The aim of the study was to evaluate selected quality-related factors of salami-type sausages as nutritional and chemical composition, texture attributes, safety and microbiological status of dry-cured, salami-type sausage spontaneously fermented, produced from the meat of Polish Red (PR; polska czerwona) and White-Backed (WB; białogrzbieta) native cattle breeds. The work involved the evaluation of the following properties: chemical (basic chemical composition, biogenic amine content), physicochemical (pH, water activity aw, color and texture parameters) and microbiological (lactic acid bacteria LAB and coagulase-negative staphylococci CNS). Ripening time, pH and aw affected the populations of LAB and CNS and determined the redness and brightness of the final products. Sausages produced from PR and WB cattle meat did not differ in their basic chemical composition and therefore exhibited comparable energy values. Significant differences were observed between PR and WB sausages in color parameters, particularly redness and lightness as well as in the proportion of lactic acid bacteria. Despite comparable processing conditions, WB sausages showed a significantly higher histamine content, indicating differences in the metabolic activity of the bacteria. The use of black garlic significantly affected the color characteristics of the sausages, resulting in lower lightness, reduced color saturation, and greater overall color deviation. Sausages containing black garlic were characterized by higher hardness and shear force, but lower springiness, despite comparable water, protein, and fat contents. Increased salinity, reduced water activity, and low pH, regardless of garlic type, did not inhibit the growth of LAB but limited the development of CNS.
Salmonellosis is a foodborne bacterial disease caused by Salmonella spp. (excluding S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi) and remains a significant public health concern in Poland and worldwide. According to the CDC, the true burden of infection may be substantially underestimated. In 2023, the epidemiological situation in Poland returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, reaching some of the highest values observed in recent years. The aim of this article is to present and compare the epidemiological situation of salmonellosis in Poland in 2023 with that observed in previous years. The analysis was based on individual case data on salmonellosis, data on foodborne disease outbreaks reported to the EpiBaza and ROE systems, bulletins and articles published by the National Institute of Public Health NIH NIPH - PIB, scientific publications, data from the ECDC website, and data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS). In 2023, 10,348 cases of salmonellosis were reported in Poland, with an incidence rate of 27.4 per 100,000 population; 61.7% of cases required hospitalization. The predominant serotype was Salmonella Enteritidis (71%). A total of 1,220 foodborne outbreaks were recorded, including 396 salmonellosis outbreaks, with 147 imported cases. Nineteen deaths due to Salmonella infection were reported. In 2023, Poland accounted for 13% of all reported salmonellosis cases in the EU, with an incidence rate higher than the EU average and comparable to pre-COVID-19 levels. The proportion of imported infections remained low, with Turkey most frequently identified as the country of origin in both Poland and the EU. Monitoring imported cases is important due to the risk of introducing rarely isolated serotypes. Notably, an outbreak caused by the rare serotype Salmonella Agama, affecting over 30 individuals, was identified against the background of dominant Salmonella Enteritidis infections in Poland. Salmoneloza to bakteryjna choroba zakaźna wywoływana przez pałeczki z rodzaju Salmonella (inne niż S. Typhi i S. Paratyphi), przenoszona drogą pokarmową lub przez kontakt z zakażonymi osobami, zwierzętami lub ich odchodami. Choroba od lat istotnie wpływa na zdrowie publiczne w Polsce i na świecie. Według CDC rzeczywista liczba zakażeń może być nawet 30-krotnie wyższa niż liczba zgłoszona w systemach nadzoru. W 2023 r. sytuacja epidemiologiczna salmoneloz w Polsce powróciła do poziomów sprzed pandemii COVID-19, osiągając jedne z najwyższych wartości w ostatnich kilkunastu latach. Artykuł ma na celu przedstawienie i porównanie sytuacji epidemiologicznej salmoneloz w Polsce w 2023 roku z latami wcześniejszymi. Analizę przeprowadzono na podstawie jednostkowych danych o zachorowaniach na salmonelozy, danych dotyczących ognisk chorób przenoszonych drogą pokarmową wprowadzonych do systemu EpiBaza i ROE, biuletynów i artykułów NIZP PZH – PIB, artykułów naukowych, danych ze strony ECDC i danych GUS. W 2023 r. w Polsce zarejestrowano 10 348 przypadków salmoneloz, w tym 9 856 jelitowych i 492 pozajelitowe; hospitalizacji wymagało 61,7% chorych. Wskaźnik zapadalności wyniósł 27,4/100 tys. ludności, najwyższy w woj. podkarpackim (52,5/100 tys.), najniższy w zachodniopomorskim (12,2/100 tys.). Dominującym serotypem była Salmonella Enteritidis (71%). Odnotowano 1 220 ognisk zatruć pokarmowych, w tym 396 salmonelozowych; zakażenia importowane stanowiły 147 przypadków. W wyniku zakażenia pałeczkami z rodzaju Salmonella zmarło 19 osób. W 2023 r. Polska odpowiadała za 13% wszystkich zgłoszonych przypadków salmonelozy w UE, a wskaźnik zapadalności był wyraźnie wyższy od średniej unijnej, powracając do poziomów sprzed pandemii COVID-19 i osiągając jedne z najwyższych wartości w ostatnich kilkunastu latach. Odsetek zakażeń importowanych pozostawał niski, a Turcja była najczęściej wskazywanym krajem źródłowym także w UE. Monitorowanie przypadków importowanych jest istotne ze względu na możliwość zawlekania rzadko izolowanych serotypów. Na tle dominującego serotypu Salmonella Enteritidis w Polsce uwagę zwracało ognisko wywołane przez rzadko izolowany serotyp Salmonella Agama, obejmujące ponad 30 osób.
