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BackgroundThe clinical application of voice technology provides novel opportunities in the field of telehealth. However, patients’ readiness for this solution has not been investigated among patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). ObjectiveThis paper aims to evaluate patients’ anticipated experiences regarding telemedicine, including voice conversational agents combined with provider-driven support delivered by phone. MethodsA cross-sectional study enrolled patients with chronic CVD who were surveyed using a validated investigator-designed questionnaire combining 19 questions (eg, demographic data, medical history, preferences for using telehealth services). Prior to the survey, respondents were educated on the telemedicine services presented in the questionnaire while being assisted by a medical doctor. Responses were then collected and analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of willingness to use voice technology. ResultsIn total, 249 patients (mean age 65.3, SD 13.8 years; 158 [63.5%] men) completed the questionnaire, which showed good repeatability in the validation procedure. Of the 249 total participants, 209 (83.9%) reported high readiness to receive services allowing for remote contact with a cardiologist (176/249, 70.7%) and telemonitoring of vital signs (168/249, 67.5%). The voice conversational agents combined with provider-driven support delivered by phone were shown to be highly anticipated by patients with CVD. The readiness to use telehealth was statistically higher in people with previous difficulties accessing health care (OR 2.920, 95% CI 1.377-6.192) and was most frequent in city residents and individuals reporting a higher education level. The age and sex of the respondents did not impact the intention to use voice technology (P=.20 and P=.50, respectively). ConclusionsPatients with cardiovascular diseases, including both younger and older individuals, declared high readiness for voice technology.

Cryptorchidism, the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum, is the most common anomaly of genitourinary tract in males. The pathogenesis of undescended testes is unknown however the role of inflammation, tissue remodeling and oxidative stress is postulated. The aim of this study was to explore the role of HSP-70, MMP-3, MMP-17 and IL-8 in possible pathogenic pathways connected with cryptorchidism. Cryptorchid patients with high scrotal and inguinal canal localization were included. The study group consisted of 63 patients aged 12–24 months, whereas the control group included 17 healthy infants with the same demographic characteristics. The analysis of plasma samples was carried out using ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The plasma concentration of MMP-17 in boys with cryptorchidism was significantly higher compared to the control group (p = 0.0365). The concentration of plasma IL-8, MMP-3, and HSP-70 in boys with cryptorchidism increased in comparison to the control group but these increases were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between plasma MMP-17 and HSP-70 concentration (r = 0.5153; p < 0.0001). Our results demonstrate that MMP-17 and HSP-70 might be involved in pathogenesis of cryptorchidism and are in line with current knowledge that high temperature has a negative influence on male gonads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to design model emulsion systems based on enzymatic modification fats for shaping the quality of target products in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, a catalysis process carried out in the presence of immobilized lipase as a catalyst was used to obtain the fatty mixtures constituting the fat base of the emulsions. It was assumed to produce stable emulsion products containing modified fat with a sufficient amount of emulsifiers and a variable concentration of a viscosity modifier, which was a mixture of xanthan gum and microcrystalline cellulose (XGMCC). The following methods were used in the evaluation of emulsions: evaluation of the stability of systems using the Turbiscan test, evaluation of average particle size, microscopic evaluation of emulsions, and evaluation of texture and viscosity. Based on the results obtained for XGMCC-stabilized emulsion systems containing enzymatically modified fats, it was found that some of the systems had satisfactory stability. No correlation was observed between the applied concentration of a texture modifier and emulsion stability. However, the type of fatty phase used influenced the stability of the analyzed systems. Taking the above relationship into account, emulsion E67, which was characterized by a small degree of destabilization changes, was evaluated as the best system. This emulsion was characterized by the lowest droplet diameter of the dispersed phase at all measuring points during the storage process. This system can be used as a stable model system as a starting point in the development of a new food or cosmetic formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pomace in bakery products opens up new possibilities for the management of waste products from the fruit industry. Such activities are integral to the concept of sustainable development and the circular economy. In this research, the quality of dough and final products was analyzed by replacing 10–50% of the typical flour (wheat, rice, and corn) with chokeberry pomace flour. The instrumental color measurements and the sensory analysis showed that the dough and the muffins made with the fruit flour were significantly different from the