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The genus Erigeron (Asteraceae) includes several widely distributed invasive species for which data on chromosome numbers and cytological variation are lacking in many parts of their introduced range. In this study, we targeted five alien Erigeron taxa occurring in Poland to test their chromosome numbers in the context of cytological diversity and invasiveness. In addition, we included three native taxa of the E. acris s. l. complex which are also cytogeographically poorly recognised. To count chromosomes, we made stained microscopic preparations from root tip samples obtained from seedlings or mature plants. Among alien taxa, we documented diploids (2n = 2x = 18) in E. canadensis and E. ×huelsenii (a hybrid between E. acris and E. canadensis), triploids (2n = 3x = 27) in E. annuus, triploids and tetraploids (2n = 4x = 36) in E. strigosus, and hexaploids (2n = 6x = 54) in E. sumatrensis. In the case of native taxa, we found diploids (2n = 2x = 18) in E. acris subsp. acris, E. acris subsp. podolicus and E. muralis. We also showed that the karyotype of E. ×huelsenii includes two sets of chromosomes differing in size, reflecting the difference in the amount of nuclear DNA between its parental species. However, this hybrid appears to be a weak competitor due to its sterility, lack of vegetative propagation and short lifespan. Moreover, our results confirm that E. strigosus can be cytologically diverse even in one small geographical region in its introduced range. Further studies are needed to prove the effects of hybridisation and polyploidy on competitive abilities in alien Erigeron species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Dental implants are the treatment of choice for patients, who are either partially or fully edentulous. Bone quantity and quality at the surgical site are key factors in an implant success. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possibility of performing density measurement with Hounsfield units (HU) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in different types of materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The physical densities of 3 blocks (3 × 3 × 5 cm) made of 5 different materials (pine, beech, plaster, acrylic, and wax) were calculated. A VistaVoxS 3D CBCT device was used to scan each block using the following acquisition protocol: 5 × 5 field-of-view, 98 kVp, 11 mAs, and 0.08 voxel size. The resulting 15 CBCT scans after acquisitions were imported to AIS3DAPP 5.0 software. A virtual implant (16 mm × 5.2 mm) was centered in each block's image, and bone density tool available in the software was used to measure HU with the virtual implant's thirds. For each implant, mean HU values of the most anterior, posterior, left, and right sides were measured. RESULTS: In general, each material produced different mean HU values. Plaster produced the highest values (2,160.9), followed by acrylic (126.39), wax (-170.65), beech (-655.78), and pine (90.12). CONCLUSIONS: CBCT HU were repeatable and higher in the high-density material studied. The bone density tool demonstrated to be useful and reproducible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In the years 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Poland's health care system and caused a high number of excess deaths. After nearly 30 years of continuous dynamic increase in the life expectancy of the Polish population and a decrease in premature mortality that led to a reduction in the health gap between Poland and Western European countries, regrettably, a decline in life expectancy was recorded. For males, the decline amounted to 2.3 years and, for females, to 2.1 years. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the level of premature mortality due to selected cardiovascular diseases in Poland before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method. Time trends of deaths of patients under the age of 65 due to ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and aortic aneurysm were analyzed by gender and age groups. The joinpoint model was used in determining time trends. Results. Premature mortality due to all of the cardiovascular diseases analyzed had been declining steadily by about 5% per year since 2008. However, at the end of the second decade of the 21st century, a significant change in the dynamics of the trend was observed, particularly with regard to deaths from ischemic heart disease, which since 2018 caused premature mortality increases of 10% per year in the female population. In the male population, an increase of nearly 20% per year has been observed since 2019. The changes also affected premature mortality due to cerebrovascular disease. Conclusions. After nearly three decades of significant decline in premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases in Poland, there was a reversal in the trend, in particular as regards ischemic heart disease. The unfavorable changes intensified in the subsequent two years. The simultaneous increase in the number of cardiovascular incidents ending in death and the decline in access to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment may explain the unfavorable changes in the deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and the increase in premature mortality due to cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Knowledge about cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) among dental personnel is paramount topic and being investigated in many countries all over the world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess and compare knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian and Polish dental interns towards CBCT. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire composed of 17 questions related to CBCT. The questionnaire was distributed to 89 Jordanian and 103 Polish dental interns, and χ² test was applied for data analysis. Results: The majority of dental interns (range, 55.2-94.3%) correctly answered questions related to CBCT knowledge, and showed positive attitudes towards CBCT. Polish dental interns had higher scores in most of the questions related to CBCT basic knowledge, and there was a statistically significant difference in various responses (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both Jordanian and Polish dental interns have a good level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards CBCT. To enhance knowledge and attitudes among dental interns, dental faculties should provide more courses related to CBCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic and environmental factors especially climatic conditions are thought to influence the shape and size of the paranasal sinuses and anatomic variations may create both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. However, no study has been published about the climatic adaptation of the paranasal sinus region in different populations. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of anatomical variants in the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) between Polish and Turkish Cypriot populations. Methods: The material consisted of volumes acquired utilizing Galileos (Sirona, Germany) as well as Newtom 3G (QR Verona, Newtom, Italy) CBCT units. There were examined 356 Polish and 359 Turkish Cypriot patients in whom paranasal sinuses were included in the field of view. Paranasal sinus anatomic variations were assessed in both populations. Results: In the Polish population, the most common anatomic variation was septum deviation followed by the Agger nasi cell and concha bullosa with a prevalence of 87.7%, 83.2%, and 54.8% respectively. For the Turkish Cypriot population, the most common anatomic variation was Agger nasi cell followed by concha bullosa and supraorbital ethmoid cells with a prevalence of 81.6%, 68%, and 57.8% respectively. Many anatomic variations were found to show substantial differences among both populations. Incidence rates of hyperpneumatization of the frontal sinus, septum pneumatization, supraorbital ethmoid cells, concha bullosa, uncinate bulla, and internal carotid artery protrusion into the sphenoid sinus were significantly higher in the Turkish Cypriot group, while the incidence of Haller cell, frontal sinus hypoplasia, maxillary sinus hypoplasia, ethmomaxillary sinus, sphenomaxillary plate, and septum deviation were significantly higher in Polish population. Conclusion: According to the Köppen-Geiger world climatic map, the climate is warmer and drier in Turkish Cypriote populations than in the Polish population. These climatic differences influence the paranasal sinus variations between the Turkish Cypriot and Polish populations that must be taken into account by rhinologic surgeons especially when performing frontal and sphenoid sinus surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the accuracy of Cameriere's method based on normalized measurement of open apices of developing permanent teeth (xi) and a number of teeth with closed apices (N0) in a sample of 121 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of children (60 males and 61 females), aged between 5 and 13 years from Krakow, Poland. Intra-class correlation coefficient on randomly selected 30 CBCT scans showed good to exceptional intra-observer, and inter-observer agreement of normalized open apices, while Kappa score showed an absolute agreement of the number of teeth with complete maturation. Dental age overestimated by 0.17 years (p = 0.120) and 0.18 years (p = 0.149) in males and females, respectively. The mean absolute errors between dental and chronological age of MAE between dental and chronological age of the complete sample were 0.73 years and 0.77 years in males and females, respectively. In conclusion, the present results support usage of Cameriere's method for age estimation in Polish children in cases where CBCT scans are available and previously taken for a specific clinical indication and taking into account the more demanding procedure of measuring variables in a non-orthogonal projection of teeth compared to a panoramic image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the information on the distribution of the moss Bryum gemmiferum R. Wilczek & Demaret in Poland. The first species site from southern Poland was published, but further research and revision of the herbarium materials provided information about its occurrence in different parts of the country. Currently, this species is known in 20 locations. A brief discussion about its ecology, taxonomy, and geographical distribution is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Strength and balance are important factors for soccer players to be successful. This study’s aim was to determine the relationship between lower-limb muscle strength and balance control in elite male soccer players (n = 77). Methods. Concentric isokinetic strength (peak torque of quadriceps (PT-Q) and hamstrings (PT-H), hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio) was measured for the dominant and non-dominant leg at angular velocities of 60◦ s −1 and 240◦ s −1, as well as the total work for extensors (TW-Q) and flexors (TW-H) for both legs (at an angular velocity of 240◦ s −1only). Balance score (BAL score) was used for unilateral assessment of balance control using a Delos Postural System Test measurement tool. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to predict balance control using isokinetic knee strength performance for dominant and non-dominant legs. Results. Final modelling included peak torque of hamstrings at 240◦ s −1 and peak torque of the quadriceps at 240◦ s −1 for the non-dominant leg (R 2 = 19.6%; p ≤ 0.001) and only peak hamstring torque at 240◦ s −1 for the dominant leg (R 2 = 11.3%; p = 0.003) as significant predictors of balance score. Conclusion. Findings indicate that balance control is widely influenced by peak hamstring torque and peak quadriceps torque at high angular velocity particularly in the non-dominant leg i.e., the supporting leg in soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A perineural (Tarlov) cyst is a fluid-filled lesion occurring between the perineurium and the endoneurium of spinal nerve roots. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and morphology of perineural cysts, detected incidentally in patients with symptomatic degenerative disk disease. Materials/methods The study was based on the retrospective data gathered during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Results and Conclusions Out of 3,128 spinal MRI examinations, perineural cysts were detected in 286 patients (9%). The cysts were most commonly observed in the sacral region, followed by thoracic, cervical, and lumbar regions. Cysts were more common in women than in men and the average age of patients was 54.8 years. In the majority, a single cyst was found. The average longest dimension of the lesion was 11.72 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a trend in soccer to ensure comprehensive player preparation including fitness, technical and tactical, as well as mental aspects. It has been emphasized many times that personality traits (neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion) are significant for the effectiveness of performance in soccer. The question of why these relations occur has been considered relatively rarely. Therefore, the aim of this study is an attempt to explain these relations through introduction of ways of coping with stress as their significant mediators. It is hence assumed that players with certain personality traits are characterized by specific ways of coping with stress which are related to the effectiveness of their performance. The study group consisted of 122 players, aged 16–19 years. The participants of the study were youth teams at the championship level (medalists of the youth Polish Championships), and the following research tools were used: NEO-FFI Personality Inventory, The Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport (CICS) and Szwarc's Observation Sheet for effectiveness in soccer. It was demonstrated that task-focused ways of coping with stress (effort expenditure, thought control, and logical analysis) were the most frequent mediators of relations between the studied traits and the effectiveness of performance of soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercially available metal-oxide TGS sensors are widely used in many applications due to the fact that they are inexpensive and considered to be reliable. However, they are partially selective and their responses are influenced by various factors, e.g. temperature or humidity level. Therefore, it is important to design a proper analysis system of the sensor responses. In this paper, the results of examinations of eight commercial TGS sensors combined in an array and measured over a period of a few months for the purpose of prediction of nitrogen dioxide concentration are presented. The measurements were performed at different relative humidity levels. PLS regression was employed as a method of quantitative analysis of the obtained sensor responses. The results of NO2 concentration prediction based on static and dynamic responses of sensors are compared. It is demonstrated that it is possible to predict the nitrogen dioxide concentration despite the influence of humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim was to examine correlations between radiological signs of chronic periodontitis, Mandibular Inferior Cortex (MIC) index and osteoporotic fracture probability based on the FRAX BMI tool. Methods: The material comprised 422 panoramic radiographs taken in patients aged 40–89, 270 females and 152 males. The severity of chronic periodontitis and resorption of mandibular inferior cortex based on MIC index were assessed. A diagnostic survey was conducted to estimate 10-year major and hip osteoporotic fracture probability (MOFP, HOFP) by means of the FRAX BMI tool - an algorithm that allows to calculate osteoporotic fracture probability based on assessing bone fracture risk factors knowing only BMI value. Results: The conducted analysis based on U Mann-Whitney test revealed that mean 10-year MOFP was significantly higher (p = 0.00) in women than in men. Mean 10-year MOFP in females was 4.8% (SD = 3.95%) and in males 3.21% (SD = 2.35%). Mean 10-year HOFP in women was 1.35% (SD = 2.07%) and was significantly higher (p = 0.03) than in men – 0.79% (SD = 1.18%).MOFP is significantly higher in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis than in those with mild