Many countries have legalised gambling, negatively impacting public health. Stakeholders are particularly concerned about online gambling advertising harming young adults. The Netherlands has legalised offline and online gambling, but subsequently introduced restrictions on advertising. Specifically, advertisements must not target young adults aged between 18 and 23. The EU Digital Services Act requires major social media platforms to publish databases of all paid adverts shown and disclose which demographic groups were the intended targets and how many users were eventually reached. We assessed whether Dutch gambling ads on social media illegally targeted under-24s. We systematically collected recent advertisements (N = 277) published by both online and offline Dutch gambling licensees and associated demographic targeting and reach data using Meta's Ad Library. We then assessed whether the age range of users targeted by those ads included prohibited targets. The compliance rate was 92.7% for online gambling licensee ads, but only 70.2% for offline licensee ads. A significant minority of gambling ads illegally targeted Dutch young adults under 24. Whilst compliance is relatively high, building some confidence, the regulator must robustly enforce the rule against all licensees. Meta should adopt platform-level changes to reduce compliance friction. Prohibiting gambling adverts from targeting vulnerable demographics using technology is a practicable policy. Legally mandated data access can facilitate public scrutiny of policy implementation, enhancing accountability. Other countries may benefit from emulating these Dutch gambling advertising restrictions and EU advertising transparency regulations, better protecting vulnerable consumer demographics and enabling local research.
During hospitalization, older patients are exposed to an environment that differs from their home environment, which is particularly difficult for them. This article is a descriptive review of articles concerning the identification of factors relevant to the well-being of older people requiring hospitalization, covering data from the PubMed database 2015-2025. These factors included aspects of the hospital environment (such as interior design, furniture, lighting, music, the presence of friends or family), leisure activities, physical activity, adequate sleeping conditions and a sense of security. New technologies, such as smartphones and wearable devices, can help to achieve these goals. Elderly-friendly hospitals should recognise the specific needs of older people and provide them with security, well-being and privacy. Ultimately, improving the comfort of elderly patients in hospital leads to better treatment outcomes. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(4). Starsi pacjenci podczas hospitalizacji narażeni są na zmianę warunków otoczenia na inne niż domowe, co jest dla nich szczególnie trudne. Niniejszy artykuł jest przeglądem opisowym artykułów dotyczących identyfikacji czynników mających znaczenie dla dobrostanu osób starszych wymagających hospitalizacji, obejmującym dane z bazy PubMed z lat 2015–2025. Takimi czynnikami były m.in. otoczenie szpitalne (w rozumieniu architektury wnętrz, umeblowania, oświetlenia, muzyki, obecności osób bliskich), sposób spędzania wolnego czasu, aktywność fizyczna, odpowiednie warunki do snu i poczucie bezpieczeństwa. Realizacji tych celów mogą służyć nowe technologie, np. smartfony i urządzenia noszone przez pacjentów. Szpitale przyjazne dla starszych osób powinny rozpoznawać szczególne potrzeby seniorów, zapewniać im poczucie bezpieczeństwa, dobrostanu i prywatności. Poprawa komfortu starszych pacjentów leczonych w szpitalu przynosi poprawę wyników leczenia. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(4).
The article analyzes the status of parasitic infections in Poland, with a focus on pinworm, roundworm, and giardiasis. It highlights gaps in disease monitoring following legal changes in 2008 that eliminated reporting requirements for many parasitic diseases. The last reliable epidemiological data (from 2008) show an 18% increase in roundworm cases and a 21% rise in pinworm infections, alongside a decline in trichinellosis and toxoplasmosis. The authors emphasize the nonspecific symptoms of these infections, such as sleep disturbances, abdominal pain, asthma-like signs, and allergic reactions, which complicate diagnosis. The mechanisms of antiparasitic drugs (benzimidazoles, pyrantel, nitroimidazoles), their adverse effects (including autoimmune risks in children), and the growing problem of parasite resistance are discussed in detail. The article compares the effectiveness of mass deworming programs in developing countries with the situation in Poland, where better sanitation and the lack of up-to-date epidemiological data make such interventions potentially harmful. Instead of blanket prophylaxis, the authors recommend individualized therapy, strengthened epidemiological surveillance, and health education, particularly targeting children and their caregivers. Artykuł analizuje sytuację zakażeń pasożytniczych w Polsce, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem owsicy, glistnicy i lambliozy. Wskazuje na luki w systemie monitorowania tych chorób po zmianach prawnych w 2008 roku, które zniosły obowiązek zgłaszania wielu inwazji pasożytniczych. Ostatnie wiarygodne dane epidemiologiczne pochodzą z 2008 roku i wykazują wzrost zachorowań na glistnicę (o 18%) oraz owsicę (o 21%), przy jednoczesnym spadku przypadków włośnicy i toksoplazmozy. Autorzy podkreślają niespecyficzne objawy tych infekcji, takie jak zaburzenia snu, bóle brzucha, objawy przypominające astmę czy reakcje alergiczne, co znacznie utrudnia diagnozę. Omówiono mechanizmy działania leków przeciwpasożytniczych (benzimidazole, pyrantel, nitroimidazole), ich działania niepożądane (w tym ryzyko chorób autoimmunologicznych u dzieci) oraz narastający problem oporności pasożytów. W artykule porównano skuteczność masowych programów odrobaczania w krajach rozwijających się z sytuacją w Polsce, gdzie ze względu na lepsze warunki sanitarne i brak aktualnych danych epidemiologicznych, takie działania mogą przynieść więcej szkód niż korzyści. Zamiast profilaktyki masowej, zaleca się indywidualne podejście do terapii, wzmocnienie nadzoru epidemiologicznego oraz edukację zdrowotną, szczególnie wśród dzieci i ich opiekunów.