Intestinal parasites constitute a significant public health problem, particularly in developing countries. It is estimated that over 1.5 bln people worldwide are infected with intestinal parasites. These pathogens fall into 2 main groups: protozoa (e.g., Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium) and helminths – multicellular worms, which include roundworms (e.g., roundworm, pinworm, hookworm), tapeworms (Taenia spp., Diphyllobothrium latum), and flukes (Schistosoma spp.).Parasites cause illnesses with diverse clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic carriage to acute and chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, malnutrition, and anemia. Some, such as E. histolytica, lead to invasive amoebiasis, while T. solium leads to neurocysticercosis, which contributes to epilepsy. Others, such as Giardia, disrupt intestinal absorption, leading to wasting, especially in children.Diagnosis is primarily based on stool examination (microscopy, antigen testing, PCR). Treatment depends on the parasite – metronidazole, albendazole, praziquantel, and ivermectin are used, among others. Increasing attention is being paid to supporting treatment with probiotics and zinc supplementation, which improve therapeutic outcomes, especially in protozoal infections.The pathogenesis of infections includes mechanical intestinal damage, bleeding, nutrient utilization by parasites, and the induction of inflammatory responses and microbiome dysbiosis. Parasites lead to serious health consequences, particularly in children (deficiencies, impaired growth and development).Prevention relies on improved sanitation, access to clean water, health education, cooking meat, mass deworming in endemic areas, and basic personal hygiene. Effective vaccines do not exist, although research is ongoing.
Kienböck’s disease is classified in the category of aseptic bone necrosis. It develops as a consequence of compromised blood supply to the bone, but its aetiology remains obscure. Vascular network supplying of the lunate is relatively delicate and in some anatomical variants is susceptible to damage.The paper provides relatively new information about treatment options used in Kienböck’s disease. Despite numerous studies, no commonly accepted algorithm has been developed. The choice of treatment method is dependent on the degree of destruction of the lunate and arthritis in carpal joints. Conservative treatment by wrist immobilization is generally used in the early stages of Kienböck’s disease, because it reduces pressure on the bone and improves blood supply. Operative treatment generally refers to a symptomatic disease when conservative treatment has proven ineffective or when there are unfavourable anatomical conditions such as ulna minus variant. In general, treatment methods are divided into 3 groups: improving blood supply (revascularization), reducing pressure on the lunate (shortening osteotomy of the radius or capitate, and partial wrist fusion) and “wrist salvage” operations (wrist denervation, proximal row carpectomy, total wrist fusion). All these techniques are described and their effectiveness is discussed in the article.
Introduction: The structure of bladder epithelium is a very complex. Apart of main structural cells of the epithelium, there are scattered neuro-endocraine cells that form a specific system, which was called the diffuse neuroendocrine system (DNS). Facts about the DNS of the bladder epithelium is still blowing. Diffuse neuroendocrine system cell cells can undergo cancerous transformation and form a very heterogeneous group of cancers referred to neuroendocrine cancers. Urinary neuroendocrine tumors are very especially rare and location them in the urinary bladder belongs to exceptional rarity. Only a few cases can be found in world literature, therefore we decided to present our case to extend global knowledge. Matherials and methods: To Department of Urology 109 Military Hospital was admitted 49-year-old male with gross haematuria. The ultrasound examination revealed a presence of tumor on the left wall of the bladder urinary. The preliminary diagnostic was enhanced – by CT scan. It confirmed the bladder urinary tumor without an evidence of distant metastasis. The histopathologic examination showed a pattern of high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma in at least pT2 stage. The patient was referred for radical cystectomy. During an operation a large abscess of the left kidney was disclosed. The operation was extended to left nephrectomy. The postoperative time went smoothly. Primary neuroendocraine tumors of the urinary bladder are an exceptional entity with only about 30 cases reported in the literature. Due to its rarity, additional studies are necessary to better define the optimal therapeutic management. We decided to further monitor our patient and in the case of new circumstances to present him in subsequent reports. A review of literature and treatment strategies are discussed.
