Impact of short-term air pollution exposure on acute coronary syndrome in two cohorts of industrial and non-industrial areas: A time series regression with 6,000,000 person-years of follow-up (ACS - Air Pollution Study).

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies directly comparing the effect of air pollution on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurrence in industrial and non-industrial areas. OBJECTIVES: A comparison of association of air pollution exposure with ACS in two cohorts of industrially different areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 6,000,000 person-years of follow-up and five pollutants between 2008 and 2017. A time series regression analysis with 7-lag was used to assess the effects air pollution on ACS. RESULTS: A total of 9046 patients with ACS were included in the analysis, of whom 3895 (43.06%) had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) - 45.39% from non-industrial area, and 42.37% from industrial area; and 5151 (56.94%) had non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) - 54.61% from non-industrial area and 57.63% from industrial area. The daily concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO were higher in industrial than in non-industrial area (P < 0.001). In non-industrial area, an increase of 10 µg/m3 of NO2 concentration (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.126, 95%CI = 1.009-1.257; P = 0.034, lag-0) and an increase of 1 mg/m3 in CO concentration (RR = 1.055, 95%CI = 1.010-1.103; P = 0.017, lag-0) were associated with an increase in the number of hospitalization due to NSTEMI (for industrial area increase of 10 µg/m3 in NO2 (OR = 1.062, 95%CI = 1.020-1.094; P = 0.005, lag-0), SO2 (OR = 1.061, 95%CI = 1.010-1.116; P = 0.018, lag-4), PM10 (OR = 1.010, 95%CI = 1.001-1.030; P = 0.047, lag-6). In STEMI patients in industrial area, an increased hospitalization was found to be associated with an increase of 10 µg/m3 in SO2 (OR = 1.094, 95%CI = 1.030-1.162; P = 0.002, lag-1), PM2.5 (OR = 1.041, 95%CI = 1.020-1.073; P < 0.001, lag-1), PM10 (OR = 1.030, 95%CI = 1.010-1.051; P < 0.001, lag-1). No effects of air pollution on the number of hospitalization due to STEMI were noted from non-industrial area. CONCLUSION: The risk of air pollution-related ACS was higher in industrial over non-industrial area. The effect of NO2 on the incidence of NSTEMI was observed in both areas. In industrial area, the effect of PMs and SO2 on NSTEMI and STEMI were also observed. A clinical effect was more delayed in time in patients with NSTEMI, especially after exposure to PM10. Chronic exposure to air pollution may underlie the differences in the short-term effect between particulate air pollution impact on the incidence of STEMI.

The GRACE Scale in the Prognosis of Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is comparable to that of the non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The GRACE scale is used to assess the risk of premature and long-term mortality in patients with NSTEMI in order to select the most favorable treatment strategy. METHODS: 101 patients with TTS hospitalized in four centers of invasive cardiology in Podlaskie Voivodeship during the period 2008-2012 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: I-52 patients (GRACE ≤ 140 points) and II-49 patients (GRACE > 140 points). RESULTS: The mean GRACE score in the study group was 138.66. The in-hospital stay of Takotsubo in the patients with higher GRACE scores was associated with higher incidence of pneumonia (36.7% vs 7.69%, p=0.0004), rhythm abnormalities (17.3% vs 3.85%, p=0.026), and serious complications (cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, and sudden cardiac arrest) (30.6% vs 5.77%, p=0.001). The mean observation period was 7.2 years. A significantly higher risk of 6-month (18.37% vs 3.85%, p=0.019), 1-year (22.45 vs 3.85%, p=0.005), 3-year (40.82 vs 3.85%, p < 0.0001), 5-year (42.86% vs 3.85%, p < 0.0001), and 7-year mortalities (53.06% vs 9.62%, p < 0.0001) was observed in the group of patients with a GRACE score ≥140. At multivariate analysis including low BMI, low eGFR, and a higher GRACE score, all these factors were independent predictor of death (p=0.042; p=0.010; p=0.041). The ROC curve presents the discriminatory scores of the GRACE scale for the follow-up prognostication. The area under ROC curve (AUC) for the GRACE scale was 0.805 (95% CI: 0.718-0.892, p < 0.0001), with a cut-off value of 153 points, sensitivity of 74%, and specificity of 77% for TTS. CONCLUSION: The GRACE scale is highly valuable for the prognostication of death risk in patients with TTS in the early and long-term observation.