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate carcass composition, physicochemical properties, color, texture, and microstructure of the breast muscles of three regional goose breeds: Kartuska, Suwalska, and Rypińska, taking into account the effects of sex and the genotype × sex interaction. A total of 42 goose carcasses were analyzed, including 7 females and 7 males from each genotype. Genotype had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the proportion of breast muscles, leg muscles, and skin with subcutaneous fat. The higher percentage of breast muscles was observed in males of the Kartuska and Suwalska breeds, while Kartuska females also exhibited a greater share of this trait compared with Suwalska and Rypińska females. Kartuska males were characterized by the highest proportion of leg muscles, and both males and females of this genotype had the lowest percentage of skin with subcutaneous fat. Genotype did not affect carcass weight or the proportion of abdominal fat, wings, neck, or carcass remains. Males had higher carcass weight and a lower proportion of skin with subcutaneous fat compared with females. Genotype significantly affected (P < 0.05) the chemical composition of breast and leg muscles. Kartuska geese were characterized by higher protein and lower fat content in the breast muscles, whereas Suwalska geese showed the highest protein and lowest fat content in the leg muscles. The highest water content in both breast and leg muscles was mainly observed in Suwalska geese. Females were characterized by higher fat content in the breast muscles and lower protein content in the leg muscles compared with males. Genotype also influenced the pH of breast and leg muscles and cooking loss in leg muscles. Kartuska geese exhibited higher pH values, whereas greater cooking loss was observed in Suwalska males and in Rypińska females. Neither genotype nor sex significantly affected electrical conductivity or most color parameters with the exception of lightness (L*) of the breast musclesa and redness (a*) values in the leg muscles. Texture analysis revealed a significant effect of genotype on springiness, with breast muscles of Kartuska geese being more elastic. Regardless of genotype, males were characterized by higher hardness, springiness, chewiness, and gumminess compared with females. Microstructural analysis of the breast muscles demonstrated a significant effect of genotype and sex on most structural parameters. The largest muscle fiber cross-sectional area and horizontal diameter were observed in Kartuska females and Suwalska males. Rypińska geese were characterized by the smallest fiber diameter. In conclusion, both genotype and sex significantly differentiated carcass traits and meat quality of the analyzed regional goose breeds, with clear interactions between these factors, particularly in terms of chemical composition and muscle microstructure.
Kinase inhibitors are commonly used in research and clinical practice. Among them, irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as afatinib and osimertinib, constitute an important subclass. The aim of this study was to create an irreversible covalent EGFR TKI exhibiting endogenous fluorescence, i.e., intrinsic fluorescence without the need for additional fluorochromes. These compounds, designated SQI-2, SLT40, and SLT41, were successfully developed and shown to effectively inhibit the EGFR, EGFRL858R/T790M, and EGFRvIII kinases. The developed compounds are suitable for a range of cytochemical analyses, including real-time assays. The proposed TKIs may serve as research and diagnostic tools and represent precursors of new types of therapeutic compounds.
In 2023, a significant increase in the number of pertussis cases was recorded in Poland, which is consistent with the trend of a resurgence of respiratory diseases observed across Europe following the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase is related to factors such as declining population immunity, delays in vaccinations, and diagnostic difficulties, particularly in adults and adolescents. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2023 compared to the situation in previous years, with particular emphasis on assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and assessing the vaccination status of children against pertussis. The assessment of the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland was made based on the results of the analysis of individual reports on pertussis cases registered at the National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute in the EpiBaza system and data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" and the bulletin "Vaccinations in Poland in 2023". In 2023, 922 cases of pertussis were recorded. The incidence was 2.45/100,000, which was 150% higher than in 2022. The highest incidence of pertussis occurred in children aged 0-4 years (17.3/100,000), and high in children aged 5-9 years (7.6/100,000). Approximately 45% of cases occurred in people over 15 years of age. In 2023, the number of pertussis cases in Poland increased more than 2.5-fold compared to the previous year, which is due, among other things, to the complete lifting of pandemic restrictions and an increase in social contacts. Pertussis remains a significant public health threat, and waning post-vaccination immunity promotes transmission, especially among adolescents and adults, who can infect infants. W 2023 roku w Polsce odnotowano istotny wzrost liczby zachorowań na krztusiec, co wpisuje się w obserwowany w całej Europie trend nawrotu chorób układu oddechowego po pandemii COVID-19. Wzrost ten jest związany m.in. ze spadkiem odporności populacyjnej, opóźnieniami w szczepieniach oraz trudnościami w diagnostyce, zwłaszcza u dorosłych i młodzieży. Celem pracy była ocena sytuacji epidemiologicznej krztuśca w Polsce w 2023 r. w porównaniu z sytuacją w ubiegłych latach, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem oceny wpływu pandemii COVID-19 oraz oceny stanu zaszczepienia dzieci przeciw krztuścowi. Ocena sytuacji epidemiologicznej krztuśca w Polsce została wykonana na podstawie wyników analizy raportów jednostkowych o zachorowaniach na krztusiec zarejestrowanych w NIZP PZH – PIB w systemie EpiBaza oraz danych z biuletynów rocznych „Choroby zakaźne i zatrucia w Polsce” oraz biuletynu „Szczepienia ochronne w Polsce w 2023 r.”. W 2023 r. zarejestrowano 922 zachorowań na krztusiec. Zapadalność wynosiła 2,45 /100 tys. i była wyższa o 150% w porównaniu z zapadalnością w roku 2022. Najwyższa zapadalność na krztusiec wystąpiła u dzieci w grupie wieku 0-4 lata (17,3/100 tys.), a wysoka u dzieci w wieku 5-9 lat (7,6/100 tys.). Około 45% zachorowań dotyczyło osób powyżej 15 r.ż. W 2023 roku w Polsce liczba zachorowań na krztusiec wzrosła ponad 2,5-krotnie w porównaniu z rokiem poprzednim, co wiąże się m.in. z całkowitym zniesieniem ograniczeń pandemicznych i wzrostem liczby kontaktów społecznych. Krztusiec pozostaje istotnym zagrożeniem zdrowia publicznego, a wygasająca odporność poszczepienna sprzyja transmisji, zwłaszcza wśród młodzieży i dorosłych, którzy mogą zakażać niemowlęta. Najwyższą zapadalność odnotowano wśród dzieci w wieku 0-4 lat. Najbardziej narażone na ciężki przebieg i zgon są niemowlęta poniżej 6 miesiąca życia.