Traumatic of oncologic amputation of the digit (digits) is fairly common injury affecting the upper extremities. Amputation of the thumb causes significant disability as loss of the thumb accounts for 40% of the entire loss of hand function. In the case of thumb amputation, replantation is the best option, allowing almost full recovery of the hand function. However, for various reasons, replantation is not always possible or successful and in these cases other methods of thumb reconstruction such as toe-to-thumb transfer, lengthening procedures and index pollicization are considered. Other, reasonable option is use of various prostheses such as naked prostheses, vacuum-retained prostheses, or osteo-integrated prostheses. In the article we present a case of young men who underwent amputation of the distal phalanx of his thumb in right (dominant) hand due to malignant tumour. He had relatively long stump of the digit and he found in the internet simple thumb prostheses made of rubber material, which were advertised as stage props and toys used to depict magic tricks. Total cost of the prosthesis was 20 PLN. He started using it in his daily activities and at work. At follow-up at 3 months after amputation the patient filled the DASH questionnaire and obtained score of 8 points, indicating normal hand function, both with and without the prosthesis. However, in the subscale “professional activity” the difference of 4 points appeared, favouring using a prosthesis. The patient reported also that use of prosthesis allows him to tie laces in his shoes, fasten clothes buttons and use scissors more efficiently. The patient believes that this simple prosthesis makes for him easier performing activities of daily living and professional work.
Introduction: Tennis elbow is a colloquial name of a common musculoskeletal disorder arising secondary to recurrent microtrauma of the upper extremity, particularly impacting the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. First-line treatment of the condition is conservative, with many methods which are mostly effective. Extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is one of these methods, which has shown its effectiveness in several clinical trials. The objective of this study was assessment of the effectiveness of ESWT for tennis elbow in a short (4 weeks) follow-up.Patients and methods: Eleven patients, 8 female and 3 male with a mean age of 55 years, with tennis elbow were treated with ESWT. Each patient received 3 local applications of 2000 shocks, with 1-week interval between the sessions. The measurements included pain at rest and at movements in Numeric Rank Scale (NRS), grip strength and function of the hand with the quickDASH questionnaire. The patients were assessed before start of the treatment (baseline) and 1 week after the last application (final assessment).Results: At the last assessment at 4 weeks, all but 1 patients experienced a major and statistically significant pain relief, increase of grip strength and improvement of function of the hand. In 1 patient the treatment failed. No adverse events associated with shock-wave therapy have been reported.Conclusion: Tennis elbow treatment with ESWT is effective and free of adverse events.
Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing innovation that allows for continuous improvement in the food industry. It plays an important role in the food sector, offering solutions that increase product shelf life, improve packaging properties, and enhance the bioavailability of nutrients through nanoencapsulation, i.e., a technology that allows bioactive substances such as carotenoids or omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to be enclosed in nanocarriers, e.g., lipid nanoemulsions, thereby increasing their stability, solubility, and bioavailability, as well as enabling some control over their release in the digestive tract. At the same time, numerous questions arise regarding toxicity and consumer safety, resulting from the possibility of nanomaterials migrating into food, their biological reactivity, and their fate in the human digestive tract. Current research indicates that nanoparticles can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, which is closely related to their physicochemical properties. Although many toxic effects are mainly observed in in vitro studies, there is a lack of clear data on their in vivo effects and long-term impact on human health. The conclusions emphasize the need for further research on biotransformation, bioaccumulation, interaction with the gut microbiome, and the development of uniform risk assessment methods to enable the safe and informed use of nanotechnology in food in the future.
Blood donation plays a crucial role in ensuring the health security of Polish society. It enables the saving of patients in life-threatening conditions and the treatment of individuals requiring regular blood transfusions. This review outlines the origins of blood donation in Poland, beginning in 1935 when the first blood collection initiatives were launched, up to the present day, with a well-developed public blood service system in place. The paper discusses the current organizational structure of both civilian and military blood collection, the role of Regional Blood Donation and Blood Treatment Centers (pol. Regionalne Centrum Krwiodawstwa i Krwiolecznictwa – RCKiK), and the operational principles of the National Blood Center (pol. Narodowe Centrum Krwi). Attention is drawn to the availability of blood in RCKiK storage facilities, with particular emphasis on the shortage of type O Rh− blood, which is the most universal and frequently needed in emergency situations. The study highlights a major challenge facing the Polish blood donation system: the continuous increase in demand for blood due to an aging population.
