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Environmental responsibility is becoming part of the social profile of modern society on an international scale. The analysis of ecosystems in the Baltic Sea presents an example of the use and functioning of ecological systems under increased anthropogenic pressure globally. Wintering and feeding swans, i.e. birds wintering in large urban agglomerations, are particularly useful bioindicators of the degrees of environmental pollution. The aim of the study was to assess the element concentrations in the soil of the birds’ habitat and compare these results with metal contents in birds’ feathers and oxidative stress data [diene conjugates (DC) and middle-mass molecules (MM), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the total antioxidant status (TAS)] in a wintering population of the mute swan (Cygnus olor) living in northern Poland (southern Baltic Sea). Soil samples collected from bird habitats in Słupsk, Gdynia, and Sopot. These areas differ in the levels of anthropogenic pressure (urban agglomerations, recreational activity, and tourism). The analysis showed significant differences in the Al, Si, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Zr, Rh, and Ru levels between the soil from Słupsk and both Gdynia and Sopot areas and in the Rh and Ru content between all studied areas. Our results indicated high dependence on the localization, age, and sex of the birds, which were assessed by the level of DC in the blood. The study showed a connection between the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system functioning, high MM values, and a decreased level of the TAS in adult males from Słupsk, compared to juvenile males from the same area. The functioning of the antioxidant system reflected in the activity of antioxidative enzymes and TAS values was as follows: GR > SOD > CAT > GPx and TAS.

Badania nad udziałem Wojska Polskiego w drugiej wojnie światowej prowadzone są systematycznie przez historyków polskich, dla których zdecydowaną cezurę w tym zakresie stanowi rok 1989, gdy przestały istnieć ograniczenia naukowe – utrudniony dostęp do źródeł oraz pozanaukowe – cenzura wydawnicza. Na wysiłek militarny Rzeczypospolitej w okresie drugiej wojny światowej złożyły się trzy elementy składowe: obrona przed agresją Niemiec i Związku Radzieckiego – kampania polska 1939 roku, trwająca od 1 września do 6 października 1939 roku; walka podziemna w okupowanej Polsce, prowadzona przez organizacje konspiracji wojskowej oraz działania bojowe regularnych jednostek Wojska Polskiego na froncie zachodnim i na froncie wschodnim. W artykule ukazano warunki prowadzenia badań nad udziałem Wojska Polskiego w drugiej wojnie światowej, wybrane opracowania autorów polskich i zagranicznych tego problemu, i na tym tle przeanalizowano udział Wojska Polskiego w drugiej wojnie światowej; kampanii polskiej 1939 roku, na froncie wschodnim i na Zachodzie oraz polski ruch oporu.

In recent years we can observe a dynamic increase in skin cancers in whose pathogenesis exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) plays an important role. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin disease, characterized by hyperkeratotic lesions located on skin damaged by UVR (photodamaged skin) or senile skin, most frequently present in people of Caucasian origin. The most frequent risk factors for AK development are: elderly age, male sex, cumulative UVR dose, low skin phototype, living in equatorial regions and long-lasting administration of immunosuppressive agents. In various papers on pathogenesis of AK it was revealed that it is an initial form of lesions leading in consequence to development of skin cancers, especially squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). To date there clinical features of AK predisposing to development of SCC are not known, however, inflammation, diameter over 1 cm, rapid enlargement, bleeding and ulceration are considered as risk factors. AK may spontaneously regress, remain stay stable for many years or progress to SCC. This new concept on pathogenesis of AK caused a new approach to its treatment, with a special emphasis on field of cancerisation, with the use of 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy and ingenol mebutate. In the article we present current knowledge on the pathogenesis of actinic keratosis, a review of therapeutic options and principle rules of prophylaxis.

