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Actinic keratosis is a common skin condition that has the potential to develop into malignant neoplastic lesions. Factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing actinic keratosis include older age, male gender, UV exposure, and immunosuppressive treatment. Understanding the pathogenesis and significance of actinic keratosis as an initial form of the neoplastic process associated with a sequence of lesions arising on photodamaged skin has led to the concept of field cancerization. The choice of the optimal therapeutic pathway depends on the number of actinic keratosis lesions and the degree of photodamage in the skin, as well as the advancement of skin lesions. The clinical presentation of skin lesions also allows monitoring of the patient’s condition over time and assessing response to treatment, and facilitates rational decisions regarding potential therapy adjustments. This article outlines the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratosis in Poland and presents an evidence-based management regimen that incorporates the practical clinical experience of dermatology experts. The recommendations cover a range of topics including topical treatment options, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizing agent, and combination treatments.

A case report of non-classical treatment choice for mycosis fungoides (MF) presented on the left upper eyelid and forehead. Superficial brachytherapy using 3D technique was prescribed to preserve the lens’s functionality, and successfully eliminate malignant lesion. Treatment was conducted with high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy using iridium-192 ( 192 Ir) source as a base and Flexitron device as an afterloader. Applicators were immobilized and located near the lesion by manually shaped molds. Doses were calculated using Oncentra treatment planning system (ELEKTA ® ) with 3D models based on CT scans. A 12-month follow-up showed sustained remission without any late toxicity or recurrence of MF skin lesions on the face.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute lower and upper respiratory tract infections in all age groups. The clinical course of RSV infection differs depending on age and comorbidities. RSV infections are severe in the adult population; the highest risk of complications is seen in the elderly (age over 60 years) and in individuals with certain chronic disorders. Vaccination is the only currently available method of active prevention of RSV infections in adults. RSV vaccines stimulate both the humoral and the cell-mediated immunity and ensure a high level of protection against severe and complicated infection. Vaccination is recommended in all patients over the age of 60 years, particularly those with chronic disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic respiratory tract disorders, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, diabetes, chronic kidney disease), immunodeficient individuals and nursing home residents.

Papillary muscles, as components of the subvalvular apparatus, play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the heart valves. Although the most commonly encountered variants can be classified traditionally, it is essential to remember that there is significant variability in their number, structure, and shape. This variability is not without clinical significance – specific papillary muscle variants translate into different prognoses, therapeutic approaches, and surgical procedures. Therefore, in our study, we conducted an analysis of available literature to determine which papillary muscle variants are most common, what their vascular supply is, and what the significance of individual variants is in daily clinical practice. To achieve this, we searched popular scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, using keywords such as papillary muscles, clinical aspects of papillary muscles, anatomical variability of papillary muscles, and papillary muscle rupture – as one of the most common clinical situations related to papillary muscles. This paper presents the results of our review – organised and accompanied by a table.