Occupational exposure to azodicarbonamide (ADCA) can occur via the respiratory tract or through skin in workplaces, e.g., in the production of plastics and rubber where it is used as a foaming agent or a porosity-increasing agent. Due to the irritant nature of ADCA on the respiratory tract, a concentration limit for it in workplace air has been established. This article presents a method for determining this substance in air. The determination method consists of the following steps: passing air containing ADCA through a glass fiber filter, extracting the substance adsorbed on the filter with acetonitrile, adding 1-naphthyl isothiocyanate and analyzing the obtained derivative using liquid chromatography. The studies were performed using an Agilent Technologies 1200 series chromatograph with a diode array detector at an analytical wavelength of 220 nm and an Ultra C18 column with a length of 25 cm and a diameter of 4.6 mm. The method is linear (r = 0.9998) in the working range of 0.08-1.6 μg/ml. This range, for an air sample of 360 l, allows for the determination of 0.002-0.04 mg of ADCA per cubic meter of air. The instrument detection limit was 0.03 ng/ml, and the instrument quantification limit was 0.10 ng/ml. The obtained values, including precision and expanded uncertainty for measurements, meet the requirements of the European standard PN-EN 482. The usefulness of the method for estimating workers' inhalation exposure to ADCA was confirmed. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(2):137-146. Narażenie zawodowe na 1,1’-azodi(formamid) (azodicarbonamide – ADCA) może wystąpić poprzez układ oddechowy lub skórę w miejscach pracy, np. przy produkcji tworzyw sztucznych i gumy, gdzie stosuje się go jako środek spieniający lub zwiększający porowatość. Ze względu na działanie uczulające na drogi oddechowe dla ADCA ustalono wartość dopuszczalną stężenia w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy. Artykuł przedstawia metodę oznaczania tej substancji w powietrzu. Metoda oznaczania składa się z następujących etapów: z przepuszczenia powietrza zawierającego ADCA przez filtr z włókna szklanego, ekstrakcji substancji zaadsorbowanej na filtrze acetonitrylem, dodania izotiocyjanianu 1-naftylu i analizie uzyskanej pochodnej przy użyciu chromatografii cieczowej. Badania wykonano z wykorzystaniem chromatografu Agilent Technologies serii 1200 z detektorem diodowym przy długości fali analitycznej 220 nm i z kolumną Ultra C18 o długości 25 cm i średnicy 4,6 mm. Metoda jest liniowa (r = 0,9998) w zakresie stężeń 0,08–1,6 μg/ml. Taki zakres przy pobraniu próbki powietrza o objętości 360 l pozwala oznaczyć 0,002–0,04 mg ADCA w metrze sześciennym powietrza. Granica wykrywalności instrumentu pomiarowego wyniosła 0,03 ng/ml, a granica oznaczalności – 0,10 ng/ml. Uzyskane wartości rozszerzonej niepewności pomiarów spełniają wymagania normy europejskiej PN-EN 482. Potwierdzono przydatność metody do oszacowania narażenia inhalacyjnego pracowników na ADCA. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(2):137–146.
Food and waterborne diseases are a significant Public Health problem. In recent years, their epidemiology has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing burden of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). Assessment of epidemiological situation of foodborne infections and intoxications in Poland in 2021-2023. Routine surveillance data collected by the District Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations (PSSE) through the Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks and data from the bulletins "Infectious Diseases and Poisonings in Poland" (2021-2023) were analyzed. Incidence, etiology, outbreak settings and hospitalization rates were assessed. In 2021-2023, an increase in the number of cases of bacterial infections and intoxications was registered (over 90,000 cases, incidence 80.2/100,000) related to an increase in Clostridioides difficile infections (56.4/100,000 in 2023 vs. median 29.5/100,000 in 2015-2019). Also, there was an increase in listeriosis incidence. Among viral infections most prevalent were rotaviral infections, with an increase in 2022 and a decrease in 2023 and incidence between 15.7-20.1/100,000. Between 2021 and 2023, 2,722 foodborne outbreaks were reported, in which 20,102 cases occurred (compared to 2,767 outbreaks and 22,681 cases between 2017 and 2019). Majority of outbreaks were of bacterial etiology (53%), among which the most prevalent were salmonellosis outbreaks, and in this category 80% were S. Enteritidis outbreaks. Proportion of Clostridioides difficile outbreaks was 21.5% (16.5% of all outbreak cases), in medical facilities, outbreaks of this aetiology accounted for 78% of outbreaks. Overall, 27.9% of outbreak cases were hospitalized, most frequently in CDI and hepatitis A outbreaks. Outbreaks occurred mainly in household settings; however, most cases occurred in food-serving facilities and medical facilities. In 2021-2023, the number of foodborne infections and intoxications outbreaks was comparable with the pre-pandemic period, but its aetiology-related structure changed (increases in CDI and viral etiology outbreaks. Those results may confirm the need of ongoing surveillance enhancement