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Investor relations are an important tool for strategic management in a company. Appropriate communication between the entities present on the market and effective determination of financial and economic issues between companies and investors are the main areas of their activity. The aim of this article is to present the state of investor relations in Poland. A review of Polish and English language literature has been made. It focuses on the essence, objectives and tools of investor relations. The best results on the contemporary capital market are achieved only by companies that engage in new technological solutions used, e.g. videoconferencing, conference call, teleconferences, Facebook, Twitter. The survey conducted among Polish individual investors indicates what information preferences and requirements investors in Poland have. What is more, the analysis of investors’ answers showed that the topic is important and current, but in Poland the awareness of investor relations is on an average level. The authors indicated solutions that could contribute to increasing the involvement of Polish listed companies in communication using new technologies. The authors pointed out the IR models available on the capital market, and recommended a modern model of investor relations with specific proposals for change. The authors’ own research confirms that companies notice the importance of new technologies, but do not implement them in their operations. On the one hand, they want to develop and provide the business environment with transparent and up-to-date information, and on the other hand, they are used to the traditional model and do not want to get involved in technological innovations. Relacje inwestorskie są istotnym narzędziem zarządzania strategicznego w przedsiębiorstwie. Odpowiednia komunikacja między podmiotami występującymi na rynku oraz efektywne ustalanie kwestii finansowo-ekonomicznych między spółkami i inwestorami to główne obszary ich działania. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie stanu relacji inwestorskich w Polsce. Dokonano przeglądu polskich i anglojęzycznych pozycji literaturowych. Skupiono uwagę na istocie, celach i narzędziach relacji inwestorskich. Najlepsze wyniki na współczesnym rynku kapitałowym osiągają wyłącznie spółki, które angażują się w nowe rozwiązania technologiczne wykorzystywane, np. wideokonferencje, conference call, telekonferencje, Facebook, Twitter. Przeprowadzone badanie ankietowe wśród polskich inwestorów indywidualnych wskazuje jakie preferencje informacyjne i wymagania mają inwestorzy w Polsce. Co więcej, analiza odpowiedzi inwestorów ukazała, iż temat jest ważny i aktualny, lecz w Polsce świadomość o relacjach inwestorskich jest na przeciętnym poziomie. Autorzy wskazali rozwiązania, które mogłyby przyczynić się do zwiększenia zaangażowania polskich spółek giełdowych w komunikację wykorzystując nowe technologie. Autorzy wskazali dostępne na rynku kapitałowym modele IR, a przede wszystkim zarekomendowali współczesny model relacji inwestorskich z konkretnymi propozycjami zmian. Przeprowadzone badanie własne potwierdza, iż spółki zauważają jak ważne są nowe technologie, natomiast nie wdrażają ich do swojej działalności. Z jednej strony chcą się rozwijać i przekazywać otoczeniu biznesowemu transparentne i aktualne informacje, a z drugiej strony przyzwyczaili się do tradycyjnego modelu i nie chcą angażować się w nowinki technologiczne.

Introduction: Advances in digital detector technology and methods of image presentation in digital mammography now offer the possibility of implementing mathematical assessment methods to quantitative image analysis. The aim of this work was to develop new software to simplify the application of the existing international standard for DQE in digital mammography and show in detail how it can be applied, using a Siemens Mammomat Inspiration as a model. Material and methods: Consistent with the IEC standard a 2 mm Al filter at the tube exit and images in DICOM format as raw data, without applying any additional post-processing were used. Measurements were performed for W/Rh anode/filter combination and different tube voltage values (26 ÷ 34 kV) without any anti-scatter grid. To verify new software doses ranging from 20-600 µGy were used in measurements. Exposure (air kerma) was measured using a calibrated radiation meter (Piranha Black 457, RTI Electronics AB, Sweden). MTF was determined, using an edge test device constructed specifically for this work. Results: It has been demonstrated that with the new software the DQE can be measured with the accuracy required by the international standard IEC 62220-1-2. DQE has been presented as a function of spatial frequency for W/Rh anode/filter combination and different tube voltage. Conclusions: New software was used successfully to analyze image quality parameters for the Siemens Mammomat Inspiration detector. This was done on the basis of an internationally accepted methodology. In the next step, mammographs with different detector types can be compared.

