Association of the bitter taste genes TAS2R38 and CA6 and breast cancer risk; a case-control study of Polish women in Poland and Polish immigrants in USA.

It is known that the perception of bitterness is mediated by type 2 bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs). However, recent reports have suggested that the carbonic anhydrase 6 (CA6) gene may also influence bitterness sensing. Genetic variants in these genes could influence dietary intake of brassica vegetables, whose increased consumption has been observed in the literature, though inconsistently, to decrease breast cancer (BC) risk. We hypothesized that the estimated odds ratios (ORs) for the association between BC and taster diplotype (PAV/PAV) and/or genotype A/A, will be in the direction of increased BC risk, potentially due to reduced consumption of brassica vegetables. Using a case-control study of BC in Polish women in Poland (210 cases and 262 controls) and Polish immigrant women to USA (78 cases and 170 controls) we evaluated the association of the taster diplotypes in TAS2R38 gene and genotypes in the CA6 gene and BC risk in these two populations individually and jointly. No significant increase in risk was observed for the TAS2R38 PAV/PAV diplotype (tasters) in each population individually or in the joint population. For the CA6 gene, in the joint population, we observed an increased BC risk for the combined G/A and G/G genotypes (non-tasters) vs A/A (tasters), OR = 1.41 (95% CI 1.04-1.90, p = 0.026) which after adjustment for False Discovery Rate (FDR), was not significant at p≤0.05 level. However, for the joint population and for the combined genotype of the two genes AVI/AVI+G* (non-tasters) vs. PAV/*+A/A (tasters), we observed a significant increase in BC risk, OR = 1.77 (95%CI 1.47-2.74, p = 0.01), for the non-tasters, which remained significant after FDR adjustment. In conclusion for the joint population and the joint effect for the two bitter sensing genes, we observed an increase in BC risk for the bitterness non-tasters, association which is in the opposite direction to our original hypothesis.

Analysis of Attitudes and Practices towards the Influenza Vaccine in High-Risk Adults in Poland.

This study aimed to understand Poles' attitudes and beliefs towards influenza vaccinations in the flu season of 2022-2023, especially among individuals at risk of flu complications. The cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 810 respondents. The questionnaire was disseminated electronically using social media and e-mail. The majority of respondents (71%) could identify "high-risk groups" recommended for influenza vaccination, and 52.01% of respondents reported receiving influenza vaccination at some point in the past, with 32.12% receiving it in the 2022-2023 flu season and 41.09% in the 2021-2022 season. The majority of respondents declaring acceptance of the vaccine for the 2022-2023 season were in the high-risk group. Only 17.28% of respondents declared receiving both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the 2022-2023 season, with the vast majority being respondents from the "high-risk group" (p < 0.0001). Only 26.12% of respondents declared their intention to continue influenza vaccination in the future. Of those expressing the intention to get vaccinated against the influenza virus in future seasons, 46.79% were from the "high-risk group" (p = 0.0087). Results suggest the need for further interaction and education with healthcare providers and targeted informational efforts for at-risk groups regarding the benefits of flu vaccination.

Pharmacovigilance practice among pediatric neurologists from Poland and Germany.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the pediatric neurologists' knowledge, practice, and barriers to the pharmacovigilance (PV) process in Poland and Germany. METHODS: The research tool was an online anonymous questionnaire on Google Forms e-mailed to pediatric neurologists from Poland and Germany. RESULTS: The questionnaires were handed out to 830 pediatric neurologists and 371 expressed their consent to participate in the study. Most of the neurologists were familiar with the definition of PV and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Only 34.10% of pediatric neurologists from Poland, and 38.88% from Germany believe that many ADRs are preventable and almost most of them believe it is necessary to report ADRs from children with epilepsy. Unfortunately, in opposite to this knowledge, only 37.79% of respondents from Poland and 40.32% from Germany felt co-responsible for reporting ADRs. The main reason for the neurologists not to report ADRs was a conviction that reporting ADRs would be an additional burden generating extra work. CONCLUSION: There is no big difference between the practice of PV by pediatric neurologists in Poland and Germany. System-regulated PV stabilization in the country translates into the practice of maintaining PV. Monitoring the safety of pharmacotherapy and knowledge of risks associated with ADRs should be included in the curricula of academic neurologics courses.