Wprowadzenie: Nie jest znana epidemiologia guzów aparatu paznokciowego.Ze względu na często niespecyficzny obraz kliniczny diagnostykatych zmian może sprawiać trudności. Cel pracy: Ocena częstości występowania oraz spektrum guzów aparatupaznokciowego w populacji Polski Północnej. Materiał i metodyka: Spośród 1588 pacjentów diagnozowanychi leczonych w Klinice Dermatologii, Wenerologii i Alergologii GdańskiegoUniwersytetu Medycznego z powodu różnorodnych patologiiaparatu paznokciowego do badania włączono 129 osób z guzami. Wyniki: Guzy stanowiły około 8% patologii aparatu paznokciowego.Większość (92%) miała charakter łagodny. Najczęściej rozpoznawanozmiany melanocytowe (41%), guzy chrzęstno-kostne, włókniakioraz torbiele śluzowe. Najczęstszym nowotworem złośliwym byłczerniak. Wnioski: Guzy aparatu paznokciowego są obserwowane w populacjiPolski Północnej dość często. Większość z nich ma charakter łagodny.Diagnostyka zmian melanocytowych aparatu paznokciowego jest niezwykleistotna ze względu na ryzyko rozwoju czerniaka.

Wprowadzenie. Czerniak aparatu paznokciowego jest rzadkim typemczerniaka o złym rokowaniu. Ocenia się, że stanowi on około 1%wszystkich czerniaków skóry w populacji kaukaskiej.Cel pracy. Ocena częstości występowania tego nowotworu w populacjipółnocnej Polski oraz jego charakterystyka kliniczna i histopatologiczna. Materiał i metody: wśród 1588 pacjentów diagnozowanych i leczonychw Klinice Dermatologii, Wenerologii i Alergologii GdańskiegoUniwersytetu Medycznego z powodu różnorodnych patologii aparatupaznokciowego do badania włączono 8 chorych (5 kobiet i 3 mężczyzn,średnia wieku 59 lat) z czerniakiem aparatu paznokciowego.Wyniki: czerniak aparatu paznokciowego stanowił 0,504% wszystkichpatologii aparatu paznokciowego. Wszyscy pacjenci cechowali się IIIlub IV fototypem skóry. Guz był zlokalizowany w większości przypadkóww obrębie palucha lub kciuka. Najczęstszym typem histopatologicznymbyłczerniak akralny. Średni naciek nowotworu według Breslowawynosił 7,2 mm (zakres 2,5–18 mm). U 37,5% badanychobserwowano przeżycie ponad 20 miesięcy. Wnioski: czerniak aparatu paznokciowego w populacji północnej Polskiwystępuje rzadko, ale jest najczęstszym nowotworem złośliwymnarządu paznokciowego.Wbadanej populacji nowotwór rozpoznawanow zaawansowanych stadiach, co wiąże się ze złym rokowaniem.

Wprowadzenie: Nieczerniakowe nowotwory skóry są najczęstszyminowotworami złośliwymi w populacji kaukaskiej. Obserwuje się staływzrost zapadalności. Leczenie chirurgiczne jest najefektywniejsząmetodą terapii. Cel badań: Analiza pod względem epidemiologicznym, klinicznymi wyników leczenia chirurgicznego przypadków raków skóry leczonychw Gdańsku. Materiał i metodyka: Przeanalizowano 1406 chorych z 1849 ogniskamiraka (691 mężczyzn i 715 kobiet). Chorzy byli operowani w latach1998–2009. Nowotwory wycinano ze standardowym marginesemresekcji. Badanych analizowano pod względem wieku, płci, lokalizacjinowotworu, jego wielkości, marginesu resekcji oraz wznów. Wyniki: Obserwowano wzrost liczby osób operowanych z powodunowotworów skóry. Średni wiek badanych to 66 lat. Stosunek występowaniaraka podstawnokomórkowego do raka kolczystokomórkowegowynosił 9 : 1. Najczęstszym umiejscowieniem nowotworu byłaskóra twarzoczaszki. Nowotwory wysokiego ryzyka wznowy obserwowanow 1020 przypadkach. Odsetek wznów wynosił 3,7%, natomiastdla nowotworów wysokiego ryzyka 5,2%. Wnioski: W północnej Polsce wzrasta częstość występowania rakówskóry. Leczenie chirurgiczne powinno być złotym standardem w terapiiguzów wysokiego ryzyka.