and laboratory diagnostic capacity development. Choroby przenoszone drogą pokarmową stanowią istotny problem zdrowia publicznego na świecie. W ostatnich latach na sytuację epidemiologiczną tych chorób w Europie wpływały zarówno zmiany związane z pandemią COVID-19, jak i rosnące znaczenie zakażeń Clostridioides difficile (CDI). Ocena sytuacji epidemiologicznej zatruć i zakażeń pokarmowych w Polsce w latach 2021-2023. Wykorzystano dane z rutynowego nadzoru epidemiologicznego gromadzone przez PSSE w systemie Rejestr Ognisk Epidemicznych (ROE) oraz dane z biuletynów „Choroby zakaźne i zatrucia w Polsce” z lat 2021-2023. Analizowano zapadalność, etiologię i miejsca występowania ognisk zakażeń i zatruć pokarmowych oraz odsetek hospitalizacji. W latach 2021–2023 odnotowano wzrost liczby przypadków bakteryjnych zakażeń i zatruć pokarmowych (łącznie ponad 90 tys., zapadalność 80,2/100 tys.). Wzrost zachorowań był związany ze zwiększeniem liczby zakażeń Clostridioides difficile: w 2023 r. zapadalność wyniosła 56,4/100 tys. (mediana 2015-2019: 29,5/100 tys.). Odnotowano także wzrost zapadalności na listeriozę. Wśród zakażeń wirusowych dominowały rotawirusy, ze wzrostem w 2022 r. i spadkiem w 2023 r., zapadalność norowirusów utrzymywała się w przedziale 15,7-20,1/100 tys. W 2021-2023 zarejestrowano 2 722 ogniska obejmujące 20 102 zachorowania, wobec 2 767 ognisk i 22 681 zachorowań w 2017-2019. Dominowały ogniska o etiologii bakteryjnej (53,3% ognisk), przede wszystkim salmonelozowe, głównie S. Enteritidis (80% ognisk salmonelozowych). Udział ognisk wywołanych przez Clostridioides difficile wyniósł 21,5% oraz 16,5% liczby zachorowań, w placówkach medycznych ogniska o tej etiologii stanowiły 78% ognisk. Hospitalizowano 5 609 (27,9%) chorych w ogniskach, najczęściej w przebiegu CDI (78,4%) oraz WZW A (69,4%). Ogniska najczęściej występowały w gospodarstwach domowych, natomiast najwięcej zachorowań było w podmiotach gastronomicznych i placówkach medycznych. W latach 2021-2023 liczba ognisk chorób przenoszonych drogą pokarmową była porównywalna z okresem przedpandemicznym, natomiast istotnym zmianom uległa ich struktura etiologiczna, w tym wzrost udziału CDI i spadek ognisk wirusowych. Wyniki te podkreślają potrzebę dalszego wzmacniania rutynowego nadzoru epidemiologicznego oraz rozszerzania diagnostyki laboratoryjnej.
Plasmodiophora brassicae, the causal agent of clubroot disease, actively manipulates host hormone pathways to promote infection. Previous studies identified PbGH3 as a putative GH3-like effector with in vitro auxin-conjugating activity, although its biological function in planta was investigated but remained unresolved. Here, we studied the role of PbGH3 during host colonization using PbGH3 overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus lines. PbGH3 overexpression induced conserved developmental phenotypes in both species, including epinastic leaves, reduced apical dominance, enhanced lateral branching, and increased root hair formation, consistent with altered hormone balance. However, hormone profiling and exogenous auxin assays did not support a role for PbGH3 as a canonical auxin-conjugating enzyme in planta. Instead, structural analyses revealed strong similarity between PbGH3 and the Arabidopsis clade III GH3 proteins GH3.12/PBS3 and GH3.7, which are associated with salicylic acid (SA) metabolism. Consistent with this observation, loss of GH3.12/PBS3 increased susceptibility to clubroot, while expression of PbGH3 in the gh3.12 mutant background partially restored SA accumulation and reduced disease susceptibility. PbGH3 expression peaked during the early stages of infection, and overexpressing lines displayed enhanced root hair colonization by P. brassicae, suggesting a role during primary infection rather than later gall development. Together, our results support a model in which PbGH3 modulates SA-associated hormonal crosstalk and root morphology that could be harnessed by the clubroot pathogen to ensure host colonization. These findings provide new insight into how P. brassicae manipulate host hormone homeostasis during infection.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) interpretation in people without diabetes is expanding beyond general glycemic control toward more dynamic metrics, such as Rate of Change (RoC). In this fixed-sequence pilot study conducted in 30 healthy adult females, we evaluated associations between two structured 14-day lifestyle interventions and free-living conditions using standard CGM-derived glycemic variability metrics and a novel framework based on the rate-of-change (RoC) metrics and data clarity using an unblinded Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 monitoring. The dietary intervention (calorie-tailored low-glycemic index regular meals) were associated with lower time spent in rising (+1 to +2 mg/dL/min) and falling (-2 to -1 mg/dL/min) RoC bins by 4.76 ± 1.87% (complete-case delta, p ≤ 0.0071), whereas the 14-day physical activity intervention showed smaller and less consistent RoC changes (0.41 ± 2.20, p ≥ 0.3549). These findings, despite some major study design limitations, suggest that RoC may be more responsive and sensitive to short-term dietary pattern modifications in normoglycemic women.