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by episodic, gratuitous seizures. Most children with epilepsy (CWE) rely on antiepileptic drugs causing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Many ADRs are preventable if physicians actively participate in pharmacovigilance (PV), which its pivotal role is to ensure the safety of pharmacotherapy by e.g. permanent control of ADRs. The study aimed to compare the pediatric neurologists' (PN) knowledge, practice, and barriers to the PV process in Poland and Germany. The research tool was an online anonymous questionnaire on Google Forms e-mailed to PN from Poland and Germany. Only 34.10% of PN from Poland and 38.88% from Germany believe that many ADRs are preventable and almost most of them believe it is necessary to report ADRs from CWE. Unfortunately, in opposite to this knowledge, only 37.79% of respondents from Poland and 40.32% from Germany felt co-responsible for reporting ADRs. The main reason for the neurologists not to report ADRs was a conviction that reporting ADRs would be an additional burden generating extra work. There is no big difference between the practice of PV by PN in Poland and Germany. System-regulated PV stabilization in the country translates into the practice of maintaining PV.

Cardiac status and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk of convalescents after COVID-19 in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID­19 pandemic brought about cardiac complications and unfavorable lifestyle changes that may increase cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to establish the cardiac status of convalescents several months after COVID­19, and the 10­year risk of fatal and nonfatal atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events, according to the Systemic Coronary Risk Estimation­2 (SCORE2) and SCORE2­Older Persons (OP) algorithms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 553 convalescents (mean [SD] age, 63.5 [10.26] years; 316 [57.1%] women), hospitalized at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Ustron Health Resort, Poland. The history of cardiac complications, exercise capacity, blood pressure control, echocardiography, 24­hour Holter electrocardiogram recording, and laboratory workup were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 20.7% of men and 17.7% of women (P = 0.38) had cardiac complications during acute COVID­19, most often heart failure (10.7%), pulmonary embolism (3.7%), and supraventricular arrhythmias (6.3%). On average, 4 months after COVID­19 diagnosis, echocardiographic abnormalities were found in 16.7% of men and 9.7% of women (P = 0.1), and benign arrhythmias in 45.3% of men and 44% of women (P = 0.84). Preexisting ASCVD was reported in 21.8% of men and 6.1% of women (P <0.001). The median risk assessed by SCORE2/SCORE2­OP algorithms in apparently healthy people was high for the participants aged 40-49 years (3%; interquartile range [IQR], 2%-4%) and 50-69 years (8%; IQR, 5.3%-10%), and very high (20%; IQR, 15.5%-37%) for the participants aged 70 years and above. The SCORE2 risk in men aged over 70 years was higher than in women (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Data collected in the convalescents indicate a relatively small number of cardiac problems that could be associated with a history of COVID­19 in either sex, and a high risk of ASCVD, especially in men.

Association between Compliance with COVID-19 Restrictions and the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Poland.

During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic it has become very important to comply with preventive measures. We aimed to assess compliance with applicable restrictions and to explore the links between the level of compliance and the risk of COVID-19. This cross-sectional study included Polish adults who were asked to complete a validated questionnaire. The study period was from 1 November 2020 to 31 January 2021 and a computer-assisted web interview method was chosen to perform the survey. The study involved 562 women and 539 men. COVID-19 was reported in 11.26% of participants. A good level of compliance with the sanitary restrictions was reported for 38.87% of participants, an average level of compliance for 47.96%, and a low level of compliance for 13.17%. A reduced risk of COVID-19 was associated with the following preventive measures: regular use of protective masks, social and physical distancing in public places, regular use of hand sanitizers with high ethanol content, and the use of disposable gloves in public places. Our survey revealed satisfactory public compliance with the pandemic restrictions. Sanitary and epidemiologic measures to prevent the pandemic were shown to be adequate and effective.

Long COVID-19 Syndrome Severity According to Sex, Time from the Onset of the Disease, and Exercise Capacity-The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study.