Wprowadzenie: Dane z literatury wskazują na udział receptora dlawitaminy D (ang. vitamin D receptor – VDR) w rozwoju nowotwo równarządów wewnętrznych oraz raków skóry. W pojedynczychpracach analizowano rolę reduktazy metylenotetrahydrofolianowej(ang. methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase – MTHFR), której nieprawidłowaaktywność związana jest z indukcją kancerogenezy. Cel pracy: Ocena stężenia 25(OH)D oraz parathormonu w surowicyu pacjentów z rakiem podstawnokomórkowym (ang. basal cell carcinoma– BCC), a także analiza ekspresji VDR i MTHFR w bioptatach zezmian skórnych typu BCC. Materiał i metodyka: Badaniem objęto grupę 79 chorych z BCC oraz46 wolontariuszy stanowiących grupę kontrolną. U wszystkich badanychoznaczano stężenie witaminy D i parathormonu w surowicy,natomiast u 44 pacjentów z BCC oraz 30 wolontariuszy pobieranobiopsje skóry celem oznaczenia ekspresji VDR i MTHFR. Wyniki: Stężenie 25(OH)D było statystycznie istotnie wyższe w grupiekontrolnej niż u chorych na BCC (p = 0,0026), podczas gdy stężenieparathormonu w surowicy pacjentów z BCC było istotnie wyższew porównaniu z grupą kontrolną (p < 0,0001). U chorych na BCCwykazano istotnie wyższą ekspresję VDR niż w grupie kontrolnej(p < 0,001). Taką samą zależność obserwowano w odniesieniu do ekspresjiMTHFR, która była istotnie wyższa w bioptatach skóry pobranychze zmian typu BCC w porównaniu z grupą kontrolną (p < 0,01). Wnioski: Na podstawie wyników badań własnych nie można jednoznacznieokreślić roli VDR i MTHFR w rozwoju raków podstawnokomórkowychskóry, jakkolwiek wiele argumentów przemawia za ichistotnym udziałem w procesie kancerogenezy. Stąd też uzasadnionejest prowadzenie dalszych, kompleksowych i wieloośrodkowychbadań celem poznania złożonej etiopatogenezy BCC.

Wprowadzenie: W trzech kolejnych miesiącach 2009 roku badano177 pacjentów z nieczerniakowymi rakami skóry, którzy zgłosili sięw celu konsultacji, ustalenia postępowania i ewentualnego leczenia.Większość osób (131) zgłosiła się z powodu wznowy lub nowotworówniewyleczonych. Nowotwory były zlokalizowane w obrębie głowyi szyi, a 56,6% z nich znajdowało się w strefie zwiększonego ryzykawznowy i przerzutów. Cel pracy: Analiza przyczyn niepowodzenia pierwszego leczenianieczerniakowych nowotworów skóry. Wyniki: Niepowodzenie leczenia najczęściej dotyczyło raka podstawnokomórkowego.W tej grupie ponad 66% guzów wykazywałojedną lub więcej cech klinicznych ryzyka wznowy i w 11% obrazagresywności histopatologicznej. Ponad 29% wszystkich zmian leczono bez zweryfikowania histopatologicznego rozpoznania kli ni -cznego. Spośród osób ze wznowami lub niewyleczonymi rakami 75%było poddanych kriodestrukcji. W mniejszości byli pacjenci leczenichirurgicznie, w tym 52% było nowotworów nieradykalnie usuniętych. Wnioski: Niepowodzenia pierwszego postępowania powodująznaczne trudności w dalszym leczeniu chirurgicznym, wiążą sięz dylematami rekonstrukcyjnymi oraz niezbędną uzupełniającą radioterapią w przypadkach trudności uzyskania „czystości” onkologicznej.