BACKGROUND: Textbook Outcome (TO) is a quality indicator representing the ideal surgical postoperative course. The lack of consensus on TO parameters in Gastric Oncological Surgery (TOGS) hinders comparative outcomes analysis. This study aimed to establish a universally accepted set of TOGS parameters using Delphi consensus made by international experts in gastric cancer surgery. METHOD: The Delphi process involved four phases: 1. Evidence Acquisition: A systematic review revealed significant variability in TOGS parameters. 2. Expert Panel Discussion: Eight international experts developed 18 preliminary questions for a survey. 3. Delphi Process: Two rounds of anonymous surveys among key opinion leaders measured agreement using a 5-point Likert scale, with consensus defined as ≥ 70%. A third round was conducted to revise questions on mortality, lymph nodes, and hospital stay. 4. Generation of Recommendations were created based on consensus from the three rounds RESULTS: Of 53 invited surgeons, 39 responded, and 34 completed both rounds. By the second round, ten parameters were agreed upon. 1) No 90-day mortality; 2) No complications ≥ III according to Clavien-Dindo classification; 3) No intraoperative complications according to the GASTRODATA classification; 4) R0 resection; 5) More than 25 lymph nodes analyzed in the surgical specimen; 6) No reoperation; 7) No readmission to the Intensive care Unit (ICU); 8) No readmission in the first 30 postoperative days; 9) Length of stay below the 75th percentile of the series; 10) Resumption of chemotherapy treatment, if indicated, within 8 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: TOGS consensus definition includes ten parameters specific to gastric cancer treatment. Validation in clinical practice is needed to confirm the proposed TOGS definition as a universal quality metric.
Hepatitis B remains a serious public health problem worldwide. Achievement of the goals of the global hepatitis elimination strategy has been significantly delayed, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2022, a gradual levelling of hepatitis B epidemiological indicators has been observed in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of hepatitis B and hepatitis B vaccination coverage in Poland in 2023 and 2024, compared to previous years. The epidemiological situation of hepatitis B was assessed based on the analysis of the national hepatitis B and HBV infections surveillance system data recorded by the local sanitary and epidemiological stations in the Epibaza system. Data published in the annual bulletins "Infectious Diseases and Poisonings in Poland" and "Vaccinations in Poland" were also used, as well as data on deaths provided by the Demographic Surveys Department of Statistics Poland (GUS). In 2023 and 2024, 36 and 32 cases of acute hepatitis B were recorded, respectively, resulting in an incidence of 0.1/100,000 and 0.09/100,000. The share of migrants among acute hepatitis B patients was 39% in 2023 and 25% in 2024, with no cases among children or young adults. Acute hepatitis B cases occurred in 14 of 16 voivodeships in 2023, and in 13 of 16 voivodeships in 2024. In 2023, 3,106 chronic and unknown stage (CHB and UNK) cases were recorded, and in 2024, 3,513, with a diagnosis rate of 8.24/100,000 and 9.35/100,000, respectively, which were higher than in the previous years. Imported cases of CHB and UNK accounted for 7% in 2023 and 9.9% in 2024, mostly acquired in Ukraine. The most frequently identified probable route of infection was medical procedures. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage HepB3 among 1-year-olds (in their second year of life) was 89.5% in 2023 and 87.3% in 2024. In 2023 and 2024, a further increase in the number of diagnosed hepatitis B cases was observed, to levels exceeding those observed before the COVID-19 pandemic. Reintroduction of testing and the increased number of migrants, particularly from Ukraine, contributed to the increase in the incidence and the diagnosis rate of HepB cases. In 2023 and 2024, further declines in hepatitis B vaccination coverage among 1-year-old children were recorded, to below 90%. Wzw B pozostaje poważnym problemem zdrowia publicznego na całym świecie. Realizacja celów zawartych w globalnej strategii zwalczania wzw uległa dużemu opóźnieniu, zwłaszcza w czasie pandemii COVID-19. Od 2022 r. w Polsce obserwuje się stopniowe wyrównywanie wskaźników epidemiologicznych wzw B. Celem pracy była ocena sytuacji epidemiologicznej wzw B oraz stanu zaszczepienia przeciw wzw B w Polsce w 2023 i 2024 r. w porównaniu z sytuacją w poprzednich latach. Dokonano ewaluacji sytuacji epidemiologicznej wzw B na podstawie analizy danych z nadzoru epidemiologicznego, w szczególności danych jednostkowych z raportów o zachorowaniach na wzw B i zakażeniach HBV rejestrowanych przez PSSE w systemie Epibaza. Wykorzystano również dane publikowane w biuletynach rocznych „Choroby zakaźne i zatrucia w Polsce” i „Szczepienia ochronne w Polsce” oraz dane o zgonach udostępnione przez Główny Urząd Statystyczny. W 2023 i 2024 r. zarejestrowano odpowiednio 36 i 32 przypadki ostrego wzw B, zapadalność wyniosła 0,1/100 000 i 0,09/100 000. Odsetek migrantów wśród pacjentów z ostrym wzw B wyniósł 39% w 2023 r. i 25% w 2024 r., nie odnotowano zachorowań wśród dzieci i młodych dorosłych. Ostre przypadki wzw B wystąpiły w 14 z 16 województw w 2023 r. i w 13 z 16 województw w 2024 r. W 2023 r. zarejestrowano 3106 zachorowań przewlekłych i nieokreślonych co do fazy (BNO), a w 2024 r. – 3513, wskaźnik rozpoznawania wynosił odpowiednio 8,24/100 tys. i 9,35/100 tys. i był wyższy od wskaźnika w roku poprzedzającym. Przypadki importowane wśród przewlekłych i BNO wzw B stanowiły 7% w 2023 r. oraz 9,9% w 2024 r., w większości z Ukrainy. Najczęściej identyfikowaną prawdopodobną drogą zakażenia były procedury medyczne. Stan zaszczepienia trzema dawkami szczepionki przeciw wzw B dzieci w drugim roku życia wynosił w 2023 r. 89,5%, a w 2024 87,3%. W 2023 i 2024 r. obserwowano dalszy wzrost liczby rozpoznawanych przypadków wzw B, do poziomów przekraczających obserwowane przed pandemią COVID-19. Na wzrost zapadalności ostrego wzw B oraz wskaźnika wykrywania CHB i BNO, poza przywracaniem testowania, miała wpływ zwiększona liczba migrantów, szczególnie z Ukrainy. W 2023 i 2024 r. odnotowano kolejne spadki stanu zaszczepienia HepB3 dzieci w drugim roku życia, do poziomu poniżej 90%.