Impact of renal function on patients with acute coronary syndromes: 15,593 patient-years study.

INTRODUCTION: Coexistence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the case of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) significantly worsens the outcomes. AIM: The aim of our study was to assess renal function impact on mortality among patients with ACS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on records of 21,985 patients hospitalized in the Medical University of Bialystok in 2009-2015. Inclusion criteria were ACS. Exclusion criteria were: death within 24 h of admission, eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m2, hemodialysis. Mean observation time was 2296 days. RESULTS: Criteria were met by 2213 patients. CKD occurred in 24.1% (N = 533) and more often affected those with NSTEMI (26.2 (337) vs. 21.2 (196), p = .006). STEMI patients had higher incidence of post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) (5 (46) vs. 4.1 (53), p < .001). During the study, 705 people died (31.9%), more often with NSTEMI (33.2% (428) vs. 29.95% (277), p < .001). However, from a group of patients suffering from PC-AKI 57.6% died. The risk of PC-AKI increased with creatinine concentration (RR: 2.990, 95%CI: 1.567-5.721, p < .001), occurrence of diabetes mellitus (RR: 2.143, 95%CI: 1.029-4.463, p = .042), atrial fibrillation (RR: 2.289, 95%CI: 1.056-4.959, p = .036). Risk of death was greater with an increase in postprocedural creatinine concentration (RR: 2.254, 95%CI: 1.481-3.424, p < .001). CONCLUSION: PC-AKI is a major complication in patients with ACS, occurs more frequently in STEMI and may be a prognostic marker of long-term mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). More attention should be given to the prevention and diagnosis of PC-AKI but necessary PCI should not be withheld in fear of PC-AKI.

Acute kidney injury in elderly patients

Introduction: In the elderly, impairment of kidney function occurs. Renal diseases overlap with anatomic and functional changes related to age-related involutionary processes. Mortality among patients with acute renal injury is approximately 50%, despite advances in treatment and diagnosis of AKI. The aim: To assess the incidence of acute kidney injury in elderly patients and to analyze the causes of acute renal failure depending on age. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis included medical documentation of patients hospitalized in the Nephrology Clinic during the 6-month period. During this period 452 patients were hospitalized in the clinic. A group of 77 patients with acute renal failure as a reason for hospitalization was included in the study. Results: The prerenal form was the most common cause of AKI in both age groups. In both age groups, the most common cause was dehydration; in the group of patients up to 65 years of age, dehydration was 29.17%; in the group of people over 65 years - 43.39%. Renal replacement therapy in patients with AKI was used in 14.29% of patients. In the group of patients up to 65 years of age hemodialysis was 16.67% and above 65 years of age. -13.21% of patients. The average creatinine level in the group of younger patients at admission was 5.16 ± 3.71 mg / dl, in the group of older patients 3.14 ± 1.63 mg / dl. The size of glomerular filtration GFR in the group of younger patients at admission was 21.14 ± 19.54 ml / min, in the group of older patients 23.34 ± 13.33 ml / min. Conclusions: The main cause of acute kidney injury regardless of the age group was dehydration. Due to the high percentage of AKI in the elderly, this group requires more preventive action, not only in the hospital but also at home.

Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Chronic Kidney Disease More Often Undergo Angioplasty of Left Main Coronary Artery - a 867 Patient Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several studies have implicated atrial fibrillation (AF) as a contributing factor in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular events. The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with AF varies substantially from 17% to 46.5%. There are only few studies concerning renal function in population with AF undergoing coronary angiography. The aim of the present study was to assess which type of AF is dominant in CKD population scheduled for coronary angiography and if it can influence patients' outcome, the association between renal impairment and the type of coronary procedures in AF patients and the influence of renal function on in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 867 patients with AF hospitalized due to coronary angiography in two year time. The cut off value of CKD was eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min./1.73m2 evaluated by CKD-EPI formula. RESULTS: A total of 867 patients with AF (44% women; mean age 72±10 years) were included in the analysis. The mean eGFR was 44±11ml/min./1.73m2 in patients with CKD and 89±18 ml/min./1.73m2 in patients with preserved renal function. Patients with CKD and AF were older (p< 0.001), had more often diabetes (p=0.009), heart failure (p< 0.001) and anaemia (p< 0.001). Patients with CKD and AF had more often permanent type of AF (p< 0.001). In CKD patients CHA2DS2VASc score was 4.3±1.5 and HAS-BLED score was 2.0±1.2 and it was significantly higher as compared to population with preserved renal function (p< 0.001, p=0.02, respectively). The use of oral anticoagulation was less frequent in CKD group (p< 0.001) although these patients had higher CHA2DS2VASc score. Patients with AF and CKD were more often admitted due to myocardial infarction (STEMI or NSTEMI) (p=0.02, p< 0.001, respectively) and more often underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (p=0.01). Among coronary arteries the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of left main artery was done more frequently in CKD patients (p=0.01). Among CKD population in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with CKD had more often permanent type of AF. Percutaneous interventions of the left main coronary artery, the only elective procedures influencing patients' prognosis, were done more frequently in CKD patients with AF. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with severe renal impairment. Despite the higher risk of ischaemic stroke in CKD group the use of oral anticoagulation therapy was significantly less frequent and the patients were deprived of the confirmed benefits of such treatment.