Environmental responsibility is becoming part of the social profile of modern society on an international scale. The analysis of ecosystems in the Baltic Sea presents an example of the use and functioning of ecological systems under increased anthropogenic pressure globally. Wintering and feeding swans, i.e. birds wintering in large urban agglomerations, are particularly useful bioindicators of the degrees of environmental pollution. The aim of the study was to assess the element concentrations in the soil of the birds' habitat and compare these results with metal contents in birds' feathers and oxidative stress data [diene conjugates (DC) and middle-mass molecules (MM), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the total antioxidant status (TAS)] in a wintering population of the mute swan (Cygnus olor) living in northern Poland (southern Baltic Sea). Soil samples collected from bird habitats in Słupsk, Gdynia, and Sopot. These areas differ in the levels of anthropogenic pressure (urban agglomerations, recreational activity, and tourism). The analysis showed significant differences in the Al, Si, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Zr, Rh, and Ru levels between the soil from Słupsk and both Gdynia and Sopot areas and in the Rh and Ru content between all studied areas. Our results indicated high dependence on the localization, age, and sex of the birds, which were assessed by the level of DC in the blood. The study showed a connection between the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system functioning, high MM values, and a decreased level of the TAS in adult males from Słupsk, compared to juvenile males from the same area. The functioning of the antioxidant system reflected in the activity of antioxidative enzymes and TAS values was as follows: GR > SOD > CAT > GPx and TAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the military relations between Poland and the Soviet Union in the years 1921-1939, from the end of the war between Poland and the Bolshevik Russia until the beginning of World War II. Its content has been divided into four subchapters, in the first of which the author analyzes the state of research on the topic in question and the state of preservation of sources in Polish and foreign archives. In the following subsections, the author presents the military relations between Poland and the USSR in three periods: in the years 1921-1926, 1926-1935 and 1935-1939. The last subsection is key to the undertaken research problem. It contains findings on the changes in the mutual military relations to the disadvantage of Poland, in connection with the rapid expansion and modernization of the Red Army and the difficulties of the Polish military intelligence in their assessment and difficulties in recognizing the reconstructed cooperation between the USSR and Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article elucidates the endangerment to Poland's military security by the USSR in the interwar period of three sub-periods: 1921-1926, 1926-1935, and 1935-1939. The fragmentary sources of the undertaken research complexity are dispersed, secured in the Polish and foreign archives. In Poland, the reconnoiter of this topic began after the turn of 1989. Almost throughout the entire period under investigation, the Polish supreme State and military authorities assessed that the USSR (until December 30th, 1922, Russia) is the biggest threat to Poland's military security. In March 1939, they reconsidered this assessment focusing on Germany as the main threat to Poland's independence, mistakenly assuming that in the early period of the war, the USSR would remain neutral. The article analyzes, therefore, the Polish assessments of the USSR's sinister actions aimed at undermining the security of the Republic of Poland, and Polish counteractive decisions and safeguarding activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses time-series Sentinel-1(S-1) synthetic aperture radar images to evaluate the impact of multi-temporal polarimetric processing on land-cover classification. Various polarimetric processing methods are applied to multi-temporal S-1 data set in order to obtain several inputs parameters for land-cover classification: e.g. time-series coherence matrices from dual-polarization data (shows coherence among polarizations in matrix for separated time points t1, t2, to tn); scatter zone time series; multi-temporal single and dual-polarization coherence matrices (reveal coherences among time points for one or two polarizations); and parameters from the H/α decomposition. Then, the classification potential of each polarimetric data set is compared to a reference classification, which was derived from time series of dual-polarization