Introduction The present study concerns a connection of the Q192RPON1 polymorphism with atherosclerosis requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the Polish population. Material and methods A total of 282 individuals who underwent coronary angiography took part in this study. The polymorphism was determined with the PCR-RFLP method. Results The odds ratio for atherosclerosis in carriers of the 192RR genotype was 2.50 (p = 0.002). The median HDL-C concentration was significantly lower in the study group than the control group (p = 0.02). Conclusions The presence of the 192RR genotype and 192R allele are indicative of at least a two-fold increased risk of atherosclerosis requiring PCI or CABG in the Polish population.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that affects hair follicles, typically developing after puberty. It is characterized by painful, deep-seated inflammatory lesions that appear in anatomical regions where apocrine glands are located, mainly in the axillar, inguinal, and anogenital areas. The pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa is multifactorial, with follicular occlusion representing the initial stage of the disease and subsequently leading to the formation of neutrophilic abscesses and infiltration by various inflammatory cells. The treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons, as well as physicians of other medical specialties. The primary pharmacological treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa involve antibiotics and biologic disease-modifying drugs, which can be used either in monotherapy or in combination with surgical interventions. The following guidelines provide up-to-date information on the management of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Purpose This study aimed to assess the impact of four distinct training programs on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and cardiovascular health markers. The programs included: 1) a polarised training program (POL) incorporating sprint interval training (SIT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with long intervals, and low-intensity training (LIT); 2) a program focused solely on SIT training; 3) a program focused solely on long interval HIIT training; and 4) a program focused solely on LIT. The outcomes of interest were VO2max, lectin-like oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) expression, and serum concentration of oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Methods This study enrolled 40 physically active individuals, categorised into four groups. Group POL (n = 10) engaged in a comprehensive POL training program, while group SIT (n = 10), group HIIT (n = 10), and group LIT (n = 10) participated in dedicated SIT, HIIT, and LIT training programs, respectively. SIT included 30-second all-out repetitions, HIIT included 3-minute high-intensity repetitions, LIT performed with intensity at the first ventilatory threshold. Throughout five weeks, participants in all groups underwent three weekly training sessions. Preceding and following the experiment, participants underwent an incremental test and a VO2max verification test. Additionally, serum concentrations of lectin-like oxidised lowdensity lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were measured before the incremental test. Results Following the conclusion of the experiment, notable mixed effects were observed. Specifically, statistically significant increases were identified in VO2max, with a 14.2% enhancement in the POL group and a 9.5% improvement in the HIIT group. Moreover, there were substantial reductions in LOX-1 levels, demonstrating a 51.5% decrease in the POL group and a 61.1% decrease in the HIIT group. Conclusions The findings led to the conclusion that both the POL and long interval HIIT programs were effective in enhancing VO2max and lowering serum levels of LOX-1 among physically active individuals.

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of rare lymphoproliferative diseases that are initially limited to the skin but potentially also involve the lymph nodes, blood, and occasionally visceral organs. They develop from mature T cells, B cells, and NK cells. The classification includes a wide range of pathologies, each characterized by distinct clinical symptoms and variations in disease course. Cutaneous lymphomas are typically chronic in nature, and a complete cure is rarely achievable. Since primary cutaneous lymphomas are uncommon and present in many variants, they pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that require multidisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists, pathologists, hematologists, and oncologists. We present revised guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of primary cutaneous lymphomas, with the goal of simplifying the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in routine clinical practice. The guidelines cover the clinical, histopathological, and dermoscopic characteristics of skin lesions, along with recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of primary cutaneous lymphomas. When selecting the most suitable therapeutic approach for individual patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous lymphoma, the main factor to consider should be the clinical stage of the disease. However, other factors, such as the patient’s age, overall health, and medical history, should also be taken into account. The choice of therapy should be guided by finding optimal efficacy and safety. The guidelines also include globally recognized therapeutic approaches that are currently not accessible in Poland. The recommendations rely on the existing Polish and global guidelines, and the knowledge and experience of experts.

The case report describes an 11-year old boy with sudden onset lower right limb thrombosis, hypertension and nephritic syndrome. Laboratory findings revealed positive results of anti-ANA, anti-dsDNA, lupus anticoagulant and COVID-19 IgG antibodies. Vascular ultrasound and computed tomography detected active thrombosis of the right popliteal vein. Kidney biopsy confirmed fourth class lupus nephritis. The patient responded well to a combination of steroids, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, rituximab, alteplase, heparin and amlodipine, with the resolution of thrombosis and nephritic syndrome, stabilization of blood pressure and improvement in laboratory findings. The case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of systematic lupus erythematosus with vein thrombosis and lupus nephritis in children, particularly in male patients. Overall, this case emphasizes the possibility of virus triggering factors in systematic lupus erythematosus and the importance of regular check-ups, monitoring of symptoms in preventing complications and improving the long-term outlook for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction Blood lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels have been observed to be inversely correlated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this Mendelian randomization (MR) study, the causal impact of genetically predicted Lp(a) on T2D was assessed. Methods A two-sample MR analysis was conducted. Data were obtained from UK Biobank and FinnGen consortia. Primary analysis was based on an inverse-variance-weighted mean (IVM) approach. Results No statistically significant association between the genetically predicted levels of Lp(a) and T2D was detected (p = 0.362) in IVM analysis involving data of 563,420 patients. Conclusions Genetically predicted Lp(a) concentration does not appear to be causally related to the risk of T2D.

