected schools from 2 random Polish provinces; 5 counties were randomly selected, followed by a choice of 2 communes: one rural and one urban. The research technique was a self-designed survey questionnaire. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Pearson Chi 2 and V Cramer test. RESULTS: The research revealed environment-based differences in subjects' nutrition. Breakfast was consumed daily by a statistically significantly fewer subjects from the rural environment (36.31%) than from the urban areas (51.32%); second breakfast was consumed by an insignificantly smaller proportion of respondents from the urban environment (40.00%) than from the rural one (46.00%); dinner was eaten daily by 86.00% of urban subjects and 82.00% of rural respondents; afternoon tea and supper were eaten rarely by respondents from both environments. The diet of respondents was dominated by anti-health behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the respondents displayed incorrect nutritional behaviours. Nutritional mistakes occurred among respondents from both rural and urban environments, with the predominance of the rural areas.

The awareness of caregivers about their children's exposure to ionizing radiation accompanying medical procedures: the assessment study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was a survey-based assessment concerning parents of children undergoing CT examinations and their knowledge of detailed information about procedures involved in imaging diagnostics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A statistical analysis of 108 surveys of parents of children undergoing CT studies in the Department of Pediatric Radiology in Poznan, Poland was done, with the use of Statistica software. RESULTS: In result of the evaluation of all subsections of the substantive question number, the majority of answers were incorrect (68-98%). No correlation between the number of CT examinations conducted for a child and the number of correct answers to substantive questions was observed. No correlation between the number of CT examinations conducted for a child and the fact of noting the examination with the use of ionizing radiation down in a child's health certificate was stated. The statistical analysis showed that children of parents who declared that the aim of the CT examination had been explained to them better underwent more of them. CONCLUSIONS: Parents are poorly informed about a radiation dose and risk related to a CT examination procedure. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):65-73.

Trends in smoking among secondary school and high school students in Poland, 2009 and 2011.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the age and the most common circumstances for smoking initiation along with smoking rates and to evaluate smoking trends for secondary and high school students in Poland during 2009 and 2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2009, a pilot study was conducted in districts of Poland on high school students and their parents. For statistical analysis, correctly completed questionnaires from 999 students and 667 parents were qualified for use. After the pilot study, a nationwide study of secondary school students and their parents was also conducted in 2009. For statistical analysis, correctly completed questionnaires were used from 9360 students and 6951 from their parents. The research tool was a questionnaire developed by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. These studies were then compared to the nationwide research study from 2011. Questionnaires were obtained from a survey of 3548 students from secondary schools and 4423 of those from high schools. RESULTS: Smoking initiation usually begins at ages 12-15 years. Rates of secondary school student smoking at least once in their lifetime were about the same level in the surveyed years (2009 - 9%, 2011 - 11%), whereas rates of high school student smoking increased (2009 - 15%, 2011 - 24%). Moreover, 34% of secondary school student smoked less than once a week, whereas in 2009, only 8% of students had done so. For high school students, a 1/2 smoked every day; similar to 2009. Students usually smoked in parks, on streets or any other open space areas. CONCLUSIONS: From analyzing the smoking trends over the survey period it can be concluded that the problem of smoking increases with respondent age. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(5):763-773.

Monitoring risk behaviour in adolescent pupils regarding consumption of psychoactive substances.

Introduction. Taking psychoactive substances constitutes a significant problem for Public Health, particularly in preventing drug abuse and addiction. Objectives. To estimate the amount and incidence of drug consumption in middle and high school pupils, including the circumstances in which drug taking first started, and to determine pupils' knowledge about the consequences of taking psychoactive substances and designer drugs (DDs). Materials and methods. A randomised study was conducted throughout Poland on 9,360 pupils attending middle school (junior high school) in 2009 and 7,971 pupils from middle and high school pupils in 2011. The survey consisted of a questionnaire devised by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) and the replies obtained were subject to the relevant statistical analyses. Results. Drug taking was found to have increased between 2009-2011, especially among those attending high school; proportionally rising from 4% - 11%. The numbers who had ever taken designer drugs were 3% for middle school pupils and 4% from high school. Conclusions. 1) Adolescent drug consumption has increased, particularly in those of older age and in boys. 2) Despite the only brief interval for which designer drugs were legal, they have gained high popularity among the young. 3) Adolescents have insufficient knowledge about the dangers of using DDs. 4) Faced with the growing threat of a dynamic designer drug market, appropriate counter-measures in education and prevention are therefore necessary.