[Klotho not only antiageing protein].

Klotho, the gene encoding the antiaging protein, was discovered in 1997 and named after a Greek Goddes who spun the thread of life. Numerous experiments on mice confirmed that destruction of the klotho gene or loss of klotho function leads to an accelerated aging and premature death. In addition to shortened life span, klotho-deficient mice demonstrated changes in functioning of multiple organs, ectopic calcification, enhanced development of arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis and atrophy of skin. In contrast, overexpression of a gene in mice inhibited aging and prolonged survival. The multisystemic phenotype induced by Klotho deficiency indicates that Klotho works on a variety of organs. Klotho is highly expressed in the kidney, brain, and to a lesser extent in other organs. Protein Klotho exists in two forms: membrane and secreted which play different functions. Membrane Klotho function as an obligate co-receptor required for signaling for the phosphaturic factor FGF23, regulates calcium-phosphate homeostasis through renal ion transport in addition to modulation of PTH and 1,25(OH)2D3. Soluble klotho functions as a humoral factor and regulates the activity of several ion channels and transporters. The secreted Klotho can also inhibit oxydative stres and the insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) pathways. The discovery of the protein klotho led to the identification of new axes connecting endocrine disturbances in the homeostasis of the calcium-phosphate to the aging of the organism. Klotho deficiency may not only be a trigger for accelerated aging but also in development of age- -associated diseases, including hypertension, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and CKD. Conceivably, better understanding of Klotho protein might provide a novel treatment strategy for aging and age-associated diseases.

[Vitamin D ­ from the past antirachitic factor to new pleiotropic substance].

Vitamin D is known for almost 100 years. Since time of its discovery, numerous studies on vitamin D function in the human body were performed. Considered from the beginning as an important factor in rickets prevention, thanks to the continuous development of knowledge, vitamin D is regarded now as an important factor from the point of view of the whole body homeostasis. Newly-find features of vitamin D allow to use this substance concentration in serum as a biomarker of general health and create opportunities of vitamin D use in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. The aim of this article is to present basic function of vitamin D in human body, sources of this substance, its metabolism and molecular mechanism of action, taking into account the evolution of the state of knowledge about Vitamin D - from early researches leading to its discovery, through the finding of its basic functions to the present studies on vitamin D mechanisms of action at molecular and genomic level.

Renal Function Predicts Outcomes in Patients with Ischaemic Stroke and Haemorrhagic Stroke.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated renal function and the impact of renal function on in-hospital outcomes in patients with ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: We collected data from 766 patients with stroke; 637 (83.2 %) with ischaemic and 129 with haemorrhagic one. RESULTS: The mean serum creatinine on admission in patients with both types of stroke, who died, was significantly higher than in those who survived. Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of mortality in patients with ischaemic stroke were: ischemic heart disease or prior myocardial infarction, diabetes, admission glucose and eGFR on admission. Also, multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of mortality in patients with haemorrhagic stroke were: age and admission glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with haemorrhagic stroke, in particular with acute kidney injury during hospitalisation had significantly worse outcomes than patients with ischaemic stroke. Assessment of kidney function is prerequisite to employ the necessary measures to decrease the risk of in-hospital mortality among patients with acute stroke. Appropriate approach to patients with renal dysfunction (adequate hydration, avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs, drug dose adjustment etc) should be considered as preventive and therapeutic strategies in the management of acute stroke.