Introduction: The multifaceted role of vitamin D and the widespread prevalence of its deficiency worldwide make it a significant subject of research. Low blood levels of this vitamin are increasingly associated with a higher risk of various diseases, including within the Polish population. Vitamin D is involved in regulating energy metabolism in the body, as well as in the synthesis of connective tissue proteins and other proteins engaged in metabolic processes, further emphasizing its importance in maintaining homeostasis. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about vitamin D among students of medical and non-medical disciplines. The study encompassed 2 universities in the Silesian region – the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (SUM) and the University of Economics in Katowice (UE). Materials and methods: The analysis included a group of 272 students, of whom 143 (52.6%) represented the SUM and 129 (47.4%) were students of the UE. The data were collected using an original, anonymous questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions. Results: The analysis revealed that a significant proportion of students from the SUM (42.7%) considered the number and scope of informational campaigns to be insufficient. In contrast, the most common response among students from the UE was that they had not encountered such information (44.2%). Notably, a similar percentage of respondents from both universities (19.6% from SUM and 19.4% from UE) expressed the opinion that the general public’s level of knowledge about vitamin D is adequate. Conclusions: Students of the SUM emphasize the need to intensify efforts aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of vitamin D for human health. Particular attention is drawn to the necessity of reaching older individuals, who are most at risk of vitamin D deficiency. The insufficient level of education regarding the role of vitamin D represents a significant public health issue, highlighting the need to expand the number and reach of informational campaigns. These initiatives should involve educational and medical institutions as well as the media, in order to effectively reach a broad audience.
Introduction: Parents play an important role in shaping the eating habits of their children through: appropriate selection of food products, snacking between meals and appropriate exposure to information from television advertisements, the press or the Internet. The level of parents’ knowledge about proper nutrition and substances added to food is therefore crucial in promoting appropriate dietary choices in children in order to prevent diet-related diseases. The aim of the research was to analyze the relationship between parents’ knowledge about food additives and the consumption of snacks by school-aged children. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 129 parents of students from selected primary schools. The research tool was an original survey questionnaire consisting of 24 questions. The survey interviews were carried out in person with parents during scheduled meetings at the schools. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson ꭓ2 test, the significance level was set to p < 0.05.Results: Parents most often indicated sweets, confectionery products and sweetened drinks (25%) and vegetables or fruit (21%) as the form of snack for their children. Forty-six percent of children drank sweetened drinks at least once a day. Parents had an average level of knowledge about food additives. Significant correlations were found between the level of knowledge of parents of schoolage children about food additives and their level of education.Conclusions: No correlation was found between parents’ knowledge of food additives and their children’s consumption of snacks. It is important to provide intensive nutritional education for both children and parents to raise awareness of the additives present in snack foods and to improve the diet quality of school-aged children.
Introduction: Antioxidant activity is a key parameter that determines the potential of active ingredients in skin care products. Antioxidants play an important role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species, the excess of which leads to oxidative stress, accelerating the skin ageing process. Therefore, newer and newer products are being implemented, especially based on antioxidants of plant origin. One such plant, known for its numerous health-promoting properties, is Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant properties of alcohol extracts obtained from different parts of Canadian goldenrod in order to assess its potential use as a source of antioxidants. Materials and methods: The study material consisted of alcohol extracts obtained from dry leaves, flowers and stems of goldenrod, which were prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Four low-molecular-weight alcohols (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and isopropanol) were used as solvents at 3 concentrations (40% v/v, 70% v/v and concentrated) using 3 different extraction times (15, 30 or 60 min). Antioxidant activity was determined using 2 frequently used spectrophotometric methods: ABTS and DPPH. These methods allowed for the assessment of the ability of extracts to neutralize radicals and allowed for the comparison of antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from different parts of the plant. Results: The highest antioxidant activity was demonstrated by extracts from dried flowers of Canadian goldenrod, while the lowest potential was demonstrated by extracts from dried stems. The highest extraction efficiency was obtained using alcohol-water mixtures of medium concentration (70%), regardless of the type of alcohol. In most cases, the optimal extraction time was 30 min. Extended extraction time was not always associated with an increase in activity, which may indicate that some of the bioactive compounds may be degraded. Conclusions: Solidago canadensis extracts are a promising phytochemical raw material for use in functional cosmetics and prophylactic products that support the fight against the effects of oxidative stress.
