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Background and Objectives: In Poland, the rates of morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer are amongst the highest in Europe. A significant percentage of newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer are at an advanced stage. Unfortunately, only about 20% of Polish women take part in cervical cancer screening. The aim of the study was to assess students’ knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and prevention. Materials and Methods: The study was provided to Polish students from various universities and faculties between May 2020 and November 2020. The questionnaire was designed specifically for this study and was validated. The chi-square test was used to compare the responses between subgroups. Results: The study was carried out on a group of 995 students (80.6% women, 19% men, 0.4% no data), (average age 21.9 years). Most students knew that the main risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (82% of all responders, 86% of medical students, 73% of non-medical students, p &lt, 0.001). Only 40% of students knew that in Poland the Population Prevention and Early Diagnosis Program is carried out on women aged 25–59 years every three years. Most students correctly indicated that cervical cancer screening in Poland is performed using cervical cytology and were familiar with the basis of cytology. Only 57% of students knew that there are no specific early symptoms of cervical cancer. A total of 78% of all respondents knew that HPV vaccination reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Medical students and students who are sexually active demonstrated a better knowledge of cervical cancer. Conclusions: The Polish students had some knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and primary and secondary prevention. Significantly better knowledge was demonstrated by medical students. Some efforts should be made to ensure that young people, who are not associated with medicine are better educated about cervical cancer in order to reduce the overall incidence and improve early detection rates.

Introduction: Among the diseases associated with psoriasis linked to smoking are primarily cardiovascular diseases (including atherosclerosis) and metabolic syndrome. In addition, cigarette smoking also affects the effectiveness of systemic treatment of psoriasis. Aim: Assessment of the effect of cigarette smoking on biomarkers of atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis treated with methotrexate and adalimumab. Material and methods: The serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and anti-oxLDL antibodies, IL-10, IL-35, TGFß1, were assessed in 34 patients with psoriasis (15 smokers and 19 non-smokers), and 8 healthy, non-smoking volunteers. Results and discussion: Smoking patients had significantly higher body mass index, lower high density lipoprotein (HDL), higher risk of 10-year fatal cardiovascular disease, higher IL-10 levels and lower IL-35 levels at baseline compared to healthy, non-smoking volunteers. We observed decreases in IL-10, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and oxLDL levels during 12 weeks of methotrexate treatment and, a decrease in IL-35 during adalimumab treatment, based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Conclusions: Our results indicate the need for a holistic approach to psoriasis treatment that includes lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation to slow the development of atherosclerosis and increase the possibility of improving skin lesions.

Anti-M&uuml, llerian hormone (AMH) is responsible for the M&uuml, llerian ducts&rsquo, regression in male fetuses. In cells of cancers with AMH receptors (AMHRII), AMH induces cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. As AMH occurs naturally and does not exhibit significant side effects while reducing neoplastic cell colonies, it can be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the AMHRII expression in endometrial cancer (EC) in correlation to various demographic data and clinical conditions. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to assess AMHRII expression in EC tissue samples retrieved from 230 women with pre-cancerous state of endometrium (PCS) and EC. AMHRII was detected in 100% of samples. No statistical difference was observed for AMHRII expression depending on the histopathological type of EC, cancer staging, body mass index, and age, as well as the number of years of menstruation, births and miscarriages, and average and total breastfeeding time. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is the only factor that has an impact on AMHRII expression in EC tissue. Thus, this study supports the idea of theoretical use of AMH in EC treatment because all histopathological types of EC at all stages of advancement present receptors for AMH.

Background and objectives: The shared pathogenesis of psoriasis and atherosclerosis may be determined by assaying the levels of endothelial activation molecules. This study aimed at evaluating vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin serum concentrations, and atherosclerosis severity in patients with plaque psoriasis. It also aimed to determine the effects of methotrexate/adalimumab treatment for 12 weeks on the plasma levels of the aforementioned molecules. Materials and Methods: The study included 34 psoriasis patients (17 treated with methotrexate and 17 treated with adalimumab) and eight controls. The 10-year risk of a fatal cardiovascular disease, body mass index, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and body surface area were calculated for each subject. VCAM-1 and E-selectin levels were determined via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Baseline E-selectin and VCAM-1 levels were higher in the adalimumab group than in the methotrexate and control groups. VCAM-1 levels decreased in the adalimumab (p = 0.02) and methotrexate groups (p = 0.008), while E-selectin levels decreased in the methotrexate group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: The results indicate a correlation between systemic psoriasis treatment and E-selectin and VCAM-1 plasma concentrations, which may be associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease development.