Do CHA2 DS2 VASc and HAS-BLED scores influence 'real-world' anticoagulation management in atrial fibrillation? 1556 patient registry from the reference cardiology centre.

INTRODUCTION: Although recommendations for the antithrombotic management of atrial fibrillation (AF) are based on strong evidence, the European guidelines are not fully implemented into practice. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to analyse antithrombotic treatment in AF in Poland after the publication of the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines in 2012. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 1556 patients with AF from the Reference Cardiology University Centre in Poland in 2012-2014. RESULTS: CHA2 DS2 VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 3.5 ± 1.7 and 2.4 ± 1.1. Anti-vitamin K agent were prescribed in 59%, with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in 12%, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone in 18%. Older patients (p < 0.0001) and with paroxysmal AF were less likely to receive oral anticoagulation (OAC, p < 0.0001). The risk of stroke according to CHA2 DS2 VASc score was higher in patients who did not receive OAC (p < 0.0001). The use of OAC increased with increasing CHA2 DS2 VASc score but was less frequent in score ≥ 4. The risk of bleeding was higher in patients without OAC (p < 0.0001). The odds of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants use were lower for older patients, patients with ischaemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, anaemia, HAS-BLED ≥ 3 and valvular AF. ASA was given in 39% of the patients, especially in paroxysmal AF (p < 0.0001). The odds of ASA alone were higher for older patients, with ischaemic heart disease and history of myocardial infarction (p < 0.0001). The odds of use of ASA as the only treatment were 5.5 times higher for HAS-BLED ≥ 3 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Antithrombotic management in AF is well implemented in Polish conditions, but we show the lack of pattern concerning who is being treated with OAC and ASA when it comes to the risk of stroke and bleeding.

Is there association between changes in eGFR value and the risk of permanent type of atrial fibrillation? Analysis of valvular and non-valvular atrial fibrillation population.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are no data concerning renal function in population with valvular and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). To assess renal function in patients with AF, the association between eGFR and AF perpetuation, in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We studied 1523 patients with AF. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were compared to population with preserved renal function. RESULTS: CKD was more frequently observed in patients with valvular AF(p=0.009). In non-valvular AF patients eGFR <60 ml/min./1,73 m2 had more often permanent AF (p<0.0001). In patients with CKD CHA2DS2VASc score was 4.1±1.5 and HAS-BLED score was 2.1±1.2 and it was higher as compared to population with preserved renal function (p<0.0001 vs. p<0.0001). The odds of permanent AF in patients with non-valvular AF and CKD were increased 1.82 times (OR=1.82, p<0.0001, 95% CI:1.46-2.27). The odds of permanent AF in patients with valvular AF and CKD were not significantly increased (OR=1.46, p=0.2,95% CI:0.86-2.5). In non-valvular AF, if eGFR decrease by 10 ml/min, odds of permanent AF are increased by 10% (OR=1.1 p<0.0001, 95% CI 1.05-1.15). In multivariate logistic regression, in non-valvular AF, odds of in-hospital death were higher for patients >75 years old (OR=3.70, p=0.01, 95% CI 1.33-10.28), with CKD (OR=2.61, p=0.03, 95% CI 1.09-6.23). The type of AF had no significant influence on in-hospital mortality(OR=0.71, p=0.45,95% CI 0.30-1.70). CONCLUSIONS: CKD is more often observed in patients with valvular AF. In population with non-valvular AF decreased eGFR is associated with permanent type of AF and with higher CHA2DS2VASc and HAS-BLED score. Among valvular AF patients there are no differences in type of AF between patients with and without CKD. There is the correlation between CKD and AF perpetuation but only in non-valvular population.

[Acute kidney injury in patients with acute respiratory distress]. / Ostre uszkodzenie nerek wsród pacjentów z ostra niewydolnoscia oddechowa.

Acute respiratory distress together with hypoxia could be an indication for admission to intensive care unit. It may also lead to acute kidney injury. In addition, mechanical ventilation may be an additional factor for development of acute kidney injury. The aim of the work was to assess the prevalence of acute kidney injury, including the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with acute respiratory distress treated in intensive care unit. In addition, the effect of acute kidney injury on outcome of patients with acute respiratory distress was evaluated. The studies were performed on 100 patients with acute respiratory distress treated in intensive care unit of the regional hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups in respect to the presence or absence of acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed in 22% of patients with acute respiratory distress, while 12% required renal replacement therapy, it was more often observed in patients with estimated GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. Length of stay was similar irrespective of kidney function, however, the mortality was significantly higher in patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, particularly in those on hemodialyses. In addition, mortality was associated with older age and sepsis.