Lipid disorders are the most common (even 70%) and worst monitored cardiovascular risk factor (only 1/4 of patients in Poland and in CEE countries are on the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal). To improve this, clear and simple diagnostic criteria should be introduced for all components of the lipid profile. These are the updated guidelines of the two main scientific societies in Poland in the area – the Polish Society of Laboratory Diagnostics (PSLD) and the Polish Lipid Association (PoLA), which, in comparison to those from 2020, introduce few important changes in recommendations (two main lipid targets, new recommendations on LDL-C measurements, calculations new goals for triglycerides, new recommendations on remnants and small dense LDL) that should help the practitioners to be early with the diagnosis of lipid disorders and in the effective monitoring (after therapy initiation), and in the consequence to avoid the first and recurrent cardiovascular events.

Acne vulgaris is the most common dermatosis among adolescents, but it can also affect adults. Acne lesions located on the face cause discomfort and lead to impaired quality of life for many patients. Acne is a dermatological condition with multiple causes and clinical manifestations, as well as varying degrees of severity. Dermatological treatment alone does not always bring good therapeutic effects, and occasionally it may result in symptoms of skin irritation. Therefore, using appropriate dermocosmetics is crucial in managing the condition. Dermocosmetics play a potentially important role in minimizing the adverse effects of acne medications, providing a synergistic effect by addressing other acne-causing factors and/or enhancing the efficacy of other treatment modalities, and protecting the skin against the adverse impacts of the exposome. In cases of mild acne, dermocosmetics can be used in monotherapy as an alternative to acne medications or for maintenance therapy. It is also advisable to combine dermocosmetics with topical or systemic therapies to achieve a synergistic effect or to prevent and reduce drug-induced adverse reactions. Dermocosmetics have keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, regulate sebum production, and help maintain the balance of the skin’s natural microbiome.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is made up of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle and a specific apolipoprotein(a). The blood concentration of Lp(a) is approximately 90% genetically determined, and the main genetic factor determining Lp(a) levels is the size of the apo(a) isoform, which is determined by the number of KIV2 domain repeats. The size of the apo(a) isoform is inversely proportional to the blood concentration of Lp(a). Lp(a) is a strong and independent cardiovascular risk factor. Elevated Lp(a) levels ≥ 50 mg/dl (≥ 125 nmol/l) are estimated to occur in more than 1.5 billion people worldwide. However, determination of Lp(a) levels is performed far too rarely, including Poland, where, in fact, it is only since the 2021 guidelines of the Polish Lipid Association (PoLA) and five other scientific societies that Lp(a) measurements have begun to be performed. Determination of Lp(a) concentrations is not easy due to, among other things, the different sizes of the apo(a) isoforms; however, the currently available certified tests make it possible to distinguish between people with low and high cardiovascular risk with a high degree of precision. In 2022, the first guidelines for the management of patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels were published by the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) and the American Heart Association (AHA). The first Polish guidelines are the result of the work of experts from the two scientific societies and their aim is to provide clear, practical recommendations for the determination and management of elevated Lp(a) levels.

Annual vaccination is the most effective protection against influenza and its serious complications. It is especially important for people at high risk of severe course of the disease and serious complications: individuals with specific chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, children aged 6–59 months, older people, and healthcare workers. Despite a progressive increase in seasonal vaccine coverage, influenza-related morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization rates remain high and have continued to increase in people aged 65 years and over. Standard vaccines against influenza are less efficient in this group due to immunosenescence. Consequently, more effective vaccines are needed to prevent influenza and its complications in older adults.