periodontitis. Significant difference between MIC values and MOFP (p = 0.00) and HOFP (p = 0.00) was found. Osteoporotic fracture probability was significantly higher in patients with MIC stages C2 and C3 than C1. Conclusions: The FRAX BMI tool with radiological evaluation of periodontal disease severity and MIC index may be used in dental practice in determining individual risk of osteoporotic fracture in females and provide new opportunities of selecting those potentially more prone to such fractures. Trial registration: The approval of the local bioethics committee was obtained (KE-0254/107/2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fritillaria is a genus consisting of 130 to 140 species of bulbous plants, native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Generally viewed as an insect pollinated genus with the exception of two North American species, Fritillaria gentneri and F. recurva , which are described as hummingbird-pollinated and the Asian species, F. imperialis , described as passerine-pollinated. These pollinator shifts are possibly the result of adaptive changes to the structure and morphology of the nectary, as well as a change in the nectar concentration and composition. A study was conducted in a target group of 56 Fritillaria species, based on the morphology of their nectaries and nectar composition to assess the significance of pollination mode as well as its predisposition for the evolution of bird pollination. All species studied had nectaries located at their tepal base and produced nectar, but their size, shape, color, and composition all varied. Most fritillaries had hexose-rich nectar, in easily accessible and unprotected nectaries. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that the surface of the nectaries of most Fritillaria species was flat and clearly distinct from that of the surrounding tissues, which might be regarded as an adaptation for insect-pollination. Nectaries of F. imperialis were considerably larger and had dilute nectar without sucrose, which was produced profusely, thereby fulfilling the criteria characteristic of ornithophilous flowers. The copious nectar of presumed hummingbird-pollinated species was rather balanced and of medium sugar concentration. Their large lanceolate nectaries contrasted sharply with the tessellated background of their tepals. These characters might indicate a mixed pollination system that engages both birds and insects. Floral anatomy and microstructure and nectar composition for Fritillaria species in subgenera Korolkowia and Liliorhiza are studied for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Breast cancer is the most commonly found type of cancer in women. One cancer risk factor related to lifestyle that seems to be particularly worth examining is physical activity. The aims of the study were to analyse the physical activity of women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time and had undergone surgical treatment as well as to determine how their physical activity patterns changed with respect to the patterns from before the diagnosis. Material and methods. The research was carried out by means of a diagnostic survey. The instrument used was an original questionnaire designed for the purposes of the study. A total of 200 female breast cancer patients were surveyed between September 2015 and April 2016. The data collected in the study were subjected to statistical analysis. Results. The study showed that after developing cancer, a considerable percentage of women who were not physically active earlier started to perform regular physical activity. Before being diagnosed with cancer, 58% of the respondents did not spend any time engaging in physical activity or only performed it up to 30 minutes per week, whereas after receiving the diagnosis, more than half of the respondents spent a few hours a week being physically active. Conclusions. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, the majority of patients led a healthy lifestyle; the women surveyed in the study were more active and spent more time engaging in sports and recreation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Secondary prophylaxis of cervical cancer consisting in cytology screening tests, despite its effectiveness, does not achieve the desired results. For several years, primary prophylaxis has been available in the form of protective vaccinations. At present, two vaccine preparations are available on the market, and studies conducted on these preparations confirm their almost 100% effectiveness in the prevention of types of HPV present in the vaccine. Objective: Analysis of the programmes of protective vaccinations against HPV carried out during the period 2008-2013 in the Lublin Region. Material/Methods: The material used in the study was data obtained from the relevant organs of the territorial self-government concerning programmes of vaccinations against HPV, demographic data pertaining to girls aged 10-18 living in the Lublin Region, as well as data published by the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP-PZH). The method applied in the study was analysis of records. Results: During the period 2008-2013, in the Lublin Region a total of 5,496 girls were vaccinated within the health programmes. The mean immunization coverage in Lublin is 50%, and in Radzyń Podlaski 59%. The percentage contribution of vaccinations guaranteed free by the local authorities, with relation to the total number of vaccinations performed in the Lublin Region, was from 60 to 77%. The