Effect of air pollution exposure on risk of acute coronary syndromes in Poland: a nationwide population-based study (EP-PARTICLES study).

Background: Air pollution (AP) is linked up to 20% of cardiovascular deaths. The aim of this nationwide study was to investigate subpopulations vulnerable to AP for non-ST- (NSTEMI) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) incidence. Methods: We analysed short- (lags up to seven days) and mid-term (0-30 days moving average) influence of particulate matter (PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) on hospitalizations due NSTEMI and STEMI in 2011-2020. Data on AP concentrations were derived using GEM-AQ model. Study included residents of five voivodeships in eastern Poland, inhabited by over 8,000,000 individuals. Findings: Higher NO2 and PM2.5 concentrations increased mid-term risk of NSTEMI in patients aged < 65 years by 1.3-5.7%. Increased SO2 and PM2.5 concentration triggered STEMI in the short- (SO2, PM2.5) and mid-term (PM2.5) amongst those aged ≥ 65 years. In the short- and mid-term, women were more susceptible to PM2.5 and BaP influence resulting in increased STEMI incidence. In rural regions, STEMI risk was triggered by SO2, PM2.5 and BaP. Income-based stratification showed disproportions regarding influence of BaP concentrations on NSTEMI incidence based on gross domestic product (up to 1.4%). Interpretation: There are significant disparities in the influence of air pollution depending on the demographic and socio-economic factors. AP exposure is associated with the threat of a higher risks of NSTEMI and STEMI, especially to younger people, women, residents of rural areas and those with lower income. Funding: National Science Center and Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.

Does neutrophil gelatinase-asociated lipocalin have prognostic value in patients with stable angina undergoing elective PCI? A 3-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a widely accepted diagnostic marker of acute renal injury (AKI) may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. PURPOSE: To assess the prognostic significance of serum and urinary NGAL and serum cystatin C in patients with stable angina undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on a 3-year follow-up. METHODS: We included patients with stable angina undergoing PCI. Serum NGAL and cystatin C were evaluated before and 4h, 8h after PCI. Urinary NGAL was evaluated before and 12h and 24h after the procedure. The primary end-point was all-cause mortality on a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS: Among 132 patients there were 63% of males (mean age 64,5±9,8 years). Mean eGFR was 86.2±28.5 ml/min. During follow-up 8% of the patients died. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with increased urinary NGAL concentration 12h after PCI (p=0.04). Urinary NGAL 12h after PCI correlated with eGFR (p<0.05), with serum NGAL evaluated before and 4h and 8h after PCI (p<0.05) and with increased serum cystatin C evaluated 4 hours after PCI (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased urinary NGAL concentration is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with stable angina who undergo PCI and may be used for the risk stratification in this population.

Pharmacologic treatment in dialysis patients hospitalized for cardiovascular reasons: do we follow the guidelines?

AIM: The aim was to assess if the pharmacological treatment due to cardiovascular causes in dialysis patients is compliant with the European Guidelines. METHODS: In total, 110 consecutive end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on regular dialysis were enrolled into the study. We divided the population into subgroups with coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic heart failure (CHF) and diabetes mellitus (DM). RESULTS: We gathered information about drugs from 99 patients. The mean age was 61.8 ± 12.9 years (70% of males). There were 37 patients with CAD. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was taken by 89% of the patients with CAD, clopidogrel by 25%, beta-blockers by 70%, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) by 50%, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) by 8%, and statins by 41%. Dual antiplatelet therapy was used after stent implantation (35%). There were 24 patients with CHF. Beta-blockers were taken by 71% of the patients, ACEIs by 45%, statins by 54%, and diuretics by 21% with CHF. There were 36 patients with DM. ASA was taken by 89% of the patients, clopidogrel and ticlopidine by 34%, beta-blockers were taken by 67%, ACE-inhibitors by 55%, and statins by 38% of the population with DM. The patients with DM were taking more ACEIs than those without DM (p = 0.033). DM was associated with a statistically 21% higher odds of ACEI/ARB use, but CHF was associated with no increase in the odds of beta-blocker use and no increase in ACEI/ARB use. CONCLUSIONS: Dialysis patients with cardiovascular diseases are given less cardioprotective drugs such as ASA, beta-blockers, ACEIs, ARBs, and statins than they should be given according to the guidelines.