In this article authors would like to present the history of the “Neuropatologia Polska” journal (since 1994: “Folia Neuropathologica”) in its first decade of existence. It outlines the circumstances surrounding the creation of the journal and shows how it evolved in the first years. The vast material analysed from the consecutive issues of the journal in the years from 1963 to 1972 was subjected to statistical and content analysis. From its first year, the journal has included works of a very high substantive level and a wide range of topics. The authors presented the results of contemporary research in many areas. The “Neuropatologia Polska” journal (later “Folia Neuropathologica”) set paths for the development of neuropathology in clinical and experimental aspects. What is very important, it created a platform for international cooperation in many fields, included researchers and scientists from Western countries and foreign academic centres in difficult times. This article was created on the 60th anniversary of creation of “Neuropatologia Polska”.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. It is a chronic disease affecting approximately 10% of women. In addition to producing a vast array of symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea, the condition significantly impacts quality of life. Over the past century, several theories have attempted to explain the pathogenesis of this complex disease. Recent studies have investigated the potential role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the development of endometriotic lesions. The objective of this review was to conduct a search of online databases (Embase, Medline and PubMed) for available literature from June 2013 to June 2023 concerning the association between HPV and endometriosis. After screening 110 articles, 23 studies met the eligibility criteria, and 8 were included in the systematic review. Out of the 8 reviewed papers, 3 described a statistically significant correlation between HPV infection and endometriosis. 3 others only demonstrated a higher incidence of HPV infection in patients with confirmed endometriosis. A difference in the dominant type of HPV serotype among patients diagnosed with endometriosis was also observed. Given these results, it is difficult to propose a viral origin of the disease. Further research is necessary to determine the role of HPV infection in the development of endometriosis.

Introduction Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO 2 ) therapy involves the inhalation of pure oxygen in a pressure chamber under increased ambient pressure. Recent research indicates that circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play important roles in human physiology and pathology. Therefore, the objective of this pilot study was to monitor the impact of HBO 2 therapy on the levels of circulating sEVs in the serum of patients with necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTI), aseptic bone necrosis (ABN) or idiopathic sudden sensory neural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Material and methods Serum-derived sEVs were isolated and quantified in 80 patients before and after HBO 2 therapy applied for NSTI, ISSNHL and ABN patients as well as in normal controls who received neither HBO 2 therapy nor steroids. Results We observed a significant increase of circulating sEVs in patients with ISSNHL after HBO2 therapy (p < 0.05), as well as significantly elevated levels of sEVs after HBO 2 therapy compared to patients with NSTI (p < 0.05) and ABN (p < 0.01). Conclusions The increase in the levels of sEVs in ISSNHL may be evidence for both the intended reduction of inflammation as a result of steroid therapy and the inhibitory effect of oxidative stress induced by HBO 2 therapy. Thus, sEVs released during HBO 2 therapy might play an important biological role in mediating the response to therapy and might be a promising approach to gain further insights into the therapeutic efficacy of HBO 2 therapy.

This paper presents a case of urosepsis caused by Escherichia coli in an 11-year-old girl with a neurogenic bladder. The patient had not previously been supervised by a nephrologist or urologist. On admission, significantly elevated serum markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein 32.4 mg/dl, procalcitonin 64.2 ng/ml), kidney failure (creatinine 6.9 mg/dl, pH 7.22, HCO3 6.3 mmol/l), and increased serum urea (399 mg/dl) were detected. Antibiotic therapy with rehydration was started and improved renal function without dialysis. However, a 9-cm-long perirenal abscess site was diagnosed. It required surgical treatment, which was complicated by an anaphylactic reaction to latex. Colitis caused by Clostridium difficile was also diagnosed. Hospital treatment lasted 38 days. After 4 months the patient’s glomerular filtration rate was 66 ml/min/1.73 m2 and indicated stage 2 chronic kidney disease. Because early diagnosis of urinary tract infection is crucial for preventing complications in children with neurogenic bladder, they should undergo regular nephro-urological care.

Dermocosmetics (active cosmetics, functional cosmetics, cosmeceuticals) are preparations for external use, supporting pharmacotherapy of skin diseases during the active phase of the disease and in remission. They are also used for healthy skin (preventive) care. Historically, topical skin care products have been divided into cosmetics and drugs, as defined by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938. A cosmetic was defined as ”articles intended to cleanse, care, beautify and improve the appearance of the skin”. Drugs were defined as ”products intended to affect the structure or any function of the body, or products intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, treatment or prevention of human diseases”. Dermocosmetics (cosmeceuticals) remain cosmetics from a legal point of view, but they fill the gap between cosmetics and drugs. These products achieve a cosmetic effect with active substances however are not subject to drug regulations.