control samples. Flour substitutions of over 10%, while enriching muffins with chokeberry flour, led to a decrease in product quality (texture, dough rise, sensory quality), especially for muffins with gluten. The sensory study showed that a substitution of 10% of typical flour resulted in products acceptable to potential consumers, but a higher substitution reduced the overall quality. It was found that the use of chokeberry pomace in making muffins was limited and more feasible for gluten-free products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare organizations worldwide face challenges in retaining their healthcare workforce, with individual and organizational factors influencing their intentions to leave. This study conducted eight online co-creation workshops and four Delphi sessions to gain qualitative and in-depth insights into job retention interventions, involving healthcare workers, hospital managers, and policymakers. A thematic analysis was conducted, resulting in multiple interventions that were clustered in four pre-defined themes: professional and personal support, education, financial incentives, and regulatory measures. Professional and personal support interventions included regular interprofessional team meetings, leadership training programs, self-scheduling and sabbaticals, support for administrative and non-clinical work, and the provision of psychological counselling. Educational interventions encompassed facilitating development opportunities, periodic evaluations, onboarding, mentorship programs, and peer support groups. Financial incentives included the provision of competitive salaries, adequate infrastructure, extra benefits, transport possibilities, and permanent employment contracts. Regulatory measures addressed the need for complementary legislation across various levels, fixed healthcare worker-to-patient ratio, and instruments to monitor workload. To optimize retention strategies, healthcare organizations should tailor these interventions to address the unique factors influencing their workforce's intentions to leave within their specific context. The study concludes that combining personal and professional support, educational opportunities, financial incentives, and regulatory measures is necessary because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and multifactorial inflammatory dermatosis. Recurrent eczematous lesions and intense pruritus very often reduce the quality of life of patients, affecting their mental health. For this reason, it is necessary to undertake treatment. Treatment should be characterized by an individual approach to the patient, taking into account the predominant pathogenetic factors in the development of atopic dermatitis and systematic skin care. Soothing the typical symptoms of AD, i.e., dry skin and persistent itching, involves emollients, which counteract xerosis and reduce the feeling of itching. Studies confirm that the regular use of emollients in patients with AD prolongs the period between relapses and alleviates the intensity of symptoms during periods of disease severity. This review paper aims to highlight the challenges that patients with atopic dermatitis face. This work will also present an indication of the rationale for the use of emollients in this condition, as well as an indication of the forms of their application in therapeutic and care preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Students with special educational needs (SEN) may exhibit difficult behaviour in school, disturbing the learning environment, which gives rise to management problems for those involved in their education. In light of the current approach, special-needs education in Poland should be a high-quality educational service that provides for the specific needs of students with disabilities in terms of teaching organisation and methods. Work with SEN students places teachers at a great professional risk. This may lead to stress, job burnout or the experience of intensive emotional stimulation from SEN students. This paper is intended to explore risks to teachers working with special educational needs students in a selected educational institution. Design/methodology/approach: A survey to determine risks to teachers working with special educational needs students was carried out at the turn of September and October 2023. It was completed electronically by 42 SEN teachers. The survey addressed the issues of qualifications to work with SEN students, fears of finding fulfilment in a SEN school environment, and risks to teachers in SEN children’s behaviour, among other things. The SEN teachers were also asked about their institution’s readiness for working with SEN students. Findings: The responses given in the survey showed the SEN teachers were generally satisfied with their work. More than 90% have no fears of finding fulfilment in their SEN children environment. More than 95% believe the institution they work at is well adapted to working with SEN students. In spite of the satisfaction and absence of fears, 59.5% SEN teachers have experienced verbal and non-verbal aggression from SEN students. Research limitations/implications: Such research helps to make teachers’ work with SEN children more efficient and safer. Practical implications: The study implies such research is reasonable as it obtains reliable information from teachers about what problems and events may be encountered when working with SEN students. Originality/value: The conclusions show how important the preparation for work with SEN students is. Pedagogic qualifications are insufficient, continuous improvement through