[Suicides among patients with mental disorders - case studies]. / Samobójstwa wsród chorych z zaburzeniami psychicznymi - opisy przypadków.

INTRODUCTION: Suicides around the world are a major public health problem. They are the most serious causes of death among patients with mental disorders. In many European countries, national programs and strategies for suicide prevention were developed. The progress of civilisation, changes in political and economic life, a too fast pace of life negatively affect human, causing the liberation of self-destructive behaviours. AIM: The aim of this study, which was based on medical records, was to analyse the course of psychiatric disorders, that ended with suicide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptions of the course of mental disorders which ended with suicide and self-harm codes according to ICD-10 in randomly selected patients have been presented. 1. A 68 year old patient with schizophrenia - the intending self-harm by hanging (X70); 2. A 46 years old patient with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder - the intentional self-harm by drug poisoning (X61); 3. A 51 years old patient with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder - suicide death under the wheels of the train (X8 1). CONCLUSIONS: Risk of suicide in mental disorders requires the implementation conduct standards in a suicide crisis. In each case, it is necessary to assess the risk on the basis of the identification of suicide risk factors. Evaluation of risk factors is the basis of therapeutic action and determines how to support patients with a risk of suicidal death. Despite advances in the treatment of mental disorders, in some cases, there is still limited effectiveness of suicide preventio.

Environmental and socioeconomic determinants of heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Over 1.5 million people in Poland suffer from heart failure (HF). The risk of hospitalization is related to environmental and socioeconomic factors and the organization of the healthcare system. AIMS: The study aimed to assess the influence of environmental and socioeconomic factors on the prevalence of hospitalization for HF. METHODS: The impact of environmental and socioeconomic factors on HF hospitalizations in Poland in 2012-2019 based on data from the National Institute of Public Health and Central Statistical Office in Poland was estimated by panel data regression techniques. RESULTS: There were 1 618 734 HF-related hospitalizations (51.3% male; 82.6% aged >65 years). An increase in the number of physicians by 10/10 000 population and healthcare expenditure of 100 PLN per capita resulted in 3.5% (-0.035; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.06 to -0.01; P = 0.002) and 3% (-0.029; 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.013; P <0.001) decrease in hospitalizations, respectively. For each new outpatient healthcare facility per 10 000 population, there was a 3% (-0.031; 95% CI, -0.048 to -0.014; P <0.001) decrease in hospitalizations. One percentage point increase in the proportion of green areas resulted in a 2.7% (-0.027; 95% CI, -0.042 to -0.01; P = 0.049) decrease in hospitalizations. However, an increase in cars by 1000 inhabitants and a 1 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate were associated with a 6% increase in HF hospitalizations (0.064; 95% CI, 0.008-0.121; P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The number of HF-related hospitalizations has been increasing in the last decade. This trend is most noticeable in regions with low socioeconomic development and poor medical facilities. Our study indicates that health policy measures including environmental and socioeconomic instruments may result in positive health outcomes. Additional analyses are needed to compare the impact of socioeconomic and environmental factors against the impact of healthcare alone.

Do Muslims Living in Poland Approve of Organ Transplantation?

BACKGROUND Although the International Society for Islamic Legal Studies and the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences have officially approved of transplantations, Muslims' opinions on this issue are not uniform. The aim of this study was to assess the general knowledge, attitudes, and opinions concerning organ transplantation among Muslim Tatars living in North-East Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 78 Muslim Tatars and was carried out at the Center of Muslim Culture using the diagnostic poll method. RESULTS Transplantation from living donors was accepted by 96.1% of respondents, and from dead donors by 88.8% of respondents. Consent to the removal of organs after the death of a close relative was approved of by 57.7%, and 1/5 of respondents objected to it. Removal of their organs after death was approved of by 70.5% of respondents, more often by persons with higher education and vocational education than among those with only elementary education. Only 2.2% of respondents had reported their objection to the Central Objection Register. Almost 40% of men and women informed their family members about their willingness to be an organ donor. Most (71.8%) respondents had a positive attitude to transplantation, 25.6% had a negative attitude, and 2.6% were neutral. Approximately 72% of respondents believed that the final decision concerning the removal of organs from dead donors should be made by the family, and according to 8.9%, it should be prescribed by the law. CONCLUSIONS Muslim Tatars living in Poland mostly accept the removal of organs both from live donors and from dead bodies. Gender and education level had a considerable impact on the decision concerning organ donation.