Introduction: The One Health paradigm recognizes the intricate interdependencies between human health, environmental factors, and behavioral patterns. Within this framework, lifestyle is a multidimensional construct encompassing physical activity, dietary practices, stress management strategies, and substance use behaviors. Despite the global proliferation of fitness facilities, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the comprehensive lifestyle profiles of fitness club members.This cross-sectional observational study sought to characterize the multifaceted lifestyle determinants of adults engaged in structured fitness club activities in northwestern Poland, with specific emphasis on physical activity patterns, nutritional behaviors, stress coping mechanisms, and substance use.Methods: A convenience sample of 40 adult participants (32 women, 8 men; mean age range 31–40 years) attending a multi-purpose fitness facility in Police, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, completed a structured 30-item questionnaire in May 2018. The instrument assessed sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity engagement (frequency, duration, and modality preference), dietary patterns (meal frequency, hydration, and fruit/vegetable consumption), perceived stress and coping strategies, and substance use behaviors (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and passive smoke exposure).Results: The majority of participants (60%) self-identified as physically active, with 42.5% engaging in exercise 2–3 times weekly and 40% training at the facility 3–4 times weekly. Notably, 72.5% supplemented club-based activities with additional recreational physical activity. Regarding nutrition, 60% consumed 4–5 meals daily, though only 42.5% achieved adequate hydration (1.0–1.5 L/day). Stress was experienced several times weekly by 30% of respondents; however, 50% perceived stress as a mobilizing force rather than a debilitating one. Social support, particularly from close relationships, emerged as the primary stress-management resource (35% of participants). Substance use was minimal: 60% reported no regular substance use, 67.5% were non-smokers, and 90% denied recent illicit drug use. Conclusions: The cohort demonstrated a predominantly health-promoting lifestyle profile characterized by regular physical activity, relatively balanced nutrition, adaptive stress responses, and low substance use. However, residual suboptimal behaviors (passive smoking exposure, snacking between meals, and inadequate hydration among subgroups) suggest targets for tailored health promotion interventions within fitness settings. These findings align with the One Health conceptual framework by demonstrating how structured community environments can facilitate positive health behaviors across multiple domains.
Introduction: In this article, the impact is analysed of sanatorium treatment on body composition in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Adipose tissue plays a significant role in the development of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; therefore, reducing excess adipose tissue is an important element in the prevention and treatment of these conditions.The aim of the article was to investigate the effects of the influence of sanatorium 21-day sanatorium therapy on changes in body composition, particularly adipose tissue and visceral fat, in the studied patients.Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 261 patients (117 men and 144 women) aged 36–89 years, participating in a 21-day sanatorium programme at the “Solinka” Sanatorium in Polańczyk. Changes in body composition were assessed using a body composition analyser, measuring body mass, fat content and visceral fat levels.Results: The results showed significant changes in body composition after the 21-day sanatorium treatment. A reduction in body mass, decreased fat content, including visceral fat, and a lower BMI were observed. These findings suggest that sanatorium treatment for musculoskeletal disorders may also be an effective method for reducing visceral fat.Conclusions: The 21-day sanatorium treatment results in changes in body composition, notably a reduction in adipose tissue. Among the interventions, massages and water exercises have the most statistically significant impact on reducing adipose tissue, underscoring their importance in the treatment program.