training or workshops as well as contacts with other teachers from similar institutions, especially those with long experience, are important as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Medical students experience numerous demands during the education process, which determine their quality of life (QoL). In particular, the first years of medical studies are a challenge for students. This paper aims to identify and evaluate the quality of life with simultaneous assessment of their determinants in Polish medical students in Poland during longitudinal observation. Material and Methods: The authors analyzed data collected from the first follow-up of the cohort study named POLLEK (Polski Lekarz -- The Polish Physician) conducted among medical students at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. The QoL was assessed using the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Test -- Bref (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Students were followed at 2 points of time: in their first year of studies -- the academic year 2021/2022 (T1) (N = 427), and then in their second year -- the academic year 2022/2023 (T2) (N = 335). Results: Changes in QoL indicators were analyzed using paired data. A significant decrease in the QoL scores in the somatic and psychological domain in T2 was observed, while scores in the environmental domain showed an increase by T2. In addition, it was found that better self-rated health (SRH), higher physical activity (PA), and better socioeconomic status (SES) were the key determinants of higher quality of life domains across both T1 and T2 domains. Conclusions: In conclusion, although the overall QoL remained stable throughout the observation period, the QoL in the somatic and psychological domains deteriorated among medical students between T1 and T2. However, there was a slight improvement in the environmental domain during the second year. The observations suggest that medical schools should actively promote a balance between schoolwork and the personal life of medical students, and courses on coping with difficult, stressful situations. These activities should be introduced at an early stage of medical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author juxtaposes two extreme approaches to the relationship between consciousness and the physical world: phenomenological-idealistic (represented by Edmund Husserl) and radically naturalistic (represented by Paul Churchland). These two positions are interpreted in terms of opposite if symmetrical types of reduction (on the one hand, the reduction of the world to a sense for consciousness, and on the other hand, the reduction of consciousness to an element of the physical world). They emerge as two ways of abstracting from the ambivalence of ordinary experience, in which consciousness and the physical world are both mutually entangled and non-identical with each other. In conclusion, the author argues that contemporary philosophy, which follows both the idealistic and the naturalistic path, fails to solve the problem of this relationship.

Cervical discopathy is commonly associated with pain in the cervical spine which may affect patients' quality of life. If conservative treatment fails to relieve the pain for at least 6 months and/or if neurological deficit progresses, the surgical treatment is taken under consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and disability of patients after single- and multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with standalone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages. The study evaluated how ACDF influenced particular aspects of patients' quality of life in the context of radiological outcome. The study included 30 consecutive patients with single- or multi-level cervical disc herniation. Patients underwent clinical and radiological evaluation before and one year after the ACDF procedure. For each patient, we assessed the severity of cervical pain with a numerical rating scale (NRS) and filled the neck disability index questionnaire (NDI). The health-related quality of life was assessed with the Polish version of 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). A significant decrease in all NDI aspects indicates a significant improvement after surgery. The quality of life in all aspects assessed with SF-36 scale was also improved. A moderate decrease in cervical spine mobility coexisted with a good outcome of the neurosurgical procedure. In the opinion of patients, the most important aspect after the cervical spine surgery is the reduction of pain severity. ACDF surgery is an effective method to reduce the severity of pain in patients with degenerative disc disease. ACDF improves the quality of patient's life. According to the study results the physical role improved most significantly; the least improvement was noted in role-emotional aspect. Up to 83% of patients achieved a reduction of the NDI index by 5 or more points after surgical treatment which proves the high effectiveness of the surgical treatment. No statistically significant difference was noted between patients with single and multi - level discopathy. Up to 97% of patients who underwent ACDF reported a significant decrease in pain severity measured with NRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to analyse employee absences in a selected enterprise and suggest methods or solutions helping to determine the causes of absenteeism. Design/methodology/approach: Some actions intended to minimize the problem of employee absences are described. The methods of interviews, observations, and data and document reviews