backscatter (σ0) images. We evaluate if polarimetric processing of dual-polarization images brings better classification results than alone classification of backscatter image. Finally, we evaluate the impact of segment size and the classifier on classification accuracy. The classification based on polarimetric data sets is consistently better than that of backscatter time series. A maximum overall accuracy of 93.2% was achieved for the classification of four basic land-cover classes (urban, agriculture, forest, and water) using a composite data set made up time series of scatter zone derived from the H/α plane and scatter zone temporal stability maps. This accuracy was 4.5% better compared to our reference classification based on σ0 time series. Similar trends were observed for more detailed land-cover classes. Classification accuracy is heavily influenced by segment size and can drop by about 15% for very small segments. The most suitable classifier proved to be the Support Vector Machine, which performed up to 12% better than the worst one. This study demonstrates the suitability of multi-temporal polarimetry processing for land—cover classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral leukoplakia (OL) is the most common potentially malignant lesion of the oral cavity. Aim: The purpose of the study was clinical and epidemiological analysis of patients with OL diagnosed and treated in the Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, comparison of effectiveness of treatment methods, defining whether van der Waal level of OL influences treatment effectiveness, correlation between localization of OL and treatment effectiveness, and defining the optimal OL therapeutic method. Material and methods: Among 55 911 patients diagnosed and treated in the Department in the years 1999-2009, 204 people with OL were selected (104 women, 100 men, average age: 58.1 years). Treatment and observation period of 6 months was completed by 178 (87.25%) patients. Seventy-four patients were treated with cream containing 0.05% tretinoin. Sixty-three patients underwent cryosurgery, and 41 surgery. Control visits were made in week 2, 4, 6 and 8 and 6 months after completed treatment. Results: Three hundred and twenty lesions of OL were diagnosed. According to van der Waal classification, the largest group of patients was classified into stage I and II. The percentage of totally cured patients was 90.07%. There were no statistic differences in effectiveness between surgical and cryosurgical treatment. Conclusions: Evaluation of OL treatment methods depends on localization of the lesions and its stage of progression. The effectiveness of treatment with locally applied tretinoin is smaller in comparison to surgery and cryosurgery. It allows to reduce the number and size of OL lesions, what makes it possible to reduce the number of ablative procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years we can observe a dynamic increase in skin cancers in whose pathogenesis exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) plays an important role. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin disease, characterized by hyperkeratotic lesions located on skin damaged by UVR (photodamaged skin) or senile skin, most frequently present in people of Caucasian origin. The most frequent risk factors for AK development are: elderly age, male sex, cumulative UVR dose, low skin phototype, living in equatorial regions and long-lasting administration of immunosuppressive agents. In various papers on pathogenesis of AK it was revealed that it is an initial form of lesions leading in consequence to development of skin cancers, especially squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). To date there clinical features of AK predisposing to development of SCC are not known, however, inflammation, diameter over 1 cm, rapid enlargement, bleeding and ulceration are considered as risk factors. AK may spontaneously regress, remain stay stable for many years or progress to SCC. This new concept on pathogenesis of AK caused a new approach to its treatment, with a special emphasis on field of cancerisation, with the use of 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy and ingenol mebutate. In the article we present current knowledge on the pathogenesis of actinic keratosis, a review of therapeutic options and principle rules of prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu 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 Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu 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 Dermatology Review / Przeglad Dermatologiczny is the property of Termedia Publishing House 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.)