Prosthetic rehabilitation with dental implants is continuously evolving and becoming more widespread. Therefore, it is essential to standardize methods for evaluating treatment outcomes, particularly in terms of verifying the definitions related to treatment success. It is important to distinguish between “full” treatment success and mere “survival” of the implant in the mouth. Currently, the literature lacks standardized criteria for defining implant treatment as a “success”. Factors such as peri-implant tissue health, bone loss, and technical aspects of the prosthetic restoration are commonly highlighted. Bone level follow-up examinations should be conducted using appropriate radiological techniques. This paper reviews the literature addressing the evaluation of implant treatment, focusing on the various criteria used to classify therapy in terms of “success”. A proper evaluation of implant treatment requires a long-term follow-up period due to the potential for late complications. A shorter observation period may lead to an overestimation of the success rate for this type of therapy. The choice of therapeutic method should be individualized for each patient, and patients should be informed about potential complications. Studies reporting success rates for implant therapy should account for the occurrence of complications. Further research is needed to establish standards and algorithms for managing complications in implantoprosthetic therapy.
A case of a median nerve tumour (schwannoma) located in the distal part of the forearm, which was enucleated from the nerve under local anaesthesia (WALANT), without the use of a tourniquet on the arm to obtain a bloodless surgical field, is presented. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first described case of nerve tumour surgery under this anaesthesia. It shows that operation of nerve tumours can be performed under WALANT, without deteriorating of patients’ safety and surgeons comfort. The authors believe that presentation of this case can be interesting for hand surgeons and will encourage them to extend the scope of operations performed under WALANT.
Introduction: Chronic exposure to stress significantly affects the deterioration of health. Inrecent years, the occurrence of the COVID-19 epidemic condition, and with it the deterioration of working conditions and the concomitant increase in the number of patients in serious condition, has increased stress in the professional duties as well as in the daily lives of paramedics. The study attempts to analyze selected aspects of the lifestyles of paramedics working in the National Emergency Medical Service system and the impact of the pandemic on their professional and daily lives. Materials and methods: The study was conducted by means of a questionnaire among 100 active paramedics. Results: Statistical analysis showed that raters with active lifestyles and high levels of generalized self-efficacy were significantly more likely to consume fruits and vegetables (p < 0.0023, p < 0.0035), dairy products, nuts and almonds (p < 0.018, p < 0.0021), fish (p < 0.0040) and isotonic drinks (p < 0.0001) than raters with low self-efficacy. Assessment of cigarette smoking (including e-cigarette) indicated that the majority of raters (55%) smoked. In terms of ways of coping with stress, the following ways of relieving tension were identified: smoking (27%), listening to music or watching a movie (23%), physical activity (22%), drinking alcohol after work (19%). An analysis of the IPAQ questionnaire determined a high level of physical activity in 22% of the subjects, a sufficient level in 38%, and an insufficient level in 40%. There was no statistically significant relationship between physical activity and the level of self-generalized efficacy of paramedics (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The analysis of selected aspects of lifestyle in the study group in relation to sense of generalized self-efficacy showed no significant relationships between self-assessment of health, level of physical activity, and the severity of these behaviors. The dietary assessment showed abnormalities related to infrequent consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, and frequent consumption of sweets, drinks with high sugar levels.
Worldwide, across all age groups, there is a high prevalence of eye diseases with a neovascular component, which are a significant cause of vision impairment. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1) is a key regulator in the body’s adaptation to hypoxic conditions and the cellular response to oxidative stress. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in erythropoiesis, angiogenesis, and mitochondrial metabolism. This multifunctional action makes it significant in the pathogenesis and progression of neovascular eye diseases. According to available literature, HIF-1 plays a key role in the progression of ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, neoplastic conditions (uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma), corneal neovascularization, and the neovascular form of pterygium. This literature review summarizes the latest scientific findings regarding the role of HIF-1 in neovascular eye diseases and its potential significance in the context of developing modern therapeutic strategies.
This work attempts to answer how the latest cloud computing technologies and low-code software development tools can support modern health care. The main scope of the work was the design and implementation of an application using the Microsoft Power Platform environment, including Microsoft Power Apps and Microsoft Dataverse. Testing the implemented application formed the basis for discussion and enabled the formulation of potential benefits, limitations, and possible future enhancements of the proposed solution. The development of this project demonstrated great potential for using Microsoft Power Apps. It was considered important for expanding telemedicine systems, improving access to medical information, and optimizing working time.