are applied. The impact of frequent employee absenteeism on social relations in a selected production enterprise is examined. Findings: The results confirm the levels of sudden absences are minimum in social groups characterized by strong cooperation and transparent communication among colleagues and direct supervisors. Research limitations/implications: The topic of absenteeism is a very sensitive topic. Statistical data was easy to obtain. However, during direct interviews with employees, there were people who did not want to talk and did not want to fill out surveys, which constituted minor limitations. Practical implications: The tools and methods suggested in this study provide some exceptionally useful knowledge to employers, helpful with identifying the existence and background of employee absenteeism in their organizations. Oryginality/value: Some selected practical and optimum methods of examining employee absences are presented that help to identify the causes of employee absenteeism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to indicate the validity of using enzymatically interesterified fats as a fat emulsion base. A study was conducted to determine the stability of emulsion systems based on enzymatically interesterified fats and fats containing mixed fats. The fats used in the modifications were mutton tallow and hemp oil. It was found that emulsions based on esterified fats, regardless of the type of modified fat, showed a higher shelf life and had high homogeneity. On the other hand, emulsions based on mixed fats already showed destabilization characteristics in the first days. Their structure was heterogeneous. Microscopic evaluation clearly showed large droplets of the dispersed phase, indicating a tendency to delaminate. Consumer evaluation showed that the sensory quality of the presented emulsion systems based on enzymatically interesterified fats was fully accepted by the participating consumers. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that all of the consumer-evaluated emulsions received good or very good acceptance in terms of the sensory characteristics evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylcellulose polymer was used as a coating material in the preparation of controlled release fertilizers. The materials have been prepared with the use of an immersion method. The mass ratio of polymer to fertilizer was in the range of 0.165–0.285 and the layer thickness was in the range of 204–244 μm. Mechanical properties of the prepared materials were significantly better in comparison with the initial fertilizer. Measurements of time and the degree of release of mineral components from the obtained materials were determined with a standard method. Ethylcellulose-coated materials have met the requirements of controlled release fertilizers.

This paper presents the results of studies on the preparation of cellulosic membranes, from a solution in 1-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium acetate (EMIMAc), using the phase inversion method. Initially, the membranes were obtained by coagulation of the polymer film in water and primary alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol), 1-hexanol, 1-octanol) resulting in membranes with significantly differing morphologies. Subsequently, composite membranes were produced, with the support layer being a membrane with the largest pores, and the skin layer a membrane with smaller pores. The resulting membranes were tested for physicochemical and transport properties. The morphology of the membrane surfaces and their cross-sections were investigated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The structure of the membranes, on the other hand, was investigated by FTIR spectroscopy and WAXS structural analysis.

This study examined the sorption of heavy metals in selected soils (e.g., Andosol, Cambisol, Planosol) in Slovakia, focusing on the kind and quantity of humic materials as well as the soil's characteristics. Heavy metals were detected using GT AAS, while UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to determine humic substances' colour quotients. The impact of the total organic carbon on the total cadmium, bioavailable lead, and cadmium was highlighted. The results reveal positive correlations among humic substances and bioavailable forms of Cd (r = 0.692) and Pb (r = 0.709). A relationship was discovered between FAs and the bioavailable forms of Pb (r = 0.743) and Cd (r = 0.700) and between the level of HSs and the bioavailable content of Cd (r = 0.499). Bioavailable heavy metals showed a positive correlation with clay fraction and a negative correlation with heavy metal content. Correlations were found between the bioavailable heavy metal forms and the colour quotients of humic substances and humic acids. Heavy metals in bioavailable forms decreased with the levels of the condensation and dispersion of humic substances. From clay to silt, the amounts of Cd and Pb increased. This study' results provide insights into the relationships between soil properties, humic substances, and the sorption of the studied elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an innovative approach to the formation of a sensory panel formed for the purpose of evaluating cosmetic products. Model samples of cosmetic emulsions are proposed, which should help in the initial selection and training of sensory panelists, in order to improve the precision of evaluations. Simple and easily reproducible emulsions (comprising rapeseed oil, sunflower lecithin, water, and xanthan gum) were formulated to represent a specific level of variability associated