Symptoms of long COVID-19 syndrome (long COVID-19) are reported by 80% of convalescents up to several months after contracting the coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19). The study aimed to assess the frequency and correlations of long COVID symptoms with sex, disease severity, time since the onset of the disease, and exercise capacity in a population of Polish convalescents hospitalized as a part of a rehabilitation program after COVID-19. The retrospective analysis was carried out based on medical records concerning reported symptoms, comorbidities, exercise capacity, fatigue and dyspnea on Borg's scale, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), spirometric parameters, chest X-rays/computed tomography scans, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The study involved 471 patients aged 63.83 ± 9.93 years who had been hospitalized 191.32 ± 75.69 days from the onset of COVID-19, of which 269 (57.1%) were women. The most common symptoms were fatigue (99.57%), dyspnea (99.36%), and myalgia (97.03%). Women reported more symptoms than men (p < 0.001) and rated their fatigue as more severe (p = 0.021). Patients with depressed moods reported more physical symptoms than others (p < 0.001). Most long COVID symptoms, including dyspnea, fatigue, and depressive symptoms, were found with the same frequency in patients 12-24 weeks and >24 weeks after recovery (p = 0.874, p = 0.400, and p = 0.320, respectively), regardless of acute COVID-19 severity (p = 0.240, p = 0.826, and p = 0.108, respectively). Dyspnea severity correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = -0.153, p = 0.005), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (r = -0.142, p = 0.008). Fatigue severity correlated with impaired FVC and FEV1 (both r = -0.162, p = 0.003). Fatigue and dyspnea inversely correlated with the distance in a six-minute walk test (r = -0.497, p < 0.001, and r = -0.327, p < 0.001). In conclusion, in our cohort, long COVID symptoms are more common in women. Dyspnea/fatigue and depressive symptoms do not tend to subside after an average six-month recovery period. The intensity of perceived fatigue may be exaggerated by the coexistence of neuropsychiatric disorders. Increased fatigue and dyspnea correlate with impaired spirometric parameters and significantly affects convalescents' exercise capacity.

The Mental Health of Poles during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic has had a profound impact on all aspects of life in the global population, causing above other, psychological problems. AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the mental health of the Poles during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional web-based survey design was adopted. The study horizon was from 1 June 2021, to 31 December 2021. An anonymous, standardized questionnaire was disseminated electronically by means of social media among Polish adults. The following tests were performed: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). RESULTS: A total of 1306 individuals completed the survey. Of the participants, 77.79% were female at a mean age of 34.89 ± (14.79), 62.25% had higher education, and 56.43% were employed. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances in this sample were as follows: 50.38%, 43.49%, 61.26%, and 44.74%, respectively. Poor self-estimated health status, the presence of comorbidities, and regular use of nicotine significantly increased the risk of any of the analyzed psychiatric symptoms and sleep disorders. The depression level was significantly associated with age, living alone, health status, and the use of nicotine. Moreover, the level of anxiety was significantly associated with age and health status. The level of stress depended on gender, age, health status, use of nicotine, and being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Sleep disturbances depended on age, health status, the presence of comorbidities, and regular use of drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The Polish population manifested numerous psychological symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to afford psychological support to them and ensure their mental health.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on mental health among the general population in Poland and on the availability of psychological support.

The objective of this paper was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Poles and the availability of psychiatric and psychological support during the pandemic. A prospective, cross-sectional web-based survey design was adopted. It was carried out on a sample of 1080 Polish citizens above 18 years old. The majority of Poles (70%) experienced symptoms of mental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep disturbance (63.79%), anxiety (48.79%), low mood for most of the day (44.63%), sadness, tearfulness (41.29%), and concentration disorders (35.93%) were the mental disorder symptoms reported most often by the survey subjects. To reduce the potential acute and long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, decision-makers of the Polish health system should implement stepped multilevel and multi-target psychological support services.

The comparison of Kardia Mobile and Hartmann Veroval 2 in 1 in detecting first diagnosed atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the leading cause of stroke. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) advises opportunistic AF screening among patients aged ≥ 65 years. Considering this, the aim herein, was compare the feasibility of two different systems of smartphone-based electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings to identify AF among those without a previous arrhythmia history. METHODS: Prospective AF screening was conducted at six pharmacies using Kardia Mobile and Hartmann Veroval 2 in 1. A single-lead ECG was acquired by the placement of fingers on the pads. A cardiologist evaluated findings from both devices. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation was identified in 3.60% and previously unknown AF was detected in 1.92% of the study participants. Sensitivity and specificity of the Kardia application in detecting AF were 66.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 38.4-88.2%) and 98.5% (95% CI 96.7-99.5%), and for Veroval 10.0% (95% CI 0.23-44.5%) and 94.96% (95% CI 92.15-96.98%), accordingly. Inter-rater agreement was k = 0.088 (95% CI 1.59-16.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Mobile devices can detect AF, but each finding must be verified by a professional. The Kardia application appeared to be more user-friendly than Veroval. Cardiovascular screening using mobile devices is feasible at pharmacies. Hence it might be considered for routine use.

Effectiveness of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation after COVID-19 in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with a history of COVID­19 are characterized by a deteriorated level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The COVID­19 rehabilitation program of the National Health Fund (NHF) was developed and financed by the public insurer in Poland to help convalescents return to full health. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) after COVID­19, carried out under the NHF program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 553 convalescents at a mean age of 63.5 years (SD, 10.26; 316 women [57.1%]), hospitalized at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of the Ustron Health Resort, Poland, after a median of 23.10 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 16.25-29.00) following COVID­19. The mean duration of CR was 21 days (IQR, 21-28). The effectiveness of CR was assessed based on the improvement in spirometry and clinical parameters, as well as indicators of CRF and exercise tolerance. RESULTS: The mean baseline CRF level, as assessed by the 6­minute walk test (6MWT), was reduced to 76.32% of the predicted value (SD, 15.87) in men and 85.83% of the predicted value (SD, 15.60) in women, while the mean values of the spirometry parameters were normal. During CR, there was an improvement in the median 6MWT distance by 42.5 m (95% CI, 37.50-45.00; P <0.001), and in the median exercise tolerance assessed on the Borg scale (fatigue, by -1 point; 95% CI, -1.0 to -1.0; P <0.001; dyspnea, by -1.5 points; 95% CI, -1.5 to -1.0; P <0.001). We observed a decrease in the mean resting blood pressure by 8.57 mm Hg (95% CI, -11.30 to -5.84; P <0.001) for systolic and by 3.38 mm Hg (95% CI, -4.53 to -2.23; P <0.001) for diastolic values. The most pronounced improvement was seen in the patients with low CRF level at baseline, who were eligible for lower­intensity rehabilitation models. The CR effectiveness was not dependent on the severity of COVID­19 or the time from the disease onset to the commencement of rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: CR is a safe and effective intervention that can accelerate recovery from COVID­19, including an increase in exercise capacity and exercise tolerance.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Program on Presenteeism and Absenteeism among Healthcare Workers in Poland.

BACKGROUND: There is sufficient scientific literature on the effectiveness of registered vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, but research on the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination program on social and economic aspects is lacking. In connection with the above, this study aimed to assess the impact of vaccinations on presenteeism and absenteeism among healthcare professionals in the workplace caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A post-marketing, cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 736 actively employed healthcare professionals. Among them, 215 individuals (29.21%) were unvaccinated (control group). The study group consisted of 521 vaccinated respondents, with 52.97% being women and 47.03% men. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and delivered online to the target population group of healthcare workers. RESULTS: A significant association (p < 0.01) was observed between the number of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine received and presenteeism among the respondents. Among the unvaccinated respondents (2.30 ± 1.19) or those vaccinated with only one dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (2.16 ± 1.11), the COVID-19 pandemic had a significantly higher impact on work performance compared to individuals vaccinated with three doses of the vaccine (1.19 ± 1.11). Moreover, a significant association was found (p = 0.0265) between the number of workdays missed (over the last twelve months) due to COVID-19-related sick leave and the number of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine received. The number of workdays missed due to COVID-19 sick leave was lowest in the group vaccinated with three doses (2.00 ± 6.75) and highest in the unvaccinated group (5.32 ± 16.24). CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly show that the widely implemented national COVID-19 vaccination program brings tangible benefits both in medical and economic terms. The extent of reducing absenteeism and presenteeism caused by the coronavirus disease depended on the number of vaccine doses administered.

Photoplethysmographic Measurement of Arterial Stiffness in Polish Patients with Long-COVID-19 Syndrome-The Results of a Cross-Sectional Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) that persists even several months after the onset of infection. COVID-19 may also have an impact on arterial stiffness, which is a risk factor for CVD. We aimed to analyze if and to what extent arterial stiffness measured by photoplethysmography differed among COVID-19 convalescents depending on the acute phase severity and time elapsed since disease onset. A total of 225 patients (mean age 58.98 ± 8.57 years, 54.7% women) were analyzed after COVID-19 hospitalization at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department of the Ustron Health Resort (Poland). In the entire study population, no differences were found in the mean values of stiffness index (SI) and reflection index (RI) depending on the severity of the acute COVID-19 and the time since the onset of the disease. There were no differences in the heart rate (HR) according to the severity of acute COVID-19; the mean HR was higher in patients who had COVID-19 less than 12 weeks before the study than in convalescents more than 24 weeks after the acute disease (p = 0.002). The mean values of SI and RI were higher in men than in women (p < 0.001), while the heart rate (HR) was similar in both sexes (p = 0.286). However, multiple linear regression analyses after adjusting for factors influencing arterial stiffness, i.e., sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, the severity of the acute COVID-19, and the time from the disease onset, confirmed that age, sex, time from disease onset, and diabetes are the most important determinants that could influence arterial stiffness.

Adherence of Obese Patients from Poland and Germany and Its Impact on the Effectiveness of Morbid Obesity Treatment.

This study aimed to investigate and compare the adherence of patients treated for morbid obesity living in Poland and Germany. Methods: A cross-sectional international multicenter survey design was adopted. The study involved 564 adult subjects treated for morbid obesity at selected healthcare facilities in Germany (210 participants) and Poland (354 participants). A validated, custom-made questionnaire based on the literature related to this issue was used. Results: The degree of adherence was higher, but not statistically significant, among Polish patients (83.82% vs. 78.33%, p = 0.26140). Patient adherence was associated with gender, age, level of education, duration of obesity, number of health professionals involved in obesity treatment, and type of obesity treatment (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed in the case of age, level of education, and a growing number of health professionals involved in obesity treatment, whereas a negative correlation was observed in the case of the duration of obesity. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery significantly more often followed medical recommendations regarding lifestyle changes, compared to obese participants treated only conservatively. Adherence in the field of obesity treatment significantly increases the percentage of total weight loss and excess weight loss due to applied obesity treatment among both Polish and German groups (p < 0.001). Both the percentage of total weight loss and that of excess weight loss were significantly higher in the group of adherent patients compared to the nonadherent patients (p < 0.00001). The levels of perceived anxiety, stress, and depression were significantly higher in nonadherent patients in both countries. Conclusions: These findings confirm the role of adherence in the effective and satisfactory treatment of morbid obesity. There is a great need to improve patient adherence to overcome the consequences of the obesity pandemic.

Comparison of Perceived Weight Discrimination between Polish and German Patients Underwent Bariatric Surgery or Endoscopic Method versus Conservative Treatment for Morbid Obesity: An International Multicenter Study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the level of discrimination among patients with obesity living in Poland and Germany. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional international multicenter survey study including 564 adult participants treated for morbid obesity at selected healthcare facilities in Germany (210 patients) and in Poland (354 patients). Discrimination was evaluated using a custom-made questionnaire based on the related literature. Results: The level of obesity discrimination did not differ between German and Polish patients (p = 0.4282). The presence of obesity was reported to be associated to a large or a very large extent with the feeling of social exclusion and discrimination by 46.63% of German participants and 42.09% of Polish ones (p = 0.2934). The mean level of discrimination related to the lack of employment was higher in patients who underwent bariatric surgery or endoscopic method than in those who underwent conservative treatment (for Germany: 2.85 ± 1.31 (median, 3) vs. 2.08 ± 1.31 (median, 1), p = 0.002; for Poland: 2.43 ± 1.15 (median, 2) vs. 1.93 ± 1.15 (median, 1), p = 0.005). The level of discrimination was associated with sex, age, the degree of obesity, and treatment-related weight loss (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings confirm that obesity significantly affects the social and economic well-being of patients. There is a great need to reduce weight stigma and to take measures to alleviate the socioeconomic and psychological burden of obesity.

Pharmacoeconomics Aspects of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the differentiation of treatment costs with newer and older antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) through its correlation with treatment effectiveness and an adverse event (AE) in pediatric patients with epilepsy (PPE). METHODS: PPE on monotherapy of AEDs for the last 6 months were screened for this study. Seizure frequency during the study was compared with that within 6 months before the study. The following parameters were also assessed: quality of life in epilepsy, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Liverpool AEs Profile. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) analysis based on the costs of pharmacotherapy was also performed. RESULTS: Out of 80 PPE, 67 completed the study, and 13 PPE were lost after failing to meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 56.71% of PPE were on newer AEDs, and 43.28% were on older AEDs. Newer and older AEDs did not differ significantly in seizure frequency reduction and quality of life parameters, although these were improved significantly during the study period. As per ICER, newer AEDs need an additional EUR 36.82 per unit reduction in seizure frequency. CONCLUSION: Newer AEDs have comparatively better efficacy, although not significantly better than older AEDs. However, the additional cost per unit improvement is quite high with newer AEDs, necessitating pharmacoeconomic consideration in pediatric epilepsy treatment.

Coagulation Factor XIII Val34Leu Polymorphism in the Prediction of Premature Cardiovascular Events-The Results of Two Meta-Analyses.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms within the gene that encodes for coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) have been suggested to be involved in the pathogeneses of ischemic stroke (IS) and myocardial infarction (MI). The Val34Leu polymorphism is one of the most commonly analysed FXIII polymorphisms. However, studies on the role of the Val34Leu polymorphism in the aetiology of vascular diseases often show contradictory results. In the present meta-analysis, we aimed to pool data from available articles to assess the relationship between the FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism and the susceptibilities to IS of undetermined source and premature MI in patients aged below 55 years. METHODS: We searched databases (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, SciELO, and Medline) using specific keywords (the last search was in January 2022). Eventually, 18 studies (627 cases and 1639 controls for IS; 2595 cases and 4255 controls for MI) met the inclusion criteria. Data were analysed using RevMan 5.4 and StatsDirect 3 link software. The relation between Val34Leu polymorphism and disease was analysed in five genetic models, i.e., dominant, recessive, additive, heterozygous, and allelic. RESULTS: No relation between Val34Leu polymorphism and IS in young adults was observed in all analysed genetic models. For premature MI, significant pooled OR was found between the carrier state of the Leu allele (Val/Leu + Leu/Leu vs. Val/Val) and a lack of MI, suggesting its protective role (OR = 0.80 95%CI 0.64-0.99, p = 0.04). A similar finding was observed for the heterozygous model in MI (Val/Leu vs. Val/Val) (OR = 0.77 95%CI 0.61-0.98, p = 0.03). No relation was found for the recessive, additive, and allelic models in MI. CONCLUSIONS: In the population of young adults, no positive correlation was found between the FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism and IS of undetermined source in any of the analysed genetic models. In turn, the carrier state of the 34Leu allele as well as FXIII heterozygotes themselves were found to play a protective role in relation to premature MI.

Pharmacovigilance in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy Using Antiepileptic Drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in pediatric epileptic patients on mono- or polytherapy. METHOD: We evaluated eighty consecutive patients that met the following inclusion criteria: aged ≤18 years; diagnosed with epilepsy for at least one year; a stable dose of AED for at least three months; verbal consent to participation in the study. Patients were asked if they had experienced any adverse drug reaction (ADR) related to the AED. Afterward, regardless of the answer, they were interviewed based on a detailed semi-structured questionnaire about the presence of ADRs associated with the AED. The data were analyzed regarding the use of monotherapy or polytherapy. RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of the patients reported having experienced ADRs related to AEDs. The greatest number of seizures affected the group of patients treated with monotherapy (both at baseline and at followup), but the greatest number of ADRs were observed among patients treated with polytherapy. In patients on monotherapy, the most frequent ADRs reported at baseline included fatigue and somnolence, and among patients with polytherapy, it was fatigue and hair loss. CONCLUSION: Children on polytherapy were significantly more likely to develop ADRs compared to those on monotherapy, but a statistically significant improvement in seizure frequency was also observed in the group of patients on polytherapy. Pharmacovigilance is very important in children with AEDs, so that ADRs can be identified early and managed appropriately.

Neurologists' Knowledge, Practice, and Attitudes towards Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Process in Epileptic Patients-Comparative Analysis from Poland and Egypt.

OBJECTIVES: To compare neurologists' knowledge, practice, and barriers of pharmacovigilance (PV) process among patients with epilepsy in Poland and Egypt. METHODS: It was an international study that used an online questionnaire e-mailed to neurologists registered to practice in Poland and Egypt. RESULTS: Most of the neurologists were familiar with the definition of PV and adverse drug reactions (ADRs), but relatively few neurologists knew where to report ADRs, especially the Egyptian neurologists. Only 31.11% of the neurologists from Egypt and 39.90% neurologists from Poland declared that they had reported ADRs at least once during their professional practice, and few of them declared the regular reporting of such incidents. The main reason for the neurologists not reporting ADRs was the lack of time and a conviction that reporting ADRs would be an additional burden that would generate extra work. CONCLUSION: The standards of pharmacovigilance process, safety control, and quality are not the same throughout the world. System-regulated PV stabilization in a country translates into the practice of maintaining PV. Monitoring the safety of pharmacotherapy and knowledge of risks associated with ADRs should be included in the academic curricula of physician courses.

Safety Profile of COVID-19 Vaccines among Healthcare Workers in Poland.

The aim of the study was to compare the safety profiles (prevalence of both local and systemic side effects) of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer−BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford−AstraZeneca) among healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and pharmacists) administered with a first and a second dose of the vaccines. Another goal of the research was to evaluate potential demographic and clinical risk factors for the frequency and intensity of side effects. A post-marketing, cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 971 respondents (323 doctors, 324 nurses, and 324 pharmacists), all more than 18 years old, who have taken two doses of the following SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: BNT162b2 (Pfizer−BioNTech) (group 1), mRNA-1273 (Moderna) (group 2), and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford−AstraZeneca) (group 3). A validated, self-administered questionnaire was developed and delivered online to the target population group of healthcare workers. The survey was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 (1 February 2021−1 July 2021) pandemic. It was based on the CAWI (computer-assisted web interview) method. Questionnaires were disseminated using selected social media. The BNT162b2 (Pfizer−BioNTech) vaccine was the most commonly administered COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare professionals in Poland (69.61%). Side effects following a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were reported by 53.11% of respondents in group 1, 72% in group 2, and 67.59% in group 3. The following were the most common side effects regardless of the type of vaccine administered: pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, fever, chills, and fatigue. The number and intensity of reported side effects following administration of a BNT162b2 (Pfizer−BioNTech) vaccine were significantly lower than in the other two study groups (p < 0.00001). Risk factors for side effects following administration of one of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines subject to the analysis included being female, young, and suffering from a diagnosed allergy. Our results clearly show that the short-term safety profiles of the eligible COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer−BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford−AstraZeneca) are acceptable. Nevertheless, the two-dose COVID-19 vaccines available in Poland differ significantly in the frequency of both local and systemic side effects and their intensity. Women, young people, and patients diagnosed with allergies are particularly exposed to the risk of side effects. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Impact of Health Policy on Patients' Awareness of the Risks Associated with Obesity: An International Multicenter Study in Poland and Germany.

Background: Recent studies indicate that the treatment of obesity is unsuccessful. The cause of this situation is that patients are not sufficiently educated about therapeutic methods and the health consequences of not treating obesity. Moreover, obesity prevention strategies differ significantly between EU countries. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine and compare the level of obesity-related knowledge and illness perception among obese patients from Poland and Germany. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional international multicentre study was conducted. The study included 564 subjects above 18 years old (210 German patients and 354 Polish patients) with obesity. A validated custom-made questionnaire was used to evaluate obesity-related knowledge. Patient illness perception was evaluated using Polish and German language versions of the standardized Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ). Results: Obese patients from Germany had significantly higher level of obesity-related knowledge than patients from Poland (22.01 ± 4.68 vs 19.17 ± 6.59, p<0.0001). Obesity-related knowledge was associated with the patient's education, patient participation in therapeutic educational programs, patient's perception of the illness, age and the number of healthcare professionals involved in the patient's treatment process. Conclusion: The level of obesity-related knowledge among both Polish and German patients is unsatisfactory. This study suggests that health education is required to facilitate informed choices and support the use of cognitive approaches educating patients on the health consequences of obesity.