Introduction: The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and melanoma is increasing rapidly in the European population. There are only a few reports about cutaneous malignancy in the elderly population. Aim: Epidemiological, clinical, histopathological and surgical treatment result analysis of skin cancers in patients over 75 years old. Material and methods: A group of 254 patients over 75 years old operated on during 2002-2006 in the Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology of the Medical University of Gdansk was included in the study. Sex ratio F/M was 1.2. The average age was 81.1 years old. Results: Patients over 75 years old comprised 40% of all operated patients because of malignancy in the analyzed period. Non-melanoma skin cancer were diagnosed in 92.5% of cases, melanoma in 5.9%. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the most common malignancy, diagnosed in 72% of the patients. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was statistically significantly higher compared to the general population (20.5% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.0002). BCC/SCC ratio was 3.5. In 39 patients (16.6%) multiple NMSC were observed. Exposure to UV radiation was the most common (52%) risk factor of cutaneous malignancy. The local recurrence rate of NMSC was 5.51%. Conclusions: The incidence of skin cancers in the northern Polish population over 75 years old is increasing. The clinical and histopathological profile of skin cancer in the elderly differs from the general population. Surgical treatment is safe and effective management in these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigators wish to discuss the diagnostic difficulties, histology and immunohistochemical profile of a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) based on the presented case, as well as previously reported cases within the oral cavity. A young woman was referred to the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland, due to a considerable palpable mass within the hard palate. Pain and discomfort caused by the tumor's location were the main complaints. A clinical examination revealed a tumor of the right hard palate along the alveolar crest, measuring approximately 5 cm x 3 cm. Panoramic X-ray depicted a bone defect of the alveolar crest around tooth 17. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the biopsy specimen and resected tumor established the diagnosis of SFT. This rare spindle cell neoplasm of mesenchymal origin is typical of serosal sites and approximately 80 cases within the head and neck region have been reported so far. The hard palate is one of the least frequent locations. Approximately 5-20% of lesions may present features of aggressiveness. The authors wish to emphasize that the diagnosis of SFT is challenging due to a relatively small number of cases reported in the literature, uncertain etiology of the tumor, as well as clinical and histological similarity to other, more frequently occurring benign neoplasms of mesenchymal origin, i.e. hemangiopericytoma, myofibroblastoma, schwannoma, neurofibroma, leiomyoma, as well as inflammatory disorders, especially nodular fasciitis. Radical excision of the tumor is mandatory for effective treatment due to the possibility of recurrence and malignant transformation after subradical resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of newly diagnosed cases of lymphomas of the head and neck region has been continually increasing over the recent years. The symptoms of these lymphomas are commonly similar to benign inflammatory diseases and thus frequently lead to clinical misdiagnoses. Many consultations, including dermatological one, and repeated tissue biopsies are often necessary because of the coexistence of necrosis and inflammation in the tumors. Biopsies should be deep enough - punch biopsies are not recommended. The classification of lymphomas has under-gone dramatic changes with the increasing understanding and progress in immunohistochemistry and molecular biology. We describe five patients with lymphomas of oral and nasal cavities: 2 derived from B-cells, 2 from T-cells, and 1 from NK/T-cells. The initial presentation of these diseases often suggests an inflammatory process, such as an odontogenic inflammation, sinusitis or benign inflammatory process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malignant tumours of the nail apparatus in Caucasian population are rare. Among them melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common diagnoses. Non-characteristic clinical feature of nail apparatus SCC (NSCC) may mimic various inflammatory and infectious diseases. Tumour is often misdiagnosed what causes delay of the treatment. Aim: Investigation on frequency, clinical and histopathological characteristics of NSCC in a Northern Poland population. Material and methods: One thousand five hundred and eighty-eight patients with various nail apparatus pathology who were referred to the Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, from 2005 to 2010, were included in the study. Among all these patients 12 cases of nail apparatus maligancy were diagnosed including 4 cases of NSCC. Results: The NSCC was observed in 0.25% of the patients with nail pathology. Tumour affected only men. Mean age came to 58.3 years old. The median delay to diagnosis was 21 months what was caused by mistaken initial diagnosis in 3 cases. The most frequent localization was the thumb of dominant hand. Relapses after surgical treatment were not observed. Follow-up lasted from 2 to 5 years. Conclusions: The incidence of NSCC in Caucasian population is low. Tumours may mimic other benign conditions so histopathologic examination is fundamental. Wide surgical excision and micrographic surgery still