with a particular property, such as thickness. To confirm that the ability to rank the produced emulsions can be considered a criterion for selecting individuals for the sensory panel—resulting in greater consistency of results—tests involving moisturizing creams were conducted. The study's findings demonstrate that the novel approach to candidate selection, through the assessment of model emulsion consistency, is both effective and justified. This method has the potential to enhance recruitment efficiency by identifying individuals with a high ability to evaluate cosmetic emulsions. Practical Applications: Those who benefit from the work include professionals and researchers dedicated to enhancing sensory panel selection processes. The main goal was to optimize the sensory panel selection and training process. Reference samples help determine whether potential members have the right skills and potential for sensory evaluation. Selecting individuals with a greater aptitude for assessments based on the sense of touch can be particularly valuable for companies operating in industries where the sensory quality of products is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the composition of fatty acids (FA) present in raw milk. The variable factors were the type of food that was fed to the cows from which milk was collected and the time of year. Special attention was paid to the FA factor--important in human nutrition. The animals from which the raw material was collected were kept in a traditional system, i.e. in an alcove-pasture system (farm A) and in an alcove system with the use of food delivered by a mixer feeder wagon (farm B). The study material consisted of collected milk, which was tested in 12 replications at each farm during the winter and summer in 2019. The FA content showed variability for cows grazed on a pasture farm in the summer compared to few changes in the FA obtained from cows fed on the TMR feeding system. In general, the study showed that the choice of feed and the season in which the animals are fed are important, as these factors affect milk fat (fatty acid) and, more specifically, have an impact on overall milk quality. INSET: 23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable systems whose destruction processes can take different forms. It can be a process of creaming, flocculation, coalescence, Ostwald ripening, or phase separation. The generation of a stable dispersion system requires the association of various factors. These factors can be appropriately selected emulsifiers or stabilizers that allow to produce, stabilize, and improve the functionality of the target emulsion system. The introduction of these substances is determined by the final purpose of the emulsion system. In addition, the type of emulsion, the use of different homogenization types leading to the required particle size of the dispersed phase, and the appropriate quantitative selection of phases as well as their density allow to produce a finished product acceptable in various areas. The paper presents the above-mentioned issues. However, the greatest emphasis was placed on the characterization of emulsion applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The types of emulsions--along with their disadvantages and advantages--were described, confirming that the conducted work of creating new emulsion systems was justified and expedient, because the form of the target emulsion products far outweighed their usefulness compared to other forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zywnosc is the property of Polish Society of Food Technologists - Scientific 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 Zywnosc is the property of Polish Society of Food Technologists - Scientific 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 effect of environmental variables on vitamin C degradation in the analysed plant and vegetable juice samples was investigated. The study focused on samples from chives, dandelion, and nettle, as well as tomato, carrot, cucumber, red and white peppers, and cabbage. The aims of the study were to summarise the impact of storage time, temperature, and packaging materials on antioxidants (using vitamin C as an example) in processing plant and vegetable juices. The vitamin C concentration was tested iodometrically at 0 to 21 days intervals. Storage was carried out at different temperatures (4 °C, 23 °C, −18 °C) and in two selected packaging materials (glass and plastic). The analyses showed that low temperatures (t = 4 °C) and storage in glass containers are best for preserving vitamin C content. Storage time influenced the decrease in vitamin C values, with higher losses accompanying longer storage times. Plastic containers had a shorter shelf life for vitamin C compared to glass containers. In general, high temperatures during processing and storage have a negative effect on the preservation of vitamin C. Therefore, storing juices in the refrigerator and glass containers intended for food applications to minimise vitamin C degradation is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the stability of new emulsions prepared on the basis of modified fats with varying amounts of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Selected techniques for evaluating the stability of emulsion systems, such as Turbiscan analysis, and the evaluation of microstructure, texture, particle size and viscosity were used. The evaluation of the above-mentioned studied parameters allowed us to indicate differentiated stability and their properties. The most desired results in terms of stability evaluation were determined