Dysfunctional regulatory T lymphocytes are important for the pathogenesis of psoriasis and atherosclerosis. We analyzed the severity of atherosclerosis and the concentration of regulatory cytokines in patients with psoriasis who were administered methotrexate or adalimumab for 12 weeks. We included 34 patients with psoriasis (17 each, administered methotrexate or adalimumab) and eight healthy volunteers. BMI, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), body surface area (BSA), and at least 75% and 90% improvements in PASI were observed. The 10-year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease was estimated using Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation charts. The plasma interleukin (IL)-10, IL-35, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after the 12-week treatment regimen. PASI (P = .0006) and BSA (P = .0001) were positively correlated with the BMI, IL-35 (-0.38), and IL-10 (0.48) levels. Baseline IL-35 concentrations were the highest in healthy volunteers; the IL-10 and TGF-β1 level were the highest in the methotrexate group. IL-10 concentration decreased in both treatment groups (P = .02 for the methotrexate and P = .09 for adalimumab group), and IL-35 decreased in the adalimumab group (P = .019), consistent with skin lesion recovery. Thus, this study demonstrates the dysregulated secretion of regulatory cytokines in psoriatic patients under systemic treatment.

Introduction: Assessing spinal deformities using an X-ray radiation is the method of choice for posture diagnosis. It is also used for the evaluation of the degree of correction, brace fit, and spinal balance as well as for further management decisions. However, multiple X-ray exposures during control visits could be too burdensome for children. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the precision and repeatability of measurement of the variables obtained by a fast, simple postural evaluation in children by the SpinalMeter. Material and methods: The measurements of the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and SpinalMeter posture assessments were performed 8 to 10 times in a short period of time (6 s). The overall of 300 photos (SpinalMeter) and 1020 measurements (asymmetry, distance between anthropometric points as well as ATR) were obtained from 6 girls (8–15 years old). The validation study comprised of the repeatability, interclass correlation coefficient (Qw) and relative standard deviation (rSD) measurements. Results and discussion: The measurements of the distance between acromion–popliteal fossa, acromion–iliac crest, and acromion–posterior superior iliac spine obtained by SpinalMeter were clearly repeatable (Qw > 0.9). The scapular and pelvic asymmetry in standing and sitting positions were highly repeatable and had low rSD (e.g. for scapular asymmetry 5.6%–80.3%; Qw > 0.8). Conclusions: The precise and reliable postural biometrical measurements were performed by SpinalMeter in the case of the distance between anthropometric points and asymmetry of pelvis and scapula. These measurements could be useful in the assessment of girl’s posture when visiting the pediatrician.

Background and Objectives: The deformity in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is three dimensional and effective correction involves all three planes. Recently, the biofeedback method has been implemented in the treatment of scoliosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative biofeedback SKOL-AS&reg, postural training among children with scoliosis. Materials and Methods: The target population for this study was 28 patients (25 girls and 3 boys) aged between 5 and 16 years old diagnosed and treated with progressing low-grade scoliosis. The postural diagnosis consisted of anthropometric measurements, posterior&ndash, anterior X-ray imaging, SpinalMeter&reg, postural assessment and the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) assessment. The SKOL-AS&reg, treatment comprised of 24 sessions conducted in lying and sitting positions, two times a week. Results: It has been shown that the postural training resulted in the decrease in the ATR value (pre- vs. post-exercise in younger: 5.55 vs. 3.0 and older patients: 5.2 vs. 3.0). The increase in height of the subjects seemed to confirm a positive effect of SKOL-AS&reg, elongation treatment. In the posterior view, a statistically significant decrease in shoulder asymmetry in the sitting position in younger children has been observed. In the anterior view, the changes in the head position (based on mouth and eye symmetry) have been observed. The statistically significant increase in acromion&ndash, heel, acromion&ndash, iliac crest and posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS)&ndash, heel length values has been shown in younger children on the left side of the body. After treatment, older subjects had higher acromion&ndash, iliac crest and PSIS&ndash, heel values on the left side of the body. On the right side only PSIS&ndash, heel length was higher. In a sitting position, only a small increase in acromion&ndash, iliac crest length value has been observed. Conclusions: The SKOL-AS&reg, biofeedback method could teach good postural habits and teach patients the auto-correction of the spine.