seem to be the first line treatment in local invasive NSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most frequent malignant neoplasms in Caucasians, presenting constantly increasing frequency and morbidity. Surgical excision remains the gold standard in the treatment of NMSC. The discovery of molecular pathways of cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis and invasion enables the introduction of molecularly guided therapies of skin cancer. The most thoroughly investigated signalling pathways are the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway and hedgehog pathway. We present an overview of the mechanisms of both signalling pathways and their significance in the development and treatment of skin cancers. The data indicate that EGFR plays a significant role in skin carcinogenesis and its inhibitors may be potentially utilized in growth reduction of advanced tumors inappropriate for surgical treatment. Disturbance in the hedgehog pathway, attributed to UVR-dependent PATCHED gene mutations, plays an important role in the development of NMSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin cancer is the most frequent malignant neoplasm in Caucasians, presenting a constantly increasing incidence and morbidity. The incidence typically depends on ultraviolet radiation levels, however, the increasing number of cases among immunosuppressed patients is a relatively new clinical phenomenon. Surgical excision remains the gold standard in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). The aim of the study is to present the procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, in the therapy of skin cancers. The concept of "fields of cancerisation", as well as non-surgical chemopreventive methods are considered to be relatively new therapeutic approaches. Molecularly guided treatment strategies are developing and will probably be clinically effective in the management of advanced skin cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. So far there have been no papers analyzing the incidence of 'non-pathological' lesions or normal variants on the male external genitalia. Subsequently, the number of patients consulted due to the presence of such lesions remains unknown. The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of normal variants in patients who were consulted due to lesions on the skin or mucosa of the male external genitalia. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 400 males, aged 3-91, who were consulted due to lesions on the genitalia in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology of the Medical University of Gdansk. Results. The most common lesions were hyperpigmentation of the median raphe of the penis and scrotum (85.6%), pearly penile papules (24%), and prominent veins (24%). Sebaceous hyperplasia or ectopic sebaceous glands were revealed in 9% of patients, respectively. Melanocytic nevi were diagnosed with similar frequency (9.5%), whereas skin tags more rarely (7%). Other 'nonpathological' lesions were diagnosed in a considerably lower number of patients. In 32 patients (8% of all patients) the reason of admission to the Clinic was just the presence of some 'non-pathological' lesions. Pearly penile papules were found to be the most common condition, occurring in 78.1% patients. Conclusions. Normal variants represent a substantial percentage of generally asymptomatic lesions and the only indication for their removal is cosmetic discomfort or venerophobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Stay at home" orders during the COVID-19 pandemic radically changed the day-to-day operations of many organizations and moved employees from offices to homes. The sudden crisis forced companies to reformulate their operations. Enabling employees to work from home has become a necessity for both business continuity and survival. The unexpected crisis has also proved to be beneficial for some aspects of economic activity. This research focuses on identifying and measuring the benefits of and barriers to remote work from an organizational perspective, as perceived by managerial staff in Poland. We investigate the factors that influence the assessment of the scale of benefits of and barriers to remote working. The study examines the impact of various factors on the benefits of and barriers to remote working, such as a company's previous experience with remote working, the support provided to employees by the company, the monitoring of remote working effects, and the implementation of new IT tools. These results suggest that the way the company and employees are managed in a crisis, the approach of superiors to the evaluation and control of effects on work, and the adaptation of support to the real needs of employees, all play fundamental roles. The factors examined that influence the perceived benefits of or barriers to remote working from an organization's perspective contribute to adoption theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The proper orientation of skin incisions influence the functional and aesthetic results in dermatosurgery. Langer's lines, dynamic wrinkle expression lines and relaxed skin tension lines are the basic marks for the planning of incisions. Fundamental biomechanical skin properies, such as skin elasticity, strain, creep and stress relaxation are disscused. The knowledge of these properties contributes to effective planning and execution of surgical skin procesures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neoplasm with rapidly increasing incidence. Aim of the study: Clinical analysis of patients with MCC diagnosed and treated in the Clinics of Medical University of Gdansk. Material and method: Between 1995-2010 in the Clinics of Medical University of Gdansk 9 patients (5 female, 4 