Stigmatization and discrimination of people due to their specific characteristics is a widespread problem, both in Poland and worldwide. Stigmatization of people with mental disorders and diseases is a particular type of it. Although this phenomenon has its roots in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and was scientifically described several dozen years ago, it is still a current and unsolved problem. Stigmatization can take place on different levels and appear as autostigmatization, community-related stigmatization, and institutional stigmatization. It takes different forms and has varying negative effects. Counteracting this situation and eliminating its effects, that have already arisen, is a vital necessity and an essential activity of the society in order to provide better functioning and treatment for people with mental illness. Challenges in this area are faced both by state institutions responsible for the health care system and by private entities such as NGOs, media corporations, and companies employing people. The individual commitment of each and every person is also important to prevent and respond appropriately to the stigmatization of people affected by mental illness.
Contemporary healthcare facility management operates under conditions of increasing instability, requiring high leadership competencies from executives. Crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the key importance of skills in coping with pressure and stress, as well as efficient work reorganization (adaptive capabilities). The study utilized the Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA) model to assess these competencies. A computer-assisted web interview survey was conducted among 71 representatives of healthcare management staff in Poland. An original questionnaire based on the 5 domains of the HLA model was used. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test and Spearman's rank correlation. In the self-assessment according to the Dreyfus model, the competent level prevailed (nearly 50%), and team management was the highest-rated area. Significant deficits were identified regarding the reorganization of one's own and the team's work (difficulties reported by 1/3 of respondents) and the identification of stress in employees (deficiencies perceived by 25% of managers). Women more frequently indicated the mobilizing effect of stress (p = 0.048), while men rated their active listening skills higher (p = 0.02). Higher self-assessment correlated with better internal communication (p = 0.006) and operational continuity planning (p = 0.002). Contract-based managers were significantly more capable of planning business continuity (p = 0.009). Data-driven management is significantly more frequent in inpatient care than in outpatient care (p = 0.03). The identified deficits in the ability to cope with stress and data analytics limit managers; ability to adapt effectively to the volatile and unpredictable environment described by the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity - VUCA and brittle, anxious, non-linear, incomprehensible - BANI concepts. It is necessary to modify management training programs by integrating psychological knowledge (coping with pressure) with the practical application of data in management, which will enable the building of sustainable organizational resilience in healthcare facilities. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(3):217-238. Zarządzanie placówkami medycznymi odbywa się obecnie w warunkach narastającej niestabilności wymagającej od kadry kierowniczej wysokich kompetencji przywódczych. Kryzysy, takie jak pandemia COVID-19, unaoczniły kluczowe znaczenie umiejętności radzenia sobie z presją i stresem oraz sprawnej reorganizacji pracy (zdolności adaptacyjne). W badaniu wykorzystano model Healthcare Leadership Alliance (HLA) do oceny tych kompetencji. Badanie ankietowe wspomagane komputerowo przeprowadzono wśród 71 przedstawicieli kadry zarządzającej placówek medycznych w Polsce. Zastosowano autorski kwestionariusz oparty na 5 domenach modelu HLA. Analizy statystyczne wykonano z użyciem dokładnego testu Fishera oraz korelacji rang Spearmana. W samoocenie według modelu Dreyfusa dominował poziom kompetentny (blisko 50%), a najwyżej oceniono zarządzanie zespołem. Istotne deficyty zidentyfikowano w zakresie reorganizacji pracy własnej i zespołu (trudności zgłosiła 1/3 badanych) oraz identyfikacji stresu u pracowników (braki odczuwa 25% menedżerów). Kobiety częściej wskazywały na mobilizujący wpływ stresu (p = 0,048), a mężczyźni wyżej oceniali umiejętność aktywnego słuchania (p = 0,02). Wyższa samoocena korelowała z lepszą komunikacją wewnętrzną (p = 0,006) i planowaniem ciągłości operacyjnej (p = 0,002). Menedżerowie kontraktowi istotnie częściej potrafili zaplanować ciągłość biznesową (p = 0,009). Zarządzanie oparte na danych jest częściej stosowane w lecznictwie stacjonarnym niż ambulatoryjnym (p = 0,03). Zidentyfikowane deficyty w zakresie umiejętności radzenia sobie ze stresem oraz analityki danych ograniczają zdolność menedżerów do skutecznej adaptacji w zmiennym i nieprzewidywalnym środowisku opisywanym koncepcjami volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity – VUCA oraz brittle, anxious, non-linear, incomprehensible – BANI. Konieczna jest modyfikacja programów kształcenia kadr zarządzających poprzez integrację wiedzy psychologicznej (radzenie sobie z presją) z praktycznym wykorzystaniem danych w zarządzaniu, co pozwoli na budowanie trwałej odporności organizacyjnej podmiotów leczniczych. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(3):217–238.
<p>Background. The gluteus medius is a broad, thick, fan-shaped muscle located between the gluteus maximus and the gluteus minimus. It originates on the gluteal surface on the iliac ala, between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines, and inserts on the greater trochanter of the femur. It is the strongest hip abductor, playing a crucial role in ensuring appropriate stability of the pelvis and lower limb joints during activities such as walking and running. The main aim of this study was to examine the morphology and morphometry of the gluteus medius muscle and its connection to the iliotibial band.<br />Material and methods: The study was conducted on 10 human lower limbs fixed in a formaldehyde solution.&nbsp;<br />Results. The research conducted confirms the existence of adhesion between the gluteus medius and the iliotibial band. This adhesion was located on the outer surface of the gluteus medius muscle, within its free part that was not covered by the gluteus maximus and the tensor fasciae latae.&nbsp;<br />Conclusion. The existence of adhesion existence of adhesion between the gluteus medius and the iliotibial band may suggest a crucial role in the control of iliotibial band tension, which is additionally influenced by the action of the gluteus maximus and the tensor fasciae latae.</p>.
This article concerns the issue of contactless estimation of the complex electrical permittivity of masonry materials by means of a microwave technique in the frequency domain. The main aim of the study was to develop a method enabling the determination of the real part of relative permittivity and the electrical conductivity of ceramic building materials using microwave reflection measurements, as well as to assess the applicability of the proposed approach for moisture diagnostics in porous media. The research was performed using a reflection-mode measuring setup comprising a vector network analyser and a broadband horn antenna, while measurements were carried out in the frequency range from 1 to 6 GHz on samples of solid ceramic brick with six gravimetric moisture levels. A one-dimensional model of electromagnetic wave propagation in the material was developed, considering complex permittivity, impedance transformation, and a calibration procedure compensating for the influence of the antenna and free-space propagation. Based on the fitting of the magnitude and phase characteristics of the reflection coefficient, the electrical parameters of the tested samples were estimated. The results obtained showed an increase in both permittivity and conductivity with increasing moisture content and revealed very good agreement with the reference values determined using the time-domain method. It can be concluded that the frequency-domain microwave approach may be effectively applied for contactless and non-destructive diagnostics and estimation of the dielectric properties and moisture content in ceramic materials.
Systemic preparation for the care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients in Poland remains limited, despite the increasing visibility of sexual and gender minorities in clinical settings. Emergency medical services, often the first and sometimes the only point of contact with healthcare, operate without structured guidance on inclusive practice. For paramedics, this gap translates into uncertainty at the bedside and inconsistent quality of care. However, the clinical competence of Polish paramedics in responding to the needs of LGBT patients has never been empirically examined. This study aimed to assess the clinical preparedness, attitudinal awareness, and basic knowledge of Polish paramedics regarding LGBT patients. In a national cross-sectional survey (n = 465), 289 participants completed the LGBT-Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS) scale. Data were analyzed using beta-inflated generalized additive model for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS) regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-based predictor selection. Clinical preparedness was low (predicted μ = 2.32/7), particularly among those without prior LGBT-specific training or exposure. Attitudinal awareness was high (μ = 5.82), while basic knowledge scores were moderate (μ = 4.06). Recent LGBT-related training was associated with higher clinical preparedness (β = 0.779, p < 0.001), and prior informal experience also showed a positive association (β = 0.553, p < 0.001). Male sex (β = 0.369, p < 0.001) was associated with higher clinical preparedness, while homosexual orientation (β = 0.349, p = 0.001) was associated with higher overall clinical competence. Lower attitudinal awareness was observed among men (β = -0.545, p < 0.001) and those without LGBT contact (β = -0.688, p < 0.001). Recent training had no significant effect on basic knowledge (β = 0.280, p = 0.295). Polish paramedics express attitudinal awareness but lack clinical readiness, with a low baseline clinical preparedness score (μ = 2.32/7). Given the frontline role of emergency medical services, these findings highlight an urgent need for structured, practice-oriented LGBT training within paramedic education and continuing professional development.
Persistent infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) cause approximately 95% of cervical cancers. The introduction of cytology screening has, however, significantly reduced morbidity and mortality rates. More recently, HPV DNA testing has been shown to be more sensitive than traditional cytology-based testing in detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse (CIN2+). Self-sampling for HPV testing offers a viable alternative to clinician-performed sampling and could potentially increase participation rates in organized screening programs. Here, we compared the accuracy of self-collected vaginal samples with clinical-collected cervical samples for HPV-based screening and evaluated the acceptability of HPV self-sampling among Polish women. Women with unclear or abnormal results at their last cytology screening were invited to participate. Each participant submitted two swabs for HPV testing: one clinical-collected cervical swab and one self-collected vaginal swab (Evalyn® Brush). Both sample types were subsequently tested with the EUROArray HPV assay. Participants also completed a questionnaire to assess their experiences with the self-sampling procedure and express their opinions on it. In total, 180 women aged 30 to 70 years were recruited. The prevalence of high-risk (hr) HPV was 56.7% in clinician-collected samples and 55.0% in self-collected samples. Overall concordance for any HPV, hr-HPV and low-risk (lr) HPV detection between self-collected and clinician-collected samples was 88.9%, 86.1%, and 85.0%, respectively. Most participants found self-sampling comfortable (82.4%), useful (87.0%), and convenient (85.8%) and felt low/very low stress (58.0%) while sampling. In total, 81.3% of the women reported that it was practically painless and 77.2% felt less embarrassed. Of the respondents, 51.1% preferred clinician-collected sampling, 40.9% preferred self-sampling, while 4.6% had no preference. Vaginal self-sampling using the Evalyn® Brush showed substantial agreement with cervical clinician-sampling for HPV detection using the EUROArray HPV test. Self-sampling for HPV testing was well-accepted by the participants. It represents a feasible alternative for clinical sampling in Poland, which could be effectively integrated into the national HPV screening program.