Anti-M&uuml, llerian hormone (AMH) is a commonly known factor secreted by Sertoli cells, responsible for regression of the M&uuml, llerian ducts in male fetuses. AMH has also other functions in humans. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that AMH inhibits cell cycle and induces apoptosis in cancers with AMH receptors. The aim of the study was to assess whether the tissue of pre-cancerous states of endometrium (PCS) and various histopathologic types of endometrial cancer (EC) exhibit the presence of AMH. We aimed to investigate whether the potential presence of the protein concerns menopausal women or those regularly menstruating, and whether is related to cancers with a good or a bad prognosis, as well as what other factors may influence AMH expression. The undertaken analysis was carried out on tissues retrieved from 232 women who underwent surgical treatment for PCS and EC. Tissues were prepared for immunohistochemical assessment with the use of a tissue microarrays method. AMH expression was confirmed in 23 patients with well differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma (G1), moderately differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma (G2), clear cell carcinoma (CCA) and nonatypical hyperplasia. AMH was not found in EC tissues in regularly menstruating women. An appropriately long mean period of breastfeeding in line with a prolonged period of hormonal activity had a positive effect on AMH expression. Our results may suggest that AMH is a factor which protects the organism against cancer, and should be further investigated as a potential prognosis marker and a therapeutic agent.

BACKGROUND Cycling is one of the disciplines with the greatest training-induced volumetric changes in cardiovascular systems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hemodynamic adaptation to 7-month routine training in athletes with and without severe visual impairment. METHODS The study involved 26 men: visually-impaired (VI) (N.=13; 37±12.2 years) and properly-sighted (PS) (N.=13; 41±12.8 years) elite tandem-cycling athletes. They underwent hemodynamic variables monitoring at rest and during exercise test by impedance cardiography (ICG), before (in the middle of the transition period) and after 7-month cycling training (at the beginning of the competitive period). RESULTS At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences in hemodynamic variables between studied groups (P>0.05) apart from ejection fraction (EF) (P=0.010). After training, there was an increase in SVpeak (for PS: 146.46±7.10 mL vs. 169.69±5.19 mL; for VI: 147.53±9.55 mL vs. 160.07±12.27 mL), COpeak (for PS: 26.21±1.32 L/min vs. 30.65±0.94 L/min; for VI: 25.08±1.72 L/min vs. 27.95±2.17 L/min) and EFpeak (for PS: 65.46±2.04% vs. 71.92±2.36%; for VI: 61.46±2.19% vs. 65.538±2.895%). The decrease in HRrest (for PS: 74.91±2.8 bpm vs. 69.61±3.3 bpm; for VI: 76.7±3.8 bpm vs. 72.22±3.2 bpm) and SVRpeak (for PS: 311.92±20.48 PRU vs. 263.00±11.69 PRU; for VI: 365.46±24.26 PRU vs. 315.38±19.07 PRU) was also noted. CONCLUSIONS VI and PS tandem cyclists showed similar improvement in majority of hemodynamic variables (mainly volumetric changes). Severe visual impairment does not limit health benefits of regular physical activity. This could be the starting point to motivate inactive VI people to physical activity.

Background: The five-year relative survival rate in Poland is approximately 10% lower compared with the average for Europe. One of the factors that may contribute to the inferior treatment results in Poland could be the long time between cancer suspicion and the beginning of treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the real waiting time for cancer diagnosis and treatment in Poland. Methods: The study was carried out in six cancer centers on a group of 1373 patients, using a questionnaire to interview patients. The median waiting time was estimated as follows: (A) from suspicion (the date of the first visit, with symptoms, to a doctor or a preventive or screening test) until histopathological diagnosis; (B) from suspicion until initial treatment; and (C) from diagnosis until initial treatment. Results: The median times from suspicion to treatment, from suspicion to diagnosis, and from diagnosis to treatment, were 10.6, 5.6, and 5.0 weeks, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, the strongest influence was estimated, in a case of tumor localization, to be the method of initial treatment and facilities. Conclusion: The waiting time for cancer treatment in Poland is too long. The highest influence on waiting time was determined, in the case of tumors, as the type of cancer and factors related to the health care system.

In 1987 - 1990 an investigation was made on the spatial structure of brown hare Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778 populations using the transect routes method. The investigation was carried out in two different parts of Poland that differed in the character of agriculture: I - northeastern with large fields of state farms, and II - eastcentral with small fields of individual farmers. The results indicate that independently of the agrarian structure, the distribution of hares in crops corresponds to their percentage share in the region, with exception of rape fields, which show a tendency to be avoided. There was also a significant relationship between the spatial distribution of the hare and the habitat diversity - highly variegated fields are more consistently inhabited by hares.