Echocardiography, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Differential Diagnosis of a Tumor in the Left Atrium of the Heart.

Cardiac tumors are rare. Most often they are metastatic tumors, while primary tumors are much less common. In addition to proliferative changes in the heart, there are also non-neoplastic structures, such as thrombus, vegetation or inflammatory tumors. All structures with a heart tumor morphology require a lot of imaging studies in order to diagnose them and plan treatment without performing a biopsy. We present a case of a 75-year-old female patient who had moving masses in the left atrium on echocardiography. Computed tomography of the chest was performed, which did not clearly explain the nature of the structure observed in the left atrium. The Heart Team decided to perform another test-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart in 3 months to differentiate the lesion. The examination was performed after 3 months of warfarin therapy and there were no masses in the left atrium, which confirmed that the observed tumor was a thrombus.

Pericarditis and Takotsubo Syndrome-Diagnosis of Cardiac Complications of Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome in a 77-Year-Old Woman.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection most often takes the form of acute COVID-19 respiratory disease, but in some patients, it turns into acute COVID-19 syndrome after a few weeks. Cardiac complications occur in the form of acute and post-acute diseases and the most common are myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmias, and acute coronary syndromes or Takotsubo syndrome. Cardiovascular complications are often the cause of hospitalization and death in COVID-19 patients. We present the case of a 77-year-old woman who was admitted to the clinic with suspected myocardial infarction. Coronary arteriography revealed atherosclerotic wall lesions, and echocardiography showed a good contractility of the left ventricle and fluid in the pericardial sac. Pericarditis was diagnosed. In the following days, acute kidney damage was observed, and one hemodialysis session was performed. On the sixth day of hospitalization, a sudden cardiac arrest occurred, and the patient was resuscitated. The echocardiogaphy showed abnormal contractility of the left ventricular with the ejection fraction of 15%-Takotsubo image. After a few hours, a cardiac arrest occurred again, and the patient died.

Exposure to air pollution and its effect on ischemic strokes (EP-PARTICLES study).

It is well known that exceeded levels of particulate matter in the air and other air pollutants harmfully affect the cardiovascular system. Empirical analyses of the effects of these factors on stroke incidence and mortality are still limited. The main objective of our analyses was to determine the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and stroke incidence in non-industrial areas, more specifically in north-eastern Poland. To achieve this aim, we used data from the National Health Fund on patients hospitalized for stroke between 2011 and 2020 in the largest city of the region described as the Green Lungs of Poland. The pollution levels and atmospheric conditions data were obtained from the Provincial Inspectorate for Environmental Protection and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management. Using daily data on hospitalizations, atmospheric conditions, and pollution, as well as ordered logistic regression models the hypotheses on the impact of weather and air pollution conditions on ischemic strokes were tested. The study group included 4838 patients, 45.6% of whom were male; the average patient age was approximately 74 years. The average concentrations of PM2.5 were 19.09 µg/m3, PM10 26.66 µg/m3 and CO 0.35 µg/m3. Analyses showed that an increase in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 10 µg/m3 was associated with an increase in the incidence of stroke on the day of exposure (OR = 1.075, 95% CI 0.999-1.157, P = 0.053; OR = 1.056, 95% CI 1.004-1.110, P = 0.035) and the effect was even several times greater on the occurrence of a stroke event in general (PM2.5: OR = 1.120, 95% CI 1.013-1.237, P = 0.026; PM10: OR = 1.103, 95% CI 1.028-1.182, P = 0.006). Furthermore, a short-term (up to 3 days) effect of CO on stroke incidence was observed in the study area. An increase of 1 µg/m3 CO was associated with a lower incidence of stroke 2 days after the exposure (OR = 0.976, 95% CI 0.953-0.998, P = 0.037) and a higher incidence 3 days after the exposure (OR = 1.026, 95% CI 1.004-1.049, P = 0.022).