male) with MCC were diagnosed and treated. The average age of the patients was 79 years. The following patient and tumor characteristics were recorded: age, gender, anatomic site, tumors size, disease staging, local recurrence rate, and survival. Patients were treated surgically with or without radiotherapy. Follow-up was from 2 to 13 years. Results: The most common risk factors were chronic exposition to ultraviolet radiation and immuno-suppression. The most common tumour site was head. The tumour size was from 1 to 4 cm. The clinical stage in the moment of diagnosis was I in the majority of the cases. Five patients died because of MCC. The average survival time was 22 months. Conclusion: Epidemiology, clinical and histopathological features of MCC in the Northern Polish population does not show fundamental differences in comparison to Caucasian populations. Immunosuppression and chronic exposition to ultraviolet are the most important risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of skin cancers has increased over the last decades in Caucasian populations. Melanoma is the most common cause of death among cutaneous neoplasms. There is no actual literature about the epidemiology of cutaneous melanoma in Northern Polish population. Aim of the study: Epidemiological, clinical and pathological analysis of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology of Medical University of Gdansk. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of 1534 patients treated in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology of Medical University of Gdansk between 1998-2009. Among these patients, 128 individuals (88 females, 40 males) with cutaneous melanoma were included into the study. The average age was 56.16±18.45. We have analyzed age, gender, skin phototype, risk factors, localization, histopathologic type and tumor staging. Results: Melanoma represented about 8% of all malignant cutaneous neoplasms. Female/male ratio was 2.2. The most common histopathologic type was superficial spreading melanoma. Correlation between the histopathologic type and tumor thickness was observed. The median Breslow tumor thickness was 1.99±2.3 mm and it was lower in females compared to males (1.7 vs. 2.6 mm; p=0.09). Positive correlation between the age and tumor thickness was also noted. Early advanced melanoma (Breslow thickness ≤1mm) was statistically more frequently diagnosed in females (77.36 vs. 22.64; p=0.03). The majority of the patients were at Clark level III. Conclusions: Epidemiology, clinical and histopathological features of cutaneous melanoma in the Northern Polish population do not show fundamental differences in comparison to Caucasian populations. Tendency of the early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma is seen in young females population. Poor prognosis is connected with male gender, advanced age, acral and trunk localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aetiopathogenesis of lichen planus (LP) is complex, multifactorial and not well understood. An association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and LP has been investigated in various studies but results are inconsistent. Aim of the study: To investigate the incidence of anty-HCV antibodies in patients with LP from Northern Poland. Material and methods: 104 patients with LP have been analyzed. The antibodies against HCV were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The presence of antibodies against HCV were proved in 4 patients (3.85%). It was more frequent than in Polish general population (3.85% vs 0.2-1.4%). Conclusion: HCV may play a role in pathology of lichen planus based on the results from the Northern Polish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malignant tumors of the external ear comprises 5-10% of all skin neoplasms. Clinical behavior of these tumors is more aggressive compare to others location. Objectives: Epidemiological, clinical, histological and surgical treatment analysis of the auricle malignancy. Material and methods: Among 1536 patients, who were diagnosed and treated because of skin cancer between 1998 and 2009, 100 patients with malignancy of the external ear were separated. Average age of the patients was 72,8±9,6. The following patient and tumor characteristics were recorded: age, gender, anatomic site, tumors size, excisional margins, type of reconstruction and relapses. Results: Auricle malignancy represented about 5.6% of skin cancers. Average age of the patients was higher compare to all treated group. The male to female ratio was 4:1. The most common malignancy was basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (the BCC to SCC ratio was 2:1). Statically higher incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compare to all treated group (27.7% vs. 10.9%; p<0.0001) was observed. Histological "high risk" tumors were also more frequent (23.2% vs. 9.5%; p=0.0004). The helix was the most common site of occurrence (45%). Local recurrence rate was 6.36% and it was higher than in other localization. Conclusion: Malignant tumors of the external ear are characterized by distinct clinical feature. We confirmed that skin malignancy of that site are connected with high risk of local recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanitis plasmacellularis is one of the non-specific forms of mucosal inflammation. Lesions occur in non-circumcised men and most often are localized on a glans penis and a prepuce. The clinical presentation is easy to discover, but there are still considerable problems with their management. The paper describes our attempt to treat the disease with topical agent such as tacrolismus. Ethiological factors as well as diagnostic measures and other therapeutic options are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]