The Kettil Bruun Society (KBS) has developed from a small, almost informal group of social researchers to a relatively large organisation that has sustained itself over the decades, organising regularly its annual symposia and less regular thematic meetings which offer a platform for comparative social and epidemiological alcohol research. Unlike the few previous papers on KBS, which focused on internal development, the aim of this one is to put its history in a wider global political, social and economic context. Several global developments were identified that may have affected the KBS and its history: emergence of the new left generation in the 60s; growth and decline of the welfare state, in particular the Nordic welfare state with its health-oriented alcohol monopolies; globalisation and internationalisation of research; emergence and expansion of neoliberal ideologies; globalisation of the alcohol industry and social aspects organisations; technological and methodological advances in research. The Society’s original organisational culture, with a focus on the comparative perspective, openness, transparency and supportive relationships among members, has been sustained but is likely to evolve under a pressure of recent global developments.

Neuropathological central nervous system (CNS) post-mortem examination is a highly specialistic element of the autopsy procedure with methodological specificity. Herein we propose updated recommendations for CNS autopsy for pathologists and neuropathologists. The protocol includes the compendium of neuroanatomy with current nomenclature, consecutive steps of gross examination, as well as appropriate sampling algorithms in different clinical and pathological settings. The significance of pathoclinical cooperation in differential diagnosis is exposed. We believe it is essential to create and promote the guidelines to improve the quality of CNS post-mortem examination at the national level.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by periods of remission and subsequent relapses typically provoked by environmental factors. Eruptions located on the face are easily visible and may be difficult to conceal, which leads to a decrease in patients’ self-esteem, quality of life, and general well-being. Since the aetiology of rosacea is multifactorial and not entirely understood, and the clinical characteristics and course of the disease are heterogeneous, therapy may be challenging. While a complete cure is not possible, in the majority of cases clinical improvement and long-term remission are satisfying both to the patient and physician. In recent years, the therapeutic approach has been significantly modified. Currently, the focus is placed on the need to personalise the treatment process and adapt it to the patients’ phenotypic characteristics. Combination therapies and new variants of existing topical and systemic drugs are increasingly being recommended. The mainstays of therapy are antiinflammatory agents. Proper skin care – along with the identification and avoidance of factors known to trigger consecutive episodes of rosacea – are also essential.

Background Adhering to clinical prescriptions is known to protect against the effects of uncontrolled hypertension and of acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes. Contextually, positive associations between self-care behaviors and psychological constructs, such as self-efficacy, are widely acknowledged in the literature. However, still little is known about the psychological factors underlying the patient’s self-efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial and behavioral correlates of self-efficacy related to treatment adherence in older patients with comorbid hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants and procedure Italian and Polish patients (≥ 65 years; N = 180) consecutively responded to self-report questionnaires measuring psycho-social (i.e., beliefs about medicines, perceived physician’s communication effectiveness, medication-specific social sup-port, self-efficacy) and behavioral factors (i.e., pharmacological adherence, medications refill adherence, intentional non-adherence) related to treatment adherence. Between-group comparisons and regression analyses were performed. Results Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test showed significant differences between the Italian and Polish groups in all questionnaires (p < .01) with the Italian patients reporting more satisfactory scores. Younger age (β = .08, p = .045), female gender (β = 1.03, p = .042), higher medication refills adherence (β = –.07, p = .024), lower intentional non-adherence (β = –.03, p = .009), positive beliefs about medications (β = .13, p < .001), better quality of communication with the physician (β = .09, p < .001), and stronger perceived medication-specific social support (β = .06, p = .001) were significantly associat-ed with self-efficacy related to treatment adherence. Conclusions Future research and interventions should leverage psychosocial and behavioral factors to address self-efficacy contributing to enhancing adherence to clinical prescriptions.

Oxyonium phosphobetaines are recently discovered molecules with a unique − O–P–O–N + bond system, which makes them useful and versatile intermediates for the synthesis of phosphates and their derivatives. In this paper, the preliminary data on the application of these compounds in nucleoside phosphorylation were presented.

Pneumococcal infections (Streptococcus pneumoniae) remain a significant epidemiological problem globally. Although an invasive pneumo-coccal disease (IPD), which includes meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia with bacteremia, is the most severe form of pneumococcal infection, the main bur-den in terms of morbidity and mortality is associated with community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly. The epidemiology of infections caused by S. pneumoniae serotypes can change naturally in time and by universal vaccination implementation. The proportion of infections caused by serotypes not contained in any available vaccines is constantly increasing. These changes stimulate the development of new vaccines and ensure the broadest possible protection against S. pneumoniae infections. There is a need to raise awareness of the burden of pneumococcal disease in adults and the vaccines used for prophylaxis for pneumococcal infection. The article discusses the pneumococcal infection burden in the adult population and the factors that raise the risk of infections. We characterised available vaccines for adults, highlighting the significant differences between the conjugated and unconjugated polysaccharide vaccines. Current epidemiological data on pneumococcal infections in Europe and Poland is presented. The latest 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) is described, and the most recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations on primary prevention and the current implementation of vaccination against pneumococcal infections in the adult population in Poland are discussed.

Introduction In the majority of Western European countries, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a dramatic reduction in urooncological surgeries. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on volume and patterns of urooncological surgery in Poland. Material and methods This is a retrospective analysis of 10 urologic centres in Poland. Data regarding major oncological procedures performed after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak (March 15, 2020 – May 31, 2020) were evaluated and compared with data from the respective period in 2019. Results Between March 15, 2020 and May 31, 2020, a total of 968 oncological procedures were performed in participating centres. When compared to the respective period in 2019 (1063 procedures) the overall number of surgeries declined by 8.9%. The reduction was observed for transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) (20.1%) and partial nephrectomies (PN) (16.5%). Surgical activity considering radical nephrectomy (RN), nephroureterectomy (NU), and radical prostatectomy (RP) remained relatively unchanged, whereas radical cystectomy (RC) burden showed a significant increase (90.9%). Characteristics of patients treated with TURBT, RC, NU, PN, and RN did not differ significantly between the compared periods, whereas RP in the COVID-19 period was performed more frequently in patients with a higher grade group (p = 0.028) and positive digital rectal examination (p = 0.007). Conclusions Surgical activity for urological cancers in Poland has been maintained during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Polish strategy in the initial period of the COVID-19 crisis mirrors the scenario of hard initial lockdown followed by adaptive lockdown, during which oncological care remained undisrupted and did not require particular priority triage.

Invasive meningococcal disease is a dangerous bacterial infection that often leads to death or permanent disability. Immunization is the best strategy to protect individuals against invasive infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The effectiveness of vaccines has been demonstrated in many countries where they have been introduced into national vaccination programs. Meningococcal vaccinations in Poland are recommended in the framework of the National Immunization Program. However, they are not reimbursed, meaning the patient or parent covers vaccination costs. In addition, insufficient public awareness of the disease course and risks associated with meningococcal infection, the need for immunization in the first year of a child’s life, the number of doses administered, and the price of the vaccines are barriers to the acceptance and implementation of meningococcal immunization, especially in the youngest children. Recommendations for physicians implementing meningococcal vaccination in children and adults are the result of the work of an expert group.

Myocardium has a limited proliferative capacity, and adult hearts are considered incapable of regenerating after injury. A significant loss in the viable myocardium eventually diminishes the heart’s ability to contract synchronously, leading to heart failure. Despite the development in interventional and pharmacological treatment for ischemic heart disease and heart failure, there is a significant number of highly symptomatic patients. For these individuals, treatments that stimulate myocardial regeneration can offer alleviation of dyspnea and angina and improvement in quality of life. Stem cells are known to promote neovascularization and endothelial repair. Various stem cell lines have been investigated over the years to establish those with the highest potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, including bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, CD34+, CD133+, endothelial progenitor cells, and adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Stem cell studies were based on several delivery pathways: infusion into coronary vessels, direct injection into the injured region of the myocardium, and delivery within the novel bioengineered scaffolds. Acellular materials have also been investigated over the years. They demonstrate the therapeutic potential to promote angiogenesis and release of growth factors to improve the restoration of critical components of the extracellular matrix. This review summarizes hybrid cardiac regeneration treatments that combine novel bioengineering techniques with delivery approaches that cardiac surgeons can provide.