This study was designed to investigate the frequency and severity of oral mucositis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, in relation to the type of conditioning used. Eighty patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia were assigned to two groups based on the conditioning regimen used before transplantation. The intensity of oral inflammatory lesions induced by chemotherapy (oral mucositis) was evaluated according to a 5-point scale recommended by World Health Organization. Oral mucosa was investigated in all patients before the transplantation and during two subsequent stages of the post-transplantation procedure in relation to the conditioning regimen used. Mucositis in the oral cavity was observed in the majority of patients (66%) in the first week after transplantation, whereas the largest percentage of patients suffering oral lesions (74%) occurred in the second week after transplantation. A significantly higher percentage of patients with mucositis was observed in the group which underwent myeloablation therapy (74% of MAC and 50% of RIC patients in the first week; 83% of MAC and 53% of RIC patients in the second examination).The severity of mucositis after transplantation was higher in the MAC patients compared to the RIC patients. The highest mean value of the mucositis index was recorded in the second week in the MAC group (1.59). In AML sufferers receiving allo-HSCT, oral mucositis is a significant complication of the transplantation. This condition is more frequent and more severe in patients after treatment with myeloablation therapy.

Failure to alleviate cancer pain may deteriorate mental functioning, increase depression symptoms, result in the clinical diagnosis of demoralization syndrome nonadherence of treatment, functioning discipline, which together, may precipitate desire for euthanasia. Increased incidence of pain in patients with advanced or terminal disease has been reported to range from 39% to 66.4% depending on the stage of the cancer being experienced. Further, the progressive aging of societies and increased life expectancy in cancer patients has changed the dynamics of modern treatment processes. Despite their efficacy, the use of opioids as an analgesic treatment during terminal disease has been affected by the quality, availability, and negative reputation of these scheduled drugs. This review aims to describe the specific factors and limitations of opioid pain management from the perspective of patients and their caregivers. Further, we aim to identify and discuss the key factors which determine the success or failure of opioid use for the treatment of pain with links to internationally recognized recommendations and current research.

Background and aims Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) are crucial proteins in reverse cholesterol transport. There are insufficient data on regulating these proteins by insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We aimed to assess prospectively the impact of insulin therapy initiation on transfer proteins serum levels in adults with newly diagnosed T1DM. Methods and results 57 adults with newly diagnosed T1DM were enrolled in the InLipoDiab1 Study. All participants were treated with subcutaneous insulin in the model of intensive insulin therapy since the diagnosis of diabetes. Serum PLTP and CETP concentrations were measured at diagnosis, after three weeks, six months, and after one year of insulin treatment, using the immunoenzymatic method ELISA. A significant decrease in PLTP and CETP concentrations were demonstrated during twelve months of insulin therapy in newly diagnosed T1DM. The dynamics of changes in the level of these proteins varied depending on the occurrence of remission after a year of the disease. In the group without remission, a significant decrease in PLTP and CETP levels appeared after six months of follow-up. The remission group was characterized by a decrease in proteins concentration only after one year of treatment. In the non-remission group, significant negative correlations were found between the daily dose of insulin and levels of PLTP and CETP. Conclusion Exogenous insulin is an inhibitor of lipid transfer proteins involved in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in the first year of treatment.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a great threat to facilities providing inpatient care to chronically/terminally ill patients or elderly people. This unprecedented situation has called for radical and previously untried solutions including restrictions or a complete ban on visiting inpatients, reductions in the number of staff, and measures to improve the sanitary regime. These far-reaching actions have had a direct impact on all actors involved in the system of social welfare facilities: employees, patients, and their families. Aim of the study: The analysis of the key needs of patients and their families and the potential differences in their hierarchy in the new situation. Material and methods: A qualitative pilot study was conducted in a Polish inpatient hospice to identify the consequences of the changes outlined above and to help with the development of solutions adjusted to the current situation. The study, based on questionnaires containing open-ended questions, was conducted among patients and their families. The questionnaires were analysed using a medical-anthropological approach. Results: The analysis provides a basis for identifying the key needs of both groups under study and highlighting the differences between them. The basic need of the patients were shown to be physical closeness. For families, it was a need to care for their relatives. Conclusions: The differences in needs influenced the preferred forms of communication. Based on the results of the questionnaires, COVID-19 was also observed to play different roles and vary in importance among patients and their families. The findings of the pilot study are not exhaustive, and further in-depth research is required to explore this area of interest.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of the maternal blood level of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), to estimate the risk of fetal trisomy 18 and their correlation with the assessment of nuchal translucency (NT) during the first prenatal testing. Material and methods: Examinations of 93 pregnant women between 11 and 13+6 weeks of pregnancy were conducted, which included determination of β-hCG and PAPP-A concentrations in the maternal serum and ultrasound assessment of fetal nuchal translucency. Concentrations of biochemical parameters were expressed as multiples of median (MoM) for the appropriate gestational age. The risk assessment of trisomy 18 was analyzed using Astraia software. Pregnant women with a high (≥ 1:300) risk of trisomy 18 were offered a genetic amniocentesis with an examination of fetal karyotype. Twenty cases were healthy and 23 with trisomy 18. Results: PAPP-A and β-hCG MoM values < 0.3 were found in 61% cases of fetal trisomy 18. In 26% of cases, PAPP-A and β-hCG MoM values < 0.2 were NT-independent risk factors for trisomy 18. There were no significant differences between groups with normal fetal karyotype (40%) and trisomy 18 (35%) in PAPP-A and β-hCG MoM 0.2–0.5 range. Conclusions: Maternal free β-hCG MoM was found to change parallelly to fetal NT widening in case of trisomy 18 diagnosis. Maternal β-hCG and PAPP-A MoM results presented less then 0.2 might be used independently of NT widening in fetus for trisomy 18 risk evaluation. Above 0.2 for PAPP-A and β-hCG MoMs, fetal NT measurement was an requirment.

In Poland, the afforestation rate is slowing down from year to year. An analysis of the demographic structure of land owners suitable for afforestation may contribute to a better recognition of trends and needs in order to increase the effectiveness of National Programme for the Augmentation of Forest Cover implementation, and thus increase interest in RDP activities. The aim of the study was to verify whether interest in afforestation among farmers is the same across the country in different age groups. The data presented in the publication come from the resources of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture (ARiMR). The data covered the years 2004–2018 and were sorted by: voivodships (16), age group of beneficiaries of subsidies (4 groups), year of submitting the application (15 years) and the number of applications submitted. Beneficiaries were divided into four age groups: up to 30 years old, 31–40 years old, 41–60 and older than 60 years. Interest in afforestation changed in the period after Poland’s accession to the European Union. In recent years, there has been a significant decrease in the number of applications for afforestation subsidies submitted. There are also significant differences between the voivodships in the number of applications submitted. Farmers from eastern and southern Poland are more active in submitting applications for afforestation, and will reduce the so-called Recovered Territories in the western, northern and north-eastern part of Poland. Most afforestation in the entire analysed period is carried out by farmers aged 41–60 years. In the initial period, more applications were submitted by farmers of age over 60 years. In recent years, however, young farmers, that is, up to 40 years, are more interested in afforestation, than other groups. To increase interest in afforestation, more support should be directed to young farmers who, as part of farm specialization, may receive additional incentives for afforestation of land that is less useful to them.

IntroductionSialolithiasis remains a clinical problem with unclear etiopathogenesis, lack of prevention methods and only surgical treatment.Materials and MethodsAn ultrastructure examination of submandibular sialoliths obtained from patients with chronic sialolithiasis was conducted using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.ResultsBased on the results, we divided sialoliths into three types: calcified (CAL), organic/lipid (LIP) and mixed (MIX). The core structure of the CAL and MIX is very similar. The core of the LIP has a prevalence of organic components. The intermediate layers’ structure of the CAL is different from LIP and MIX. In LIP and MIX, the organic component begins to increase in intermediate layers rapidly. The structure of the superficial layers for all types of sialoliths is similar.ConclusionsWe introduced a new classification of the submandibular salivary gland stones. Based on the results, it can be said that sialoliths type CAL and LIP have their separate path of origin and development, while MIX is formed as CAL stone, and the further pathway of their growth passes as LIP stones. Organic components was much more than inorganic in all layers of salivary gland stones, which highly prevents their dissolution in the patient’s salivary gland duct.

OBJECTIVE To assess the influence of thyroid hormones status and coexistence of autoimmune thyroiditis on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) results in children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In the prospective, observational study (n = 175) we analyzed the impact of thyroid hormones on OCT results and the differences between the matched groups of children with T1D (n = 84; age = 13.14 ± 3.6; diabetes duration = 5.99 ± 3.3 years) and the children with T1D and autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) (n = 20; age = 13.94 ± 3.6; diabetes duration = 6.7 ± 4 years). We analyzed the following parameters: fovea avascular zone (FAZ), foveal thickness (FT), parafoveal thickness (PFT), ganglion cell complex (GCC), loss volume (global-GLV, focal-FLV), capillary vessel density: superficial (whole-wsVD, foveal-fsVD, parafoveal-psVD), and deep (whole-wdVD, foveal-fdVD, parafoveal-pdVD. The differences between the groups were tested by the unpaired t-Student test, Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate, whereas p level .05 was recognized as significant. RESULTS We detected the significant correlations between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and PFT (r = -0.14; p

Introduction. Due to their dynamic character, allergic conditions pose challenges for modern medicine and constitute a public health problem. Nearly 40% of the general Polish population is estimated to suffer from an allergy. We would like to emphasize that allergies are not some extraordinary ailments; instead, they commonly coincide with or are complications of other systemic conditions. Hence, national health policies should prioritize the development and implementation of ready-to-use protocols that focus mainly on prevention rather than treatment. Conclusions. In an outpatient setting the care for individuals who suffer from allergies is facilitated by therapeutic teams. Allergy nurses play a special role in this framework, with the scope of their professional duties including diagnostic procedures, treatment, being a mediator for patient education initiated by the therapeutic team. This article focuses on three important types of allergy nurses‘ responsibilities: diagnostic procedures (e.g. skin prick tests), therapeutic procedures (allergen-specific immunotherapy), and selected aspects of medical record-keeping.

Background Some studies suggest that Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is important factor in carcinogenesis of breast tumors. This study’ objective was to analyze HPV prevalence in breast cancers of patients from south-central Poland. Materials and methods The study was performed based on archival paraffin embebbed and formalin fixed blocks in the group of 383 patients with breast cancer. HPV prevalence and its genotype were assessed, respectively by: nested PCR (with two groups of primers: PGMY09/PGMY11 and GP5+/GP6+), quantitative PCR (qPCR). Tumors were classified as HPV positive in case of at least one positive result in nested PCR and positive results in genotyping procedure. For all HPV positive tissues P16 immunostaining was applied in order to confirm active viral infection. Results In the group of 383 breast cancers, HPV positivity was found in 17 samples (4.4%) in nested PCR. All these samples were subjected to HPV genotyping. This analysis revealed presence of HPV type 16 into two tumors (0.5%). In these two cancers, P16 overexpression was reported. Conclusion In breast tumors of patients from south-central Poland in Poland, HPV positivity is demonstrated in very low percentage of cases.

The dynamic process of suburbanisation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, causes changes in the scale of the construction activity, mainly in the communes surrounding large cities. Although, in Poland, suburbanisation processes were initiated with the system transformation, and the first spatial planning law was adopted only in 1994. In addition, building permits were issued in an unplanned manner, regardless of future consequences. As a result, housing development, despite its high intensity in suburban zones, is dispersed and chaotic. The aim of this study is to juxtapose the construction activity with the guidelines governing this sphere contained in strategic and planning documents, with the example of the suburbs of Toruń. On the basis of the statistical data, and the planning and strategic documents at different levels, it is shown that construction activity, because of its interference in space, is indeed an important element shaping suburban zone development, there is a burning need for the appropriate, i.e., sustainable and long-term, planning of this process. This planning may be boosted by considering the potential development scenarios for the analysed communes belonging to the Toruń suburban area set out in this study.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the child population is the third most common chronic disease. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a very disabling and silently developing complication. This prospective, observational study enrolled 182 (93 girls) patients with T1D, aged 16.5–18 years. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between factors of diabetes metabolic control, blood count, thyroid hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), level of cortisol, vitamin D3, metabolic factors, demographic data, and nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters. We revealed that in multivariate regression models for almost all NCS parameters, beside height and diabetes duration, significant factors were basal insulin dose per kilogram of weight (BID/kg), body mass index (BMI), and thyroid hormones. For conduction velocities of the motor nerves, mean HbA1c exists in models. In all models for all NCS parameters there exists at least one parameter of peripheral white blood cell counts (predominantly monocytes). There is a significant influence of thyroid hormones, peripheral blood white cells count, and BID per weight on parameters of NCS. It is essential to take care of the proper insulin dose per weight of patients and the adequate proportion of basal to prandial insulin.

MELAS syndrome (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) is a genetically determined disease caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA. We present a girl who was suspected of MELAS syndrome during the diagnostic evaluation of short stature. The patient suffered from symptoms potentially indicating mitochondrial disease, such as muscular weakness, cranial nerve VI palsy, headaches, retinitis pigmentosa, sensory-neural hearing loss, and elevated lactic acid. T2-weighted brain MRI showed hyperintense lesions in the white matter. Muscular biopsy revealed ragged red fibres. Genetic evaluation did not detect the most common mutations in the MT-TL1 gene and MT-ND5 gene. Endocrine tests led to the confirmation of growth hormone deficiency, and so replacement treatment was started. After 1 year of recombinant growth hormone therapy the patient was diagnosed with diabetes. