The benefits and disbenefits associated with cultural ecosystem services of urban green spaces

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) and disservices shape landscape planning policy to a huge extent. We focus on the benefits and disbenefits associated with CES. The study aimed to explore the co-occurrence of the benefits and disbenefits associated with CES as well as the relationship between spatial and landscape characteristics and specific benefits and disbenefits. We conducted a map-based online questionnaire among visitors of two urban green spaces in Kraków, Poland (Wolski Forest and Jordan Park). Respondents were asked to map places visited and assign them benefits and disbenefits using indicator statements. We found three bundles of benefits (connection to nature, social bonding in nature and responsibility) and five to seven bundles of disbenefits (1). The experiences (e.g., strengthening social bonds) were more concentrated whereas the identities (e.g., reflection) were more blurred spatially owing to their individualistic nature (2). The relationship between benefits/disbenefits and landscape features showed a relatively weak correlation, with a more discernible pattern observed in the case of experiences and capabilities (3). Respondents perceived more human-related disbenefits (overcrowding, noise, rubbish), exhibiting a greater geographical concentration, especially in proximity to tourist attractions (4). The ecosystem-related disbenefits (insects, allergies) were less geographically concentrated (5). Furthermore, the study unveiled differences in the perception of disbenefits across seasons. Visitors of warmer months expressed concerns about overcrowding, insects, and allergies, while those exploring the study areas in winter indicated challenges associated with darkness and snow-covered paths (6). These are important implications for management to increase the comfort of visits to green spaces.

In vitro activity of selected antimicrobials against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius of canine origin in Poland

BACKGROUND

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is an important veterinary pathogen. In general, only a few antimicrobials show in vitro activity against MRSP isolates.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro activity of selected antimicrobials, including last-choice drugs, against clinical MRSP isolates of canine origin. The activity of 10 selected agents was evaluated against 41 clinical MRSP isolates.

METHODS

The disk diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration values were used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). The guidelines for staphylococci of canine or human origin were employed for the interpretation of the results.

RESULTS

Among the examined MRSP isolates, resistance to enrofloxacin and clindamycin was the most prevalent (n = 40; 97.6%). Resistance to doxycycline and gentamicin was observed in 83.0% (n = 34) and 68.3% (n = 28) of the isolates, respectively. Single isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol (n = 5; 12.2%) and rifampicin (n = 3; 7.3%), whereas all showed susceptibility to amikacin, vancomycin, mupirocin and linezolid. Predominantly, the results of AST obtained by both methods were consistent. Some discrepancies were observed for gentamicin; however, clinical breakpoints for staphylococci of human origin were used.

CONCLUSIONS

Amikacin and chloramphenicol constitute potential treatment options in infections caused by MRSP and may be included in extended susceptibility testing in our geographical region. The determination of clinical breakpoints for some antimicrobials not incorporated in the recommendations should be a high priority in the veterinary diagnostics.

The Polish Variant of Patriarchy? Explaining the Relationship Between Gender Inequality and Violence Against Women in Poland

The largest European victimization survey of violence against women (VAW), has revealed an interesting paradox: countries with the highest gender equality indices had the highest VAW indices, while countries with low gender equality, also had low VAW indices. The country with the lowest VAW rates was Poland. This article attempts to explain this paradox. First, the results of the FRA study regarding Poland and its methodological issues are described. As these explanations may prove insufficient, it is necessary to recourse to sociological theories of VAW, together with analyses of the sociocultural roles of women, and gender relations since the communist period (1945-1989). The key question is whether the Polish variant of the patriarchy is more respectful toward women than Western European gender equality.

Allostatic load and frailty do not covary significantly among older residents of Greater Poland

BACKGROUND

Physiological dysregulation/allostatic load and the geriatric syndrome frailty increase with age. As a neurophysiological response system, allostasis supports survival by limiting stressor-related damage. Frailty reflects decreased strength, endurance, and physical abilities secondary to losses of muscle and bone with age. One suggestion, based on large cohort studies of person's ages 70 + years, is that frailty contributes to allostatic load at older ages. However, small community-based research has not confirmed this specific association.

METHODS

To further explore possible associations between allostatic load and frailty, we enrolled 211 residents of Greater Poland aged 55-91 years living in a small village (Nekla, N = 104) and an urban center and capital of Greater Poland (Poznan, N = 107). For each, we recorded age, self-reported sex, and residence and estimated a 10-biomarker allostatic load score (ALS) and an 8-biomarker frailty index. We anticipated the following: higher ALS and frailty among men and rural residents; for frailty but not ALS to be higher at older ages; significant associations of ALS with sex and place of residence, but not with age or frailty. The significance of observed associations was evaluated by t-tests and multivariate regression.

RESULTS

ALS did not vary significantly between men and women nor between Nekla and Poznan residents overall. However, women showed significantly higher frailty than men. Nekla men showed significantly higher ALS but not frailty, while Nekla women showed nonsignificantly higher ALS and lower frailty than Poznan. In multivariate analyses, neither age, nor sex, nor residence was associated with ALS. Conversely, age, sex, and residence, but not ALS, are associated significantly with frailty. In Nekla, both age and sex, but in Poznan only age, are associated with ALS. Among women, both age and residence, but among men, neither associated with ALS. In no case did ALS associate significantly with frailty.

CONCLUSION

In this sample, lifestyle factors associated with residence, age, and sex influence stress-related physiology, less so in women, while ALS and frailty do not covary, suggesting their underlying promoters are distinct. Similar complex associations of physiological dysregulation with frailty, age, sex, and residence likely exist within many local settings. Knowledge of this variation likely will aid in supporting health and healthcare services among seniors.

Effect of the PCV 10 vaccination on community-acquired pneumonia hospitalisations after four years of its introduction into the Polish National Immunisation Programme: Follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Vaccination against pneumococci is currently the most effective method of protection against pneumococcal infections. The aim of the study was to analyse changes in hospitalisations and in-hospital deaths due to pneumonia before (2009-2016) and after (2017-2020) the introduction of PCV 10 vaccinations in the National Immunisation Programme in Poland.

METHODS

Data on hospitalisations related to community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the years 2009-2020 were obtained from the Nationwide General Hospital Morbidity Study. Analyses were made in the age groups: <2, 2-3, 4-5, 6-19, 20-59, 60+ years in 2009-2016 and 2017-2020.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 1,503,105 CAP-related hospitalisations in 2009-2020, 0.7% of which were caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Children <2 years of age were the most frequently hospitalised for CAP per 100,000 population, followed by patients aged 2-3, 4-5 and 60+ years. In the years 2009-2016, the percentage of CAP hospital admissions increased significantly, and after the year 2017, it decreased significantly in each of the age groups (p<0.001). In the years 2009-2016, a significant increase in hospitalisations for Streptococcus pneumoniae infections was observed in the age groups <2, 2-3 and 4-5 years (p<0.05). A significant reduction in hospitalisations was observed in the age groups <2, 20-59 and 60+ in 2017-2020 (p<0.05). In the years 2009-2020, there were 84,367 in-hospital deaths due to CAP, 423 (0.5%) of which due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, with patients mainly aged 60+.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the PCV vaccination programme has effectively decreased the incidence of CAP hospitalisations, including children <2 years of age. The group that is most at risk of death are persons aged 60+. The results of our study can be useful in evaluating the vaccine efficacy and benefits, and they can be an essential part of public health policy. Effective prevention strategies for CAP should be implemented in different age groups.

The epidemiology of the most frequent cancers in Poland in 2015-2021 and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer incidence

BACKGROUND

The late diagnosis, despite the improving availability and accessibility of diagnostic procedures during the last decade in Poland and cooperation between specialist cancer centres, remains an unsolved problem. Moreover, the accessibility to healthcare resources and diagnostic procedures has been drastically reduced because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-2020. The study aimed to present the epidemiology of the most frequent cancers diagnosed in Poland as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancers' incidence.

METHODS

Depersonalized, epidemiological data was obtained from the National Health Fund of Poland. In this retrospective study, the epidemiological analysis was performed and divided into subregions, according to patients' domicile. For each of the subregions, we have calculated the incidence rate per 100,000 standardized to the European Standard Population 2013. The time points of providing the first healthcare service were considered as the time of cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

In the 2015-2019 period, before the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, the nationwide incidence of analysed cancers remained stable or slightly decreased (as the lung cancer). Simultaneusly, during the same period the prevalence of the prostate cancer has increased and the large differences between subregions with the least and the highest incidence were observed. Subsequently, the incidences of all analyzed cancers decreased in 2020, compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. Then, in 2021 a disproportionate increase in cancers' incidence rates was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a significant decrease in the incidence rate of the most frequent cancers diagnosed in Poland in 2020 compared to 2019. Subsequently, in 2021 the increase of the incidence ratios was noted, most likely due to the gradual reduction of epidemic restrictions.

Abortion Attitudes Among Youth Before and After Abortion Ban in Poland

OBJECTIVES

To compare attitudes toward abortion among youth before and after the Polish Constitutional Tribunal introduced abortion ban in October 2020.

STUDY DESIGN

The study uses two nationally representative samples of final-year secondary school students conducted in Poland before (year 2018, N=1,609) and after the abortion ban (year 2021, N=1,513).

RESULTS

The support for abortion increased between 2018 and 2021 (OR=2.77 in foetus impairment case; OR=2.58 in women's health at risk case). The increase was stronger among females than males.

CONCLUSIONS

Youth accept abortion more in 2021. The increase may be linked to the Tribunal Court decision and youth involvement in massive demonstrations.

Does a nature walk improve state body appreciation in children?

The available evidence suggests that exposure to natural environments promotes more positive body image, but to date this research has not considered impacts on children. To answer this question, we invited two groups of children in Poland - matched in terms of age (range = 6 to 12 years), gender identities, and racialised status - to go for a group walk in either a natural environment (n = 80) or a built environment (n = 81). Before and after the walks, participants were asked to complete an adapted, state version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 for Children. The results of a mixed analysis of variance indicated that children who went for a walk in the natural environment reported a significant improvement to state body appreciation (d = 0.35), whereas those who went for a walk in the built environment did not (d = 0.04). The results also showed no significant impact of gender identity (girls vs. boys) or age (middle vs. late childhood) on this finding. These results show for the first time that nature exposure may help to improve body image outcomes in children, at least in the immediate term, which may prove beneficial for future interventionist work.

The levels of physical activity and fatigue among teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom in the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 disease has a negative impact on the psychophysiological health of populations worldwide, including a decrease in overall physical performance and an increase in fatigue. Fatigue was one of the main symptoms reported by patients and persisted for several weeks after infection with COVID-19. Although the phenomenon of fatigue is still poorly understood, physical activity can be a supportive factor in combating feelings of fatigue and lack of energy. The purpose of this research was to assess the physical activity (PA) and fatigue levels of teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom in the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The online research was carried out among 410 teachers from Poland and the United Kingdom. The PA level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The level of fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS).

RESULTS

Polish teachers, regardless of sex, are more physically active (the differences relate mainly to walking and moderate activity). When assessing the level of fatigue, there is a significant difference between men and women - the former indicate a higher degree of fatigue, with the difference between the sexes being particularly large in the Polish community. Quite clearly, there is an association between less activity (except walking) and more fatigue. All models show a statistically significant effect of total fatigue on total effort. Physical activity is not very strongly correlated with age but the level of fatigue increases with age.

CONCLUSIONS

The problem of teacher fatigue is unfortunately widespread. They should be encouraged to engage in as much PA as possible during the day. When planning and targeting fatigue reduction campaigns, PA should be encouraged and variables such as age, sex should be taken into account.

Verified hypotheses on the "nurse" and "burial" effects on introduced Quercus rubra regeneration in a mesic Scots pine forest

A previous study on the encroachment of North American northern red oak Quercus rubra L. into the mesic Scots pine forest (in central Poland) revealed high abundances of seedlings and saplings under shrubs, with lower abundances in open areas or clumps of bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus L. It was unclear whether the regeneration success of Q. rubra is enhanced by the presence of shrubs due to their "nurse effect", and how burying acorns of different sizes in soil or moss affects the survival of oak seeds and seedlings (a "burial effect"). Results of a previous observational study were verified in an experimental study: a pool of 900 large-, medium-, and small-sized acorns was sown under moss cover in open areas and within bilberry clumps and in soil under shrubs in 2018 and monitored for 3 years in natural conditions. The majority of sown acorns were lost, mainly due to acorn pilferage, lack of germination and the death of sprouting acorns. However, acorn and seedling survival depended significantly on acorn size and differed among the microsites studied. Viable seedlings were twice as likely to develop from large- and medium-sized as from small-sized acorns, and they grew mainly from acorns sown under moss cover, confirming a positive "burial effect." Seedling survival was three times higher in bilberry and open areas, than under shrubs; however, seedlings "nursed" by shrubs were less threatened by large ungulates. Only a small part of the pool of sown acorns contributes to the reproductive success of Q. rubra in the mesic Scots pine forest. Microsites characteristic to this type of forest are suitable for northern red oak regeneration; however, bilberry favors acorn survival and germination and early seedling growth, moss cover favors acorn survival and germination, while shrubs protect surviving seedlings from herbivory.

A national registry-based study on uptake of the first dose of MMR vaccine in 380 administrative regions in Poland, 2013-2016-2020

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Regular monitoring of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake quickly exposes immunity gaps in the population. In Poland, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is mandatory for children between 13 and 15 months of life. This study aimed to assess the uptake of the first dose of MMR vaccine in 380 administrative counties in Poland in 2020, as well as to analyze the MMR vaccine uptake trends in 2013-2016-2020.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is an epidemiological retrospective national registry-based analysis. Data on mandatory childhood vaccinations in all 380 counties in Poland were collected from the epidemiological reports of the State Sanitary Inspectorate territorial representatives. MMR vaccine uptake was calculated as the percentage of children who received the first dose of MRR vaccine to all children subject to mandatory vaccination in the county.

RESULTS

The uptake of the first dose of MMR vaccine decreased from 99.4% in 2013, to 95.5% in 2016 and 91.9% in 2020. In 2013, 93.2% of countys MMR vaccine uptake level reached the herd immunity level, followed by 77.1% of counties in 2016 and only 38.3% of countys in 2020. In 2020, two counties reached complete (100%) MMR vaccine uptake, and the lowest MMR vaccine uptake was 63.88%. Of the 380 counties in Poland, in 226 (61.1%) the MMR vaccine uptake level was lower than the herd immunity level, and a downward trend was observed. MMR vaccine uptake decreased with an increased number of residents in a county (r= -0.35; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that in 61% of administrative regions in Poland, the MMR vaccine uptake was below the herd immunity level. Regional differences in the MMR vaccine uptake were observed. A significant decrease in MMR vaccine uptake between 2013 - 2020 poses a risk of measles outbreaks.

Occurrence of Dermacentor reticulatus in central-southern Poland, and potential threats to human and animal health

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Dermacentor reticulatus is one of the tick species of the greatest epidemiological importance in Europe. To date, the Eastern European and Western European populations of this tick species have been separated by an area located in Poland where the species has never been found. In this study, newly discovered D. reticulatus localities in areas transformed by human activities in central-southern Poland are described.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The specimens of the ornate dog tick were identified among ticks collected from companion animals in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. They were examined using PCR methods to detect Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Babesia spp., and Toxoplasma gondii. In the case of the positive results, the amplicons were sequenced and examined by a BLAST search.

RESULTS

In total, 6 specimens of D. reticulatus were collected (3 females and 3 males). As declared by the owners, animal hosts stayed in the same area throughout the study period and had never travelled outside their place of residence. As many as 3/6 (50%) of D. reticulatus adults removed from dogs were infected with Rickettsia raoultii.

CONCLUSIONS

The results expand the available data on the spread of the ornate dog tick and indicate that, since 2010, this tick species and Rickettsia raoultii transmitted by this tick species have probably been present in this area, which has a strongly transformed agricultural structure and and had previously been regarded as a D. reticulatus-free zone. The presence of the ornate dog tick in urban and suburban habitats in central-southern Poland poses new threats to the health of companion animals and humans associated with the transmission of pathogens by this species.

Registered incidence of acute upper respiratory tract infections diagnosed by primary care physicians in Poland - 5-year retrospective analysis of the national health insurance database

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTIs), caused by a variety of viruses and sometimes by bacteria, represents the most common acute illness in primary health care. The aim of the study was to explore the registered incidence of URTIs in Poland in the period between 2015-2019, and its burden on the health care system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out of all medical encounters in Poland registered within the national billing database of public healthcare services. Medical services provided due to acute URTIs were classified according to the ICD-10 codes. Registered Incidence Rate (RIR) was calculated yearly, in a 100,000 population. A generalised additive model was used to calculate the Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR).

RESULTS

In the analysed 5-year period, acute URTI was diagnosed in 24.3 million patients (61.7% of the whole population registered in PHC). The RIR of all acute URTIs in PHC was 50,762/100,000/year. Nearly 99% of consultations in this group of patients were provided by PHC physicians. Only 0.8% were referred to an OSC consultation and 0.4% were hospitalised. In PHC, indeterminate URTIs were most frequently diagnosed. The estimated IRR for children aged 1-4 years was 1.65 (95% CI: 1.64; 1.66, p<0.01) and for men 0.79 (95% CI: 0.79; 0.79; p<0.01). In the studied period, the number of patients consulted for acute URTI decreased slightly in PHC, but significantly in specialist services.

CONCLUSIONS

The registered incidence of URTIs in Poland burdens mainly PHC physicians. Women and children aged 1-4 years are more frequent users of medical services related to URTIs. It appears that strategies for increasing patient empowerment to provide efficient self-care reducing the utilisation of PHC services are needed.

Knowledge of women in Poland on the profession and competencies of a midwife

INTRODUCTION

The profession of a midwife, despite its long tradition in Poland, is still not widely known in the society. Both in terms of the competencies and roles, it is often confused with other medical professions such as nurses or gynecologists. In this study, we assessed the knowledge of women in Poland on the profession of a midwife. The aim of the research project was to obtain detailed data on the knowledge of women regarding the specific professional competencies of midwives.

METHODS

The study used the method of a cross-sectional survey. A survey of 1134 adult Polish women was conducted. A 20-item questionnaire was developed with fourteen of the questions being based on the midwife's professional competencies. The study was conducted in 2019 and the questionnaire was distributed through various social groups for Polish women.

RESULTS

Knowledge about the professional competencies of midwives increases proportionally to the level of the education of the respondents, their age and the scope of cooperation with midwives. The most well-known forms of midwifery were those related to lactation education (78.7%) and puerperal care (78.9%). The lowest rates, among other results, were prescribing drugs (23.1%) and collecting samples for cervical cytology (24.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The profession of a midwife in Poland is insufficiently popularized. Competencies shared with doctors require more dissemination. It is worth paying particular attention to the promotion of the profession in younger age groups, so that women can use their knowledge at subsequent stages of their lives.

Provision of special diets to children in public nurseries and kindergartens in Kraków (Poland)

Background

A specialized diet could be due to an allergy or other medical needs and also religious or cultural reasons. This study aimed to assess the availability and provision of special diets in kindergartens and nurseries financed by the Municipality of Kraków.

Methods

This observational cross-sectional study was based on a diagnostic survey carried out using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview method and addressed to the managers of nurseries (n = 21) and kindergartens (n = 71) and, separately, to the parents of children attending these facilities (n = 1,096). Non-parametric tests were applied for an unadjusted comparison between children at nurseries and those at kindergartens.

Results

Children with particular dietary requirements received special diet meals in 95.2% of nurseries and 60.5% of kindergartens. The availability of special diets was associated with the type of facility (p = 0.001), the number of children who ate in the facility (p = 0.032), and the daily cost of meals served to children (p = 0.009). The cost of meals was higher in kindergartens that offered special diets vs. those that did not offer such diets (p < 0.001). According to parents, 96.4% of the total number of children ate meals served in the facilities. In nurseries, 16.1% of children were on a special diet (as per the doctor's recommendations in 11.7% of cases and according to parents' own choice in 4.4%). In kindergartens, a special diet was served to 12.7% of children (doctor's recommendations, 8.5%; parents' own choice, 4.2%). The most common reason for using a special diet was food allergy (8.2% of children in nurseries and 5.8% of children in kindergartens). It was reported more often by the parents of children attending nurseries than by the parents of children attending kindergartens (8.0% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.007). The requirement for a special diet was found to be associated with the age of children (p < 0.033) and the use of oral treatment for chronic disease (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Providing special diets for children is better in nurseries than in kindergartens. Legal regulations are urgently needed to ensure equal access to adequate nutrition for all children with special dietary needs in childcare facilities.

Risk factor analysis and clinicopathological characteristics of female dogs with mammary tumours from a single-center retrospective study in Poland

This is a comprehensive retrospective study to characterize female dogs with canine mammary tumors (CMTs) using a dataset retrieved from the archives of the Division of Animal Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine in Warsaw, and to identify prognostic factors. Clinical and histopathological data of 1447 dogs with CMTs were included. Malignant tumours were found in 83.3% (n = 1206), benign tumours in 11.7% (n = 169), and non-neoplastic lesions in 5.0% (n = 72) of dogs. Dogs most often had grade II carcinomas (38.2%, 215/562) of a single histological subtype (88.5%, 1281/1447), mostly simple carcinoma (35.3%, 510/1447). Dogs with a median age of 10 years significantly often had larger (≥ 3 cm) and malignant CMTs, whereas intact females had smaller tumours (median size 2.0 cm). However, the threshold value for the age of the dog in the differentiation of malignant and non-neoplastic/benign masses could not be determined. Most females were hormonally active (76.4%, 372/487). Hormonally active dogs significantly more often had multiple tumours. Multiple tumours were significantly smaller (median 2.5 cm) than single ones. Among pedigree dogs, small-breed dogs were mostly recorded (43%, 428/1006). Twelve breeds had an increased risk of CMTs, regardless of tumour behaviour, compared with the theoretical distribution of pedigree dogs in Poland. Four breeds were often affected only by malignant and other four breeds only by non-neoplastic/benign CMT. Large-breed dogs were significantly younger and affected by larger CMT (median 4 cm) compared with small- and medium-breed dogs. Ninety dogs with a malignant CMT and complete records were included in the full analysis of CMT-specific survival (CMT-SS) with a median follow-up time of 20.0 months. We showed that the timing of ovariohysterectomy in relation to mastectomy was significantly associated with grade, CMT-SS, and CMT-related death. We indicated the low diagnostic accuracy of palpation of regional lymph nodes (RLN) in the prediction of their metastatic involvement. By multivariable analysis, dogs with neoplastic emboli, tumour ulceration, and simple or complex carcinoma had a significantly higher risk of local recurrence. Tumour size > 3 cm was as a strong independent predictor of lung metastases. Compared with dogs with an easily separated localized tumour, dogs with a multiple/diffuse malignant CMT pattern had a fivefold higher risk of death. The risk of death was significantly higher in the presence of neoplastic emboli (~ fivefold) and tumour ulceration (~ fourfold). Furthermore, the presence of neoplastic emboli and large tumour size were independent predictors of CMT-related death.

The Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease in Poland: Regional and Sex-Related Differences

Background

Given the growing evidence for an environmental contribution to the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), searching for local and regional differences in PD prevalence in multiple areas across the world may further clarify the role of environmental toxins.

Objective

To provide local and regional prevalence estimates of PD in Poland.

Methods

We analyzed the prevalence of PD and its trend over the last decade (2010 to 2019) based on data from the National Health Fund in Poland. We specifically examined sex differences in PD prevalence, as well as differences across Polish regions.

Results

During the above period, the prevalence of PD in Poland increased from 226 per 100,000 to 269 per 100,000 inhabitants. Unexpectedly, we found that PD was 1.2-times more common in women than men. The increase in prevalence over the past decade was different between both sexes: an increase from 250 to 283 per 100,000 for women (13.3% increase), and from 200 to 254 per 100,000 for men (27.1% increase). In addition, we observed differences in prevalence across different Polish regions, with some regions having up to 51% lower prevalence rates than others.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PD in Poland is in line with previously reported prevalence rates across Europe. However, unlike the situation in most of the world, PD was more prevalent in women than men. We discuss several possible explanations as well as potential measures that might help to reduce the growth of PD.

Trends in Mortality Due to Malignant Neoplasms of Female Genital Organs in Poland in the Period 2000-2021-A Population-Based Study

The aim of this study is to assess mortality trends due to malignant neoplasms of female genital organs (MNFGOs) in Poland between 2000 and 2021. For the purpose of the study, the authors used data on all deaths of Polish female inhabitants due to MNFGO between 2000 and 2021, obtained from the Statistics Poland database. The standardised death rates (SDR), potential years of life lost (PYLL), annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were calculated. Between the years 2000 and 2021, 138,000 women died due to MNFGOs in Poland. Of this number, 54,975 (39.8%) deaths were caused by ovarian cancer, 37,487 (27.2%) by cervix uteri cancer, and 26,231 (19.0%) by corpus uteri cancer. A decrease in mortality due to cervix uteri cancer (APC = -2.4%, p < 0.05) was the most favourable change that occurred in the period 2000-2021, while the least favourable change was an increase in mortality due to corpus uteri cancer for the period 2005-2019 (APC = 5.0%, p < 0.05). SDRs due to ovarian cancer showed a decreasing trend between 2007 and 2021 (APC = -0.5%, p < 0.05). The standardised PYLL index due to cervical cancer was 167.7 per 100,000 women in 2000 and decreased to 75.0 in 2021 (AAPC = -3.7, p < 0.05). The number of lost years of life due to ovarian cancer decreased from 143.8 in 2000 to 109.5 in 2021 (AAPC = -1.3, p < 0.05). High values of death rates due to MNFGO in Poland, compared to other European countries, show that there is a need to promote preventive programmes and continue to monitor changes in mortality.

Tough Clinical Decisions: Experiences of Polish Physicians

The paper reports results of the very first survey-based study on the prevalence, frequency and nature of ethical or other non-medical difficulties faced by Polish physicians in their everyday clinical practice. The study involved 521 physicians of various medical specialties, practicing mainly in inpatient healthcare. The study showed that the majority of Polish physicians encounter ethical and other non-medical difficulties in making clinical decisions. However, they confront such difficulties less frequently than their foreign peers. Moreover, Polish doctors indicate different circumstances as a source of the experienced problems. The difficulties most often reported relate to (i) patients (or their proxies) requests for medically non-indicated interventions; (ii) problems with communication with patients (or their proxies) due to the patients' negative attitude, unwillingness to cooperate, or aggression; and (iii) various difficulties with obtaining informed consent. Polish physicians report difficulties associated with disagreements among care givers or scarcity of resources less frequently than doctors from other countries. The study's findings provide support for the thesis that a significant portion of Polish physicians still follow a traditional, paternalistic, and hierarchical model of healthcare practice. Instead of promoting patient's empowerment, engagement, and rights, they often consider these ideas as a threat to physicians' professional authority and autonomy. The study leads to the conclusion that due to insufficient training in medical ethics, communication skills, and medical law, many Polish physicians lack the knowledge and competence necessary to adequately respond to challenges posed by modern healthcare practice.

A jump into the deep end - Women's strategies on the way to VBAC in Poland

PROBLEM

In Poland, as in other high-income countries, the rate of caesarean sections (CS) is alarmingly high. Promoting vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is one of the ways that may help to decrease CS rate. Despite the recommendations by the Polish Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians that one previous CS should not be an indication for a subsequent one and VBAC should be promoted, the rate of VBAC in Poland remains low.

BACKGROUND

Research shows that in countries with high VBAC rates women felt supported by healthcare personnel to have VBAC.

AIM

This study aims to explore the elements of Polish maternity services that contribute to or hinder women's chances of having a VBAC.

METHODS

The study used qualitative methods of research based on semi-structured interviews. We interviewed 22 women. Each woman was interviewed twice, once during pregnancy and then between 6 and 12 weeks after she had given birth.

FINDING

Women who planned vaginal birth after one previous CS engaged in various strategies such as seeking supportive personnel, opting for fee-for-service dedicated midwifery care or traveled long distances to give birth in facilities supporting VBAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Polish maternity services do not support women on the way to vaginal birth after surgery. Access to VBAC in Poland is highly unequal and dependent on women's social and financial resources such as access to private care, place of residence, or social relationships. Efforts should be made to make access to VBAC more universal.

Nanopore-based metagenomics reveal a new Rickettsia in Europe

Accurate identification of tick-borne bacteria, including those associated with rickettsioses, pose significant challenges due to the polymicrobial and polyvectoral nature of the infections. We aimed to carry out a comparative evaluation of a non-targeted metagenomic approach by nanopore sequencing (NS) and commonly used PCR assays amplifying Rickettsia genes in field-collected ticks. The study included a total of 310 ticks, originating from Poland (44.2 %) and Bulgaria (55.8 %). Samples comprised 7 species, the majority of which were Ixodes ricinus (62.9 %), followed by Dermacentor reticulatus (21.2 %). Screening was carried out in 55 pools, using total nucleic acid extractions from individual ticks. NS and ompA/gltA PCRs identified Rickettsia species in 47.3 % and 54.5 % of the pools, respectively. The most frequently detected species were Rickettsia asiatica (27.2 %) and Rickettsia raoultii (21.8 %), followed by Rickettsia monacensis (3.6 %), Rickettsia helvetica (1.8 %), Rickettsia massiliae (1.8 %) and Rickettsia tillamookensis (1.8 %). Phylogeny construction on mutS, uvrD, argS and virB4 sequences and a follow-up deep sequencing further supported R. asiatica identification, documented in Europe for the first time. NS further enabled detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum (9.1 %), Coxiella burnetii (5.4 %) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (1.8 %), as well as various endosymbionts of Rickettsia and Coxiella. Co-detection of multiple rickettsial and non-rickettsial bacteria were observed in 16.4 % of the pools with chromosome and plasmid-based contigs. In conclusion, non-targeted metagenomic sequencing was documented as a robust strategy capable of providing a broader view of the tick-borne bacterial pathogen spectrum.

Assessment of physical activity levels and back pain among poles and Portuguese in the further year of the COVID-19 pandemic - a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The vast majority of people have experienced the problem of back pain at least once in their lives for a variety of reasons. It is well known that regular physical activity at a moderate level has a number of health benefits regardless of age or gender with positive effects on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory or nervous systems improving fitness levels. During the pandemic, Poland experienced one of the longest periods of school lockdown in Europe. In Portugal, this period was considerably shorter. The aim of this study was to determine the level of physical activity and back pain as well as relationship between physical activity and back pain in a group of Polish and Portuguese students in the following year the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

The study was conducted via the Internet among students from Poland and Portugal (398 respondents - 229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) in October 2022. In the pilot study, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and The Oswestry Disability Index and Neck Disability Index questionnaires were used to assess the level of back pain.

RESULTS

There are no statistically significant differences in the level of physical activity and pain complaints of respondents from the two countries. At least half of the students do not report any pain complaints (median in some groups being 0). In the Portuguese men, there is a correlation between the level of physical activity and the Neck Disability Index score (p = 0.0304).

CONCLUSIONS

The following year, after the pandemic COVID-19 was declared, the prevalence of back pain among students in Poland and Portugal is still significant.

Procrastination Mediates the Relationship between Problematic TikTok Use and Depression among Young Adults

Background: Although the prevalence of depression has increased significantly in recent years, especially in the young adult population, little is known about its causes and risk factors. The study aims to examine the mediating role of TikTok use in the relationships between procrastination and depression in young adults. Methods: A sample of 448 adults, ranging in age from 18 to 35 years (M = 24.45, SD = 3.76), including 214 men (48%), participated in the study. The cross-sectional survey consists of a modified Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) to assess problematic TikTok use (PTTU), the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) for procrastination measurement, and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for screening depression symptoms. Results: The independent samples t-test indicates that emerging adults (ages ranging between 18 and 25 years) have more severe depression symptoms than young adults (26-35 years old). Gender differences were not found for procrastination, PTTU, and depression symptoms. Positive correlations were found between procrastination, PTTU, and depression symptoms. PTTU plays a mediating role in the associations between procrastination and depression. Conclusions: Both procrastination and PTTU treatment should be prioritized in the prevention and intervention programs for improving mental health among young adults. Some effective therapeutic methods are recommended.

Building Resilience through Intervention, Direct Guidance, and Empowerment (BRIDGE): A demonstration project to assist youth aging out of foster care in Poland

Building Resilience through Intervention, Direct Guidance, and Empowerment (BRIDGE) is an innovative program designed to prevent homelessness and other negative outcomes among youth aging out of foster care. BRIDGE was pilot-tested on youth aging out of two orphanages in a city in southern Poland in 2009-2012. Youth were recruited at age 17, before aging out at age 18. Quasi-experimental methods were used to evaluate program outcomes among nine BRIDGE clients compared to two matched groups (n = 9 and n = 18) of youth who had recently aged out of orphanages in the same Polish region. Consistent with Hypothesis 1, results of chi-square tests showed that, over an 18-month follow-up period, BRIDGE clients experienced superior housing outcomes relative to both matched groups. Consistent with Hypothesis 2, the results of a between-subjects ANOVA showed that BRIDGE clients received significantly greater income relative to the matched groups. Within-subjects effects of BRIDGE from baseline across 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-ups were examined with repeated-measures ANOVAs. Consistent with Hypotheses 3-5, results showed that across time BRIDGE clients experienced a general increase in income and decrease in psychological distress (i.e., total distress, obsessive-compulsiveness, interpersonal sensitivity, and paranoia). The study's findings support the further development of BRIDGE and similar programs.

Neutral saccharides and hemicellulose over two urban sites in Indo-Gangetic Plain and Central Europe during winter

Saccharides are ubiquitous organic compounds that are omnipresent in nature and are considered tracers of aerosol sources. Saccharides and hemicellulose were analyzed in the aerosols of two polluted regions (Allahabad, India and Sosnowiec, Poland). The chemical compositions of the compounds and their abundances were significantly different at the two sites. Levoglucosan was the most dominant saccharide present at both sites. Galactosan, anhydroglucofuranose, mannosan, glucose, arabitol, D-pinitol, sucrose, and trehalose were found in Allahabad samples in high abundance but were significantly lower than levoglucosan. Mannosan, galactosan, arabinose, glycerol, and sucrose were significant compounds in Sosnowiec after dominating levoglucosan. The major sources of saccharides present in the Allahabad aerosols are hardwood and agricultural waste-burning emissions, whereas those at Sosnowiec are attributed to the burning of softwood (mainly gymnosperm trees), pine needles, or sporadically grass during the winter. Further, the chemical characteristics of hemicellulose remnants present in ambient aerosol at the Indian and European sites were analyzed and discussed. At both locations, hemicellulose was found using methanolysis of the filter samples; however, its state of preservation was poor. We believe that the primary sources of hemicellulose remnants are incomplete wood burning, crop straw, grass burning, or plant debris. Relatively poor preservation is associated with partial hemicellulose degradation when exposed to elevated temperatures or due to the oxidation and microbial degradation of plant fragments.

Nurse-led lifestyle counseling in Polish primary care: the effect of current health status and perceived barriers

Introduction

Our study included counseling on diet and physical activity, smoking, e-cigarette use, and alcohol consumption. The aim was to examine the correlates of counseling provided by primary care nurses with the health status/health behaviors of nurses and the barriers in the advice provided.

Materials and methods

In 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 331 nurses employed in the primary care sector in Lodz. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: characteristics of the patient population receiving treatment and provided with healthy lifestyle counseling by nurses, barriers to the process of assessing, controlling, and guiding patients, and health status/health behaviors of nurses.

Results

Eighty percent of the nurses in our study provided advice on diet and physical activity to primary care patients. Over 70% of the survey participants performed minimal anti-smoking interventions forsmokers, 67.7% for alcohol drinkers, and 56.8% for e-cigarette users. The correlates of counseling in the field of diet and physical activity turned out to be the knowledge and skills, which enabled nurses to provide advice (OR = 2.57, p < 0.01). The correlates of the conducted minimal anti-smoking interventions in smoking patients were: subjective assessment of overweight and obesity in nurses, knowledge and skills in conducting counseling (OR = 1.92, p < 0.05), and measuring body weight, height and BMI (OR = 2.18, p < 0.01). Among the three most common barriers identified by the nurses in the process of assessing, monitoring, and guiding patients were the opinion that patients are not interested in improving their diet, physical activity, and weight loss (60.7%), lack of time (51.4%), as well as the belief that patients find it too difficult to change their current habits (54.1%).

Conclusion

The results of our survey indicate that nurses' participation in healthy lifestyle counseling in adult patients is unsatisfactory. Interventions in primary care should be designed considering the specific obstacles nurses may face in leading healthy lifestyles. Further training of nursing staff is required to increase their knowledge on healthy lifestyles.

Navigating work and motherhood: exploring the link between career orientation and childbearing motivations in emerging adulthood

BACKGROUND

Difficulties in reconciling work and family life are recognised as one of the major reasons for women delaying or even forgoing childbearing. Nonetheless, there are different mechanisms through which women's engagement in the labour market can impact their choices regarding having children. The current study focuses on the relationship between women's career orientation and the childbearing motivation of young, childless women. Additionally, we examine the moderating effect of women's self-esteem.

METHODS

Questionnaires to assess women's childbearing motivation, career orientation (career commitment and career centeredness), and self-esteem were administered online to Polish childless women aged 18-25 (N = 358). Multivariate regression was performed to verify how professional aspirations determine childbearing motivation. Moderation analysis included self-esteem in the equation.

RESULTS

Women's desire to be employed over their life course (career commitment) was associated with perceiving childbearing as less strenuous. However, women who placed a higher value on professional development perceived more costs and barriers related to parenthood. Women with higher self-esteem demonstrated a generally more negative view of childbearing, yet their perceived costs of having children increased along with rising professional aspirations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that career aspirations are a highly complex construct, and their relationship to childbearing motivation may differ depending on how women perceive their future in the labour market. The mere desire to engage in professional work is not detrimental to childbearing motivation, but the anticipated costs of having children become greater the more a woman is career-centred and the lower her self-esteem.

Co-occurrence of T-2 and HT-2 Mycotoxins and α and β Anomers of Their Glucosides in Wheat and Oat Grains

The aim of this study was to simultaneously determine T-2 and HT-2 toxins and the α and β anomers of their glucosides to assess their content in wheat and oat grains harvested in Poland (2020-2022). Of 298 wheat samples, only 14 (5%) contained the sum of the T-2 and HT-2 toxins (average 34.2 μg/kg; 10.6-67.7 μg/kg). In oat (n = 129), these compounds were detected much more frequently (70% of samples) at an average level of 107.5 μg/kg (6.9-949.1 μg/kg). The sum of T-2 and HT-2 glucosides was detectable in 3% of the wheat (average 16.3 μg/kg; 7.1-39.4 μg/kg) and 65% of the oat samples (average 35.1 μg/kg; 4.0-624.1 μg/kg). Following the study, T-2-3-α-glucoside was identified as the only naturally occurring anomer, while both anomers of HT-2-3-glucosides were detected with higher contents and occurrence rates of HT-2-3-β-glucoside than the α anomer of this compound.

Newborn Hospitalizations Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland: A Comparative Study Based on a National Hospital Registry

Objectives: There are limited data on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Poland on newborn health. The aim of the study is to show recent information on hospitalizations of newborns in Poland in the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic era. Methods: A retrospective, population-based study was conducted using data from hospital discharge records of patients hospitalized in 2017-2021. Results: The data on which the study was based consisted of a substantial number of 104,450 hospitalization records. Annual hospitalization rate was estimated to be 50.3-51.9 per 1,000 in 2017-2019, 56 per 1,000 in 2020 and it rose to 77.7 per 1,000 in 2021. In comparison to the pre-pandemic period, in the COVID-19 era, we observed significantly more hospitalization cases of newborns affected by maternal renal and urinary tract diseases (p < 0.001), syndrome of infant of mother with gestational diabetes (p < 0.001), maternal complications of pregnancy (p < 0.001). In the COVID-19 era, the prevalence of COVID-19 among newborns was 4.5 cases per 1,000 newborn hospitalizations. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak could significantly contribute to qualitative and quantitative changes in hospitalizations among newborns.

Generational Differences in Food Choices and Consumer Behaviors in the Context of Sustainable Development

(1) Background: This study examines diverse food choices and sustainable consumption behavior across four generations of Poles: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z. (2) Methods: The research employed an online survey with a quota sample of 1000 individuals, representing the Polish population in terms of gender, residence, and education (categorized into two groups). (3) Results: For Poles, the crucial factors in food selection were product quality (69.0%), price (68.6%), and information about the product's composition (41.0%). Older cohorts (Baby Boomers and Generation X) prioritized food quality, while younger generations (Generation Y and Generation Z) emphasized price. Statistically significant differences emerged between generations regarding the product's country of origin, with older generations emphasizing its importance more. The oldest group (Baby Boomers) considered ecological certification most important. As much as 85.9% of Poles checked product expiration dates while buying products, and 82.8% bought only as much as they needed. Baby Boomers most often exhibited these two behaviors and can be considered the most responsible among all generations. (4) Conclusions: This article highlights the importance of comprehensive sustainability efforts in the context of food choices. It takes into account the socio-cultural and historical circumstances of each generation that influence their consumer habits.

Health Professionals' Perspectives on Commercially Available Intravenous Nutrient Therapies: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND

Intravenous nutrient therapies (IVNTs) have gained popularity on the commercial market. Targeted at people with a variety of ailments and needs, the procedures allegedly offer numerous benefits and quick results, widely advertised on the websites of drip bars and health clinics as well as in the available literature. What is less often presented is the point of view of the customers of such services and the opinions of health personnel. Although the latter perspective seems to be crucial, little is known about it. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to present the opinions and experiences of health professionals (n = 188) on commercially available IVNTs dedicated to adults.

METHODS

The study was conducted between April 2019 and March 2020 by means of a survey using an ad hoc questionnaire made available mainly to health professionals attending public health postgraduate courses at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland.

RESULTS

As many as 91.5% of the respondents had heard of commercially available IVNTs (mostly from the media), and 47.3% knew of a facility offering such services. Among the possible situations where the use of IVNTs would be justified, the most commonly mentioned was a diagnosed nutrient deficiency (37.8%), while the least common ones were libido problems (1.1%) and the need to speed up metabolism (2.1%). For 25.5% of the respondents, there was no good rationale for using IVNTs. As many as 15.4% had no opinion on the subject. Health risks of IVNTs were recognised by 95.2% of professionals, with the biggest concerns being the lack of full information on patients' health status and medical contraindications (84%), the risk of overdose and interactions (77.1%), and hypersensitivity or allergic reactions (75.5%). Among the reasons for IVNTs' popularity, the respondents listed not only fads spread by celebrities and social media (89.4%) and the need for quick, effortless remedies (77.1%), but also reasons inherent in the Polish healthcare system. As many as 80.3% of the respondents stressed the need for public health institutions to take a stand on commercial IVNTs. Knowing of an IVNT facility was not significantly associated with the opinions of professionals in key areas.

CONCLUSION

Postgraduate public health courses are a good opportunity to engage health professionals in discussions about the current challenges, trends, and needs in the area of health promotion and healthcare. This study's findings shed some light on the opinions about IVNTs held by health professionals, who are important stakeholders of the healthcare system. Thus, these findings may help to better understand the popularity of IVNTs and incorporate health professionals' perspectives in future efforts aiming to increase the awareness of IVNT-related health risks among both professionals and patients.

The 12-Step Pathway to Spiritual Growth and Gratitude and Its Relationship With Well-Being Among the Members of Sexaholics Anonymous in Poland

Despite the well-established role of mutual-aid groups in addiction treatment, no research has yet explored the role of the 12-step pathway in spiritual growth and gratitude, or its direct and indirect relationships with well-being among individuals with compulsive sexual behavior disorders (CSBD). The purpose of the current study was to examine the number of 12 steps completed as an antecedent of spiritual growth and gratitude and its relationship with well-being among members of Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). The sample consisted of 80 individuals (72 men and 8 women) attending SA meetings in Poland. The study variables were measured using the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale, Gratitude Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and a single question regarding the number of 12 steps completed. A path analysis showed that the number of 12 steps completed was negatively and directly related to negative affect. Moreover, the number of 12 steps completed was related to higher spiritual growth, which was directly related to higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of negative affect, and indirectly, through gratitude, to higher levels of life satisfaction and positive affect. The results suggest that spiritual growth, rooted in the 12-step program, and its ability to increase gratitude, may promote recovery from CSBD.

No evidence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among pet cats and dogs, and low seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus among pet rabbits in Poland

The seroprevalence of Paslahepevirus balayani genotype 3 (hepatitis E virus genotype 3 - HEV-3; Hepeviridae family, genus Paslahepevirus) in pet cats, dogs and rabbits was evaluated. Samples from cats and dogs were collected from three veterinary practices from various parts of Poland: Poznan (wielkopolskie voivodeship), Przemysl (podkarpackie voivodeship) and Lublin (lubelskie voivodeship). Samples from rabbits were collected in Poznan. In total, serum samples from 90 cats, 82 dogs and 71 rabbits were selected and tested for specific anti-HEV-3 immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a commercial ELISA test. Pathogen seroprevalence among rabbits was calculated at a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each gender, age (up to 12 months, 1-3 years, 4-7 years and over 8 years), symptoms group (healthy, gastrointestinal disorders, other disorders) and compared with a chi-squared test. No anti-HEV-3 IgG antibodies were detected in any of the samples from cats and dogs. Anti-HEV-3 IgG antibodies were detected in 2.82% of the serum samples from rabbits (2/71; 95% CI: 0.78-9.70). No significant correlations between seropositivity and gender, age, and symptoms (p > 0.05) were observed in rabbits. Our findings indicate that pet rabbits in Poland are exposed to HEV-3, develop humoral response due to infection and might constitute a source for HEV-3 transmission to humans.

Re-evaluating the suitability of using fluoroquinolones in the treatment of infections in the context of FQ consumption and correlating changes to microorganism resistance levels in EU/EEA countries between 2016 and 2021

The aim of this study was to re-evaluate fluoroquinolone (FQ) use in treatment by analyzing the consumption of FQ and the resistance levels of selected Gram‑negative bacilli, as well as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in EU/EEA countries and in Poland between 2016 and 2021. Data from ECDC surveillance systems EARS-Net, Euro-GASP, and the European Tuberculosis Surveillance Network were included in the description of pathogen resistance. And the ESAC-Net project for determining FQ consumption. In over half of the EU/EEA countries, the consumption of fluoroquinolones decreased in both the community sector and the hospital sector between 2016 and 2021. The prevalence of FQ-R Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae exceeded 20%. The prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQ-R) Pseudomonas aeruginosa in EU/EEA countries was less than 20% except for 2017. In most EU/EEA countries, the use of FQ has reduced in last years, except for countries like Poland where FQ were an overused group of antibiotics in the treatment of various types of infections. Fluoroquinolones, as life-saving antibiotics in severe infections, should be withdrawn from empirical treatment in Poland and in countries with a high prevalence of FQ-R microorganisms.

Pathological Changes in Early Medieval Horses from Different Archaeological Sites in Poland

The work is the first comprehensive analysis of equine pathological changes from the Polish territory. The research material was collected from 20 archaeological sites, mainly early medieval settlements, such as strongholds, settlements, towns and horse graves. In the material examined, 186 cases of lesions were found. Of these, 26.9% were lesions of the spine, 39.8% lesions of the limb skeleton and 31.7% lesions of the head including dental pathologies. Most of the lesions in the limbs involved their distal segments. The vast majority of pathological cases can be linked to animal use. It was found that horses in which pathological lesions were observed were used under cover. In one case, the observed cranial trauma was the cause of death associated with injury to the nasal auricles and large vessels and consequent blood loss and possible shock. It was found that, in some of the cases, the horses started to be used early which affected their organs of motion and spine.

Phylodynamic evolution of HIV-1 A6 sub-subtype epidemics in Poland

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) A6 sub-subtype is highly prevalent in Eastern Europe. Over the past decade, the dissemination of the A6 lineage has been expanding in Poland. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine may further escalate the spread of this sub-subtype. While evolutionary studies using viral sequences have been instrumental in identifying the HIV epidemic patterns, the origins, and dynamics of the A6 sub-subtype in Poland remain to be explored. We analyzed 1185 HIV-1 A6 pol sequences from Poland, along with 8318 publicly available sequences from other countries. For analyses, phylogenetic tree construction, population dynamics inference, Bayesian analysis, and discrete phylogeographic modeling were employed. Of the introduction events to Poland, 69.94% originated from Ukraine, followed by 29.17% from Russia. Most A6 sequences in Poland (53.16%) formed four large clades, with their introductions spanning 1993-2008. Central and Southern Polish regions significantly influenced migration events. Transmissions among men who have sex with men (MSM) emerged as the dominant risk group for virus circulation, representing 72.92% of migration events. Sequences from migrants were found primarily outside the large clades. Past migration from Ukraine has fueled the spread of the A6 sub-subtype and the current influx of war-displaced people maintains the growing national epidemic.

Good weather for a ride (or not?): how weather conditions impact road accidents - a case study from Wielkopolska (Poland)

This study offers a likely assessment of extreme meteorological events' impact on human perceptivity, frame of mind or even health during driving which might have had a consequence as a car accident. Research covered an analysis of car accidents during period 2010-2019 in the Wielkopolska (Poland) and four indices like maximum daily temperature, maximum value of humidex, difference between maximum temperatures observed from day to day and also difference between mean atmospheric pressure at the sea level observed from day to day. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) approach was used to obtain the relationship between these indices and car accidents. Our finding evidence that the "good weather for a ride" conditions are actually generating an increased risk of accidents. For indices related to high temperature, i.e., maximum temperature and humidex, it was possible to identify the critical values by which the risks of car accidents were the highest.

Social capital and all-cause mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among middle-aged and older people: Prospective cohort study in Poland

Prior to the pandemic, studies demonstrated the mainly protective role of structural social capital on all-cause mortality, less evidence had been found for a protective role for cognitive social capital. However, some findings from the early stage of the pandemic suggest that civic participation and group affiliation may be associated with more COVID-19-related deaths, as was interpersonal trust. Thus, the study aimed to verify indicators of individual social capital as risk factors for 7.6-year all-cause mortality before COVID-19 pandemic and 1.6-year all-cause mortality during of the pandemic among men and women aged 50+ years in Poland. The Polish part of the COURAGE in Europe cross-sectional baseline study was conducted in 2011. The analysis included 2913 face-to-face interviews with randomly selected community-dwelling individuals. Information about deaths was obtained from the State Systems Department on Oct 7, 2021. Various aspects of structural and cognitive social capital were measured. The Cox proportional hazard models were used. Before the pandemic, a protective effect of structural (formal and informal social participation) and cognitive social capital (trust in family, trust in co-workers) on the risk of death was observed in women. However, a negative effect of cognitive social capital (trust in strangers) was found for women and men. No positive effect of social capital during the pandemic after controlling for the health-related characteristics was found. A negative effect of generalized trust on all-cause mortality during the pandemic was discerned for men, a negative effect of the level of one's social network was found in women. The observed patterns of relationships were totally different for analyzed periods of time, and different for men and women. Consequently, planning of social interventions directed towards middle and older age groups should consider various actions for men and women separately. The need for continuous evaluation of implemented social interventions was emphasized.

The Oldest Bryophyte Herbarium Specimens from Central Europe, Collected by M. E. Boretius in 1717: Taxonomy, Nomenclature, Datation and Ethnopharmacology

The WA Herbarium at the University of Warsaw houses a collection of plants created in 1717 by Matthew Ernest Boretius. They were gathered in former East Prussia, near Angerburg, now Węgorzewo (Poland). It is the oldest plant collection from this part of Europe. Boretius compiled the herbarium as a collection of all the surrounding plants, but their folk names (Polish and German) recorded in the herbarium confirm the ethnobiological or ethnopharmaceutical importance of some species. We identified bryophyte species and checked the accuracy of their original identifications recorded in the herbarium. We provided their Latin (scientific, pre-Linnaean) nomenclature together with German and Polish vernacular names. We contextualised this information within the history of the medicinal use of bryophytes around 1717, when the plant collection was created. We also investigated whether the specimens could have come from Northeastern Poland. Mosses and liverworts from the herbarium were identified nomenclaturally (by means of their original scientific polynomial names written on herbarium sheets) and taxonomically. The herbarium holds two species and one subspecies of liverwort and 27 species and one variety of moss. The accuracy of the original identifications was assessed, with a particular focus on the species considered medicinal at the time. We found that bryophytes were poorly known in the time of Boretius, which was the last period in bryology before the introduction of magnifying devices into this science (this crucial step was made by Dillenius in 1741). The vernacular names used in the herbarium were recorded for Marchantia polymorpha and Polytrichum commune-the only two species with confirmed medicinal use by the year 1717.

How COVID-19 has changed the utilization of different health care services in Poland

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health care systems in many ways, including access to and the use of non-COVID services. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the pandemic on the utilization of different public health care services in Poland.

METHODS

The aggregated data on health care users and provided services for the years 2015/2016-2021 were used to analyse the changes in health care utilization during the pandemic and deviations from pre-pandemic utilization trends. Quantitative analysis was complemented with qualitative descriptions of the changes in principles of health care provision during the pandemic.

RESULTS

The results show a considerable drop in the provision of most health care services in 2020 that in some cases disturbed pre-pandemic utilization trends and was not made up for in 2021. The most significant decrease has been observed in the field of preventive and public health services, as well as rehabilitation. The provision of these services was put on hold during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The accumulated COVID-19-related "health debt" urgently calls for government actions to strengthen disease prevention and health promotion in Poland.

Application of ADMS-Urban for an area with a high contribution of residential heating emissions - model verification and sensitivity study for PM2.5

Air pollution poses a significant risk to both human health and the environment in the contemporary world. Among the various pollutants, particulate matter with a diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) is regarded as the most hazardous. It has been implicated in over four million global fatalities in 2019 alone. This research paper divulges the outcomes of modelling the spatial-temporal fluctuations of PM2.5 concentrations within the confines of Wroclaw, a city situated in Poland, Central Europe. The model's output was evaluated through comparison with collected data from two government-operated monitoring stations within the city. For this study, we used the ADMS-Urban model and tested two different sources of background data (low-cost sensors and the EMEP MSC-W atmospheric chemistry transport model). The statistical analysis conducted in the paper indicates that the model reproduces the temporal variability of PM2.5. The conclusions from this research indicate that the average annual PM2.5 concentration within Wroclaw is 13.8 μg/m3, with the concentration peaking in the month of March. The spatial distribution reveals the highest PM2.5 concentrations primarily in the southern and western zones of the city, with additional elevated concentrations observed sporadically throughout the city. The study unveils that 1.3 % of Wroclaw's area experiences PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the EU's annual limit of 20 μg/m3. When considered in relation to the WHO's suggested annual average level of 5 μg/m3, Wroclaw city experiences exceedances throughout. When background concentrations are excluded from the model, the annual average PM2.5 concentration across the city is noted to be reduced by >50 %. A thorough investigation of the city's emission structure, taking into account only emissions from the city without background, indicates that the residential sector contributes about 77.3 % of the total annual average PM2.5 concentration in Wroclaw. The transportation and industrial sectors account for nearly 19.5 % and 3.2 %, respectively.

Heated tobacco products and cigarette marketing in nightclubs in Gdansk, Poland: A mixed-methods analysis

INTRODUCTION

Although advertising and promotion of tobacco products in Poland are prohibited, tobacco companies exploit legal loopholes and insufficient enforcement of the laws to conduct their marketing. To reach young adults, advertisements are placed in entertainment and social venues. This aspect of tobacco product marketing in Poland remains under-researched. The main aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of advertising and promotion of tobacco products in nightclubs in Gdansk, a large city in northern Poland.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center observational study of nightclubs in Gdansk, between July and October 2022. Two independent observers visited 30 nightclubs and collected information using pre-prepared research form. The occurrences of tobacco branded bar accessories, logo signs, package displays and other forms of advertising and promotion were recorded. Where possible, photographs of visible marketing displays were taken.

RESULTS

Advertising of tobacco products was present in 2/3 of the nightclubs observed. The most commonly advertised product category were heated tobacco products. Tobacco brand representatives promoted and offered consumers free tobacco product samples. Multi-level marketing activities were observed, including tobacco branded bar accessories, prominent sale points and tobacco brand logo signs.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of nightclubs observed in Gdansk advertise and promote tobacco products. The ban on tobacco advertising and promotion is being violated in nightclubs, where the most commonly advertised products are heated tobacco products. The authorities should take steps to extend the bans to cover private promotion and enforce the law to protect high-risk individuals from smoking initiation and relapse.

National Regulation on Processing Data for Scientific Research Purposes and Biobanking Activities: Reflections on the Experience in Austria

The application of the latest technologies in biology and medicine has brought them to a qualitatively new level of possibilities. Worldwide, biobanking is actively developing through the creation of biobanks of various types and purposes, whose resources are used to solve therapeutic or scientific problems. Legal science remains an open question concerning the boundary that runs between the right to data protection and the scope of disclosure of data needed for medical purposes. In this article, the author considers peculiarities of data processing in the context of biobanking activity on the example of Austria and its national legislation. In addition, the article reveals features of the approaches of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Council of Europe to the issue of biobanking in general, its characteristics in the context of data, and legal regulation of this phenomenon in the national law of states. The author devoted an important part of the study to the role of Austria's experience in the context of data processing for scientific purposes and the development of biobanking for a number of other European states. The aim of the article is to analyze the Austrian legislation on data processing for scientific research and biobanking, the attitude of the Council of Europe to this phenomenon, and the practice of the ECtHR, as well as to consider the impact of the current world situation on these activities. The leading method of research used in the article is the formal-legal method. The article analyzes the Austrian law in the context of data processing in medical research, the relationship of the specifics of personal data protection, and the need to disclose them for scientific purposes. The author pays special attention to the influence of Austrian law on the legislation of other countries, which is reflected in the conclusions to the article. In addition, based on an analysis of the application of the Austrian experience to the legislation of Poland and Ukraine, the author points out the necessary changes that should be made in the laws of these countries.

Inventory study on completeness of tuberculosis case notifications in Poland in 2018

BackgroundEvaluating tuberculosis (TB) notification completeness is important for monitoring TB surveillance systems, while estimating the TB disease burden is crucial for control strategies.AimWe conducted an inventory study to assess TB reporting completeness in Poland in 2018.MethodsUsing a double-pronged inventory approach, we compared notifications of culture-positive TB cases in the National TB Register to records of diagnostic laboratories. We calculated under-reporting both with observed and capture-recapture (CRC)-estimated case numbers. We further compared the notifications by region (i.e. voivodship), sex, and age to aggregated data from hospitalised TB patients, which provided an independent estimate of reporting completeness.ResultsIn 2018, 4,075 culture-positive TB cases were notified in Poland, with 3,789 linked to laboratory records. Laboratories reported further 534 TB patients, of whom 456 were linked to notifications from 2017 or 2019. Thus, 78 (534 - 456) cases were missing in the National TB Register, yielding an observed TB under-reporting of 1.9% (78/(4,075 + 78) × 100). CRC-modelled total number of cases in 2018 was 4,176, corresponding to 2.4% ((4,176 - 4,075)/4,176 × 100) under-reporting. Based on aggregated hospitalisation data from 13 of 16 total voivodeships, under-reporting was 5.1% (3,482/(3,670 - 3,482) × 100), similar in both sexes but varying between voivodeships and age groups.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the surveillance system captures ≥ 90% of estimated TB cases in Poland; thus, the notification rate is a good proxy for the diagnosed TB incidence in Poland. Reporting delays causing discrepancies between data sources could be improved by the planned change from a paper-based to a digital reporting system.

Cutaneous myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Oestridae) in a Polish traveller to South America - a case report

Myiasis, an infestation caused by dipteran larvae, commonly known as maggots, is one of the most common parasitic skin disorders in the tropical regions. Authors report a case of cutaneous myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Oestridae) in a Polish traveller returning from a self-organized trip to South America. Species biology, prophylaxis, and medical implications of this tropical parasitosis are discussed.

Relationship between eating patterns and emotional distress, and perceived quality of life in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with numerous hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive manifestations. Because of the variety of adverse consequences associated with the condition, women with PCOS suffer emotional distress, resulting in reduced health-related quality of life. Similar to other chronic conditions, eating patterns have been shown effective in impacting the quality of life of PCOS patients. Therefore, lifestyle modifications are recommended as a first-line therapy for PCOS, before prescribing any pharmaceutical management of the PCOS. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, emotional distress, and perceived quality of life in women with diagnosed PCOS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The cross-sectional study included 130 women with PCOS aged 18 - 60 years from the Polish population. The respondents were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire developed for the purpose of the study, inspired by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18), and the Eating attitude questionnaire (Eat-26).

RESULTS

Respondents were found to experience emotional distress regardless of how healthy their diet. Nonetheless, the results showed that women who followed a healthier eating pattern had lower occurrence of experiencing mood swings, and less often felt triggered in the social context. The group did not show a tendency to over-eat, gain weight, or binge eating.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthier eating habits, besides providing advantages in weight management, may mitigate symptoms of emotional distress and improve the quality of life in women with PCOS.

[Occupational carcinogens and mutagens in Poland - occurrence and workers' exposure in the years 2018-2021 based on the data from Central register of carcinogenic or mutagenic agents]

BACKGROUND

Central register of data on exposure to carcinogenic or mutagenic chemical substances, their mixtures, agents or technological processes (CRCR) conducted by Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM) enables monitoring of such agents occurrence in working environment in Poland. The NIOM conducts CRCR based on the provisions of the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 24 July 2012 on chemical substances, their mixtures, agents or technological processes with carcinogenic or mutagenic effects in the work environment. The work summarizes the information reported to CRCR in 2018-2021.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data were extracted from CRCR, to which it was transferred by sanitary inspections. The data were extracted from CRCR. Data in this register is gathered based on employers' notifications to sanitary inspection. The study includes the number of reported agents (chemical substances and technological processes), the number of enterprises and the number of persons exposed to particular groups of agents (chemical substances, technological processes, ionizing radiation).

RESULTS

The number of substances notified to the CRCR increases, from 382 reported substances in 2018 to 444 in 2021. Significant increase in the number of enterprises reporting technological processes (from 981 in 2018 to 5422 in 2021) and the number of exposed persons results from the law amendments extending the list of carcinogenic or mutagenic processes.

CONCLUSIONS

The CRCR is a unique database on the occurrence and exposure to occupational carcinogens and mutagens, in which data from over 20 years has been collected. The increase in the number of reports to the register was mainly influenced by legislative changes regarding carcinogenic or mutagenic agents. Due to amount and complexity of data, they can be used for analysis in projects and programs aimed at raising awareness and reducing risk of occupational exposure to carcinogens and also during legislative works in Poland and in the EU. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(5):399-407.

Nutritional Status, Intentions and Motivations towards Adopting a Planetary Health Diet-A Cross-Sectional Study

The planetary health diet is a proposition of a diet that is healthy for both people and the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional behaviours among people who follow the planetary health diet and those who do not and assess the source of motivation that drives a willingness to follow sustainable diet guidelines. Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from Polish adult volunteers. For analysis, respondents were divided into the following two groups: those following a planetary health diet (PD) and those who were not (O). Of the 216 respondents, 39.4% followed the PD. Non-adherence to the PD was linked to a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity. Taste was the most important factor for both groups during grocery shopping. However, sustainable agriculture and the health benefits of products were significantly more important for the PD followers. It can be concluded that adherence to the planetary diet is associated with lower body mass. This highlights the need for increased awareness and education about a diet's health benefits and environmental impact.