units of territorial self-government allocated the amount of PLN 5,125,359 for the performance of projects associated with execution of free vaccinations. Discussion: Among the total number of girls vaccinated against HPV, a considerable percentage were those vaccinated within the prophylactic programmes carried out by the units of territorial self-government. The programmes of free protective vaccinations against HPV began in 4 cities in the Lublin Region, and are continued only in two (Lublin and Radzyń Podlaski). Long-term observation of girls subjected to vaccinations from the aspect of maintenance of the immune response after vaccination should become an important element of performance of health programmes concerning vaccinations against HPV. Conclusions: Among the total number of girls vaccinated against HPV, those vaccinated within prophylactic programmes carried out by territorial self-government units made up a considerable percentage. Programmes of free preventive vaccinations against HPV began in 4 cities in the Lublin Region, but are continued in only 2. Long-term observation of girls subjected to vaccinations from the aspect of duration of maintaining immunity after vaccination should become an important element of the performance of health programmes concerning vaccinations against HPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate present and historical distribution of Equisetum ×moorei in Poland and its habitat requirements, field studies at sites of potential occurrence of this hybrid taxon as well as literature and herbarium search were performed. As a results of these investigations, E. ×moorei was found at five contemporary and at a few historical localities in the present territory of Poland. Since the Equisetum populations near Olkusz (S Poland) showed phenotype similar, to some extent, to triploid hybrid E. ×ascendens, we performed nuclear DNA content analysis of these populations. However, it turned out that the investigated individuals belonged to a diploid taxon that can be ascribed to E. ×moorei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a relatively new, but highly efficient imaging method applied first in dentistry in 1998. However, the quality of the obtained slices depends among other things on artifacts generated by dental restorations as well as orthodontic and prosthetic appliances. The aim of the study was to quantify the artifacts produced by standard prosthetic inlays in CBCT images. The material consisted of 17 standard prosthetic inlays mounted in dental roots embedded in resin. The samples were examined by means of a large field of view CBCT unit, Galileos (Sirona, Germany), at 85 kV and 14 mAs. The analysis was performed using Able 3DDoctor software for data in the CT raster space as well as by means of Materialise Magics software for generated vector models (STL). The masks generated in the raster space included the area of the inlays together with image artifacts. The region of interest (ROI) of the raster space is a set of voxels from a selected range of Hounsfield units (109-3071). Ceramic inlay with zirconium dioxide (Cera Post) as well as epoxy resin inlay including silica fibers enriched with zirconium (Easy Post) produced the most intense artifacts. The smallest image distortions were created by titanium inlays, both passive (Harald Nordin) and active (Flexi Flange). Inlays containing zirconium generated the strongest artifacts, thus leading to the greatest distortions in the CBCT images. Carbon fiber inlay did not considerably affect the image quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between Demirjian’s method and the improved cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) method. The material consisted of the clinical files and panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 718 children (431 girls and 287 boys) aged from 6 to 17 years, inhabitants of the Mazovia region (Central Poland). Dental age according to Demirjian was estimated using panoramic radiographs and the cervical stages (CS) of the CVM were evaluated on cephalometric radiographs. Descriptive statistics of the chronological and dental ages of the patients for a particular CS of skeletal maturity was calculated for girls and boys separately. Linear regression analysis and correlation (Pearson’s r coefficient), as well as the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (R) were applied to measure the association between CS and dental calcification stages of all analysed teeth.A consistently earlier occurrence (by about 6 months) for each CS was observed in females. A moderate, but statistically significant, correlation between Demirjian’s dental developmental stages and CS was determined. The level of the correlation was different for individual teeth: the teeth showing the highest relationship with CVM were the second premolars and canines (in female and male subjects, respectively). The central incisor demonstrated the poorest correlation in both genders. The findings confirmed that both dental and skeletal maturity should be assessed if the maturity stage of a growing child is to be relevant to clinical practice. The results indicate the usefulness of dental calcification stages as a simple first-level diagnostic test to determine the skeletal maturity status of a subject. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A response by Anna Kolasa-Raczka and colleagues to a letter to the editor about their article "Dental age in patients with impacted maxillary cannines," is presented.