for the emulsion prepared on the basis of modified mutton tallow with hemp seed oil in a ratio 3:1 (by weight) containing 0.6% (by weight) of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In addition, as the hemp seed oil content in the interesterified fat phase increased, a decrease in the stability of the emulsion systems was noted. Mentioned emulsions were characterized with the lowest value of TSI. Moreover, for those emulsions, the smallest increment in the droplet diameter values of systems after 31 days was recorded. The prepared model formulation can serve as a starting material for new emulsion chemical, cosmetic or food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By defining consciousness as nothingness or simply as “nothing,” Sartre plays with several meanings of these terms: negativity and negation, distance, indetermination, irreducibility. The nothingness of consciousness takes on an ontological meaning: it is a “tearing away” from being-in-itself, a transcendence understood as the capacity to transcend what is, while retaining an epistemological meaning: it is what cannot be positively determined as “something” or as a property of being. Still, on the epistemological level as well as on the ontological level, it is indeed from “something,” from physical and social being, that the nothingness of consciousness draws its existence and its capacities. In my article, I examine different meanings that can be given to the “nothing” of consciousness in the light of the thought of Sartre himself, emphasizing the difference between two major meanings of negation: as opposition and as indetermination. Then I confront Sartre’s concept of consciousness with more recent considerations of different inspiration, notably from researchers like Chalmers, Damasio, Gallagher, and Zahavi. My thesis is that the Sartrean concept, semi-transcendental and semi-naturalist, does admit the search for a naturalist explanation of consciousness, but assigns its limit precisely through the concept of nothingness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia represents a malignant proliferation of lymphoid cells blocked at an early stage of cell differentiation. It is the most common cancer occurring in children. Despite favorable prognosis, the survival rate of patients with poor treatment response or relapse remains dismal. The interaction between leukemic cells and the tumor immune microenvironment is pivotal in mediating tumor progression. In this study we evaluated associations between Treg and Th17 lymphocytes and the clinical presentation of ALL pediatric patients to validate their value in monitoring treatment outcome. The peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirates from 35 pediatric patients with ALL and 48 healthy control subjects were selected for the experiment. We demonstrated the numbers of Th17 lymphocytes and Tregs were increased in the bone marrow of ALL patients at the moment of diagnosis compared to the healthy control group, with the latter significantly decreasing during the course of ALL treatment. Patients with lower Th17 were found to demonstrate higher risk of blasts prevalence in bone marrow at day 33. ALL patients with lower WBC demonstrated higher frequency of Tregs. In summary, we identified a significant role of Th17 and Treg lymphocytes in ALL of pediatric patients and their contribution to disease-related parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children suffering from COVID-19 constitute about 10% of the entire population infected with the virus. In most of them, we observe asymptomatic or mild courses; however, about 1% of affected children require a stay in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) due to the course of the disease becoming severely life-threatening. The risk of respiratory failure, as with adults, is associated with the coexistence of concomitant diseases. The aim of our study was to analyse patients admitted to PICUs due to the severe course of their SARS-CoV-2 infection. We studied epidemiological and laboratory parameters, as well as the endpoint (survival or death). Methods: A retrospective multi-centre study, the analysis covered all children with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection who were admitted to PICUs in the period from November 2020 to August 2021. We studied epidemiological and laboratory parameters, as well as the endpoint (survival or death). Results: The study analysed 45 patients (0.075% of all children hospitalised in Poland due to COVID-19 at that time). Mortality calculated in the entire study group was 40% (n = 18). Statistically significant differences between the compared groups (survived and died) concerned the parameters of the respiratory system. Lung Injury Score and the Paediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment were used. A significant correlation between disease severity and the patient's prognosis was shown by the liver function parameter AST (p = 0.028). During the analysis of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and assuming survival as the primary outcome, a significantly higher oxygen index on the first day of hospitalisation, lower pSOFA scores and lower AST levels (p: 0.007; 0.043; 0.020; 0.005; 0.039, respectively) were found. Conclusions: As with adults, children with comorbidities are most frequently at risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increasing symptoms of respiratory failure, the need for mechanical ventilation and persistently high values of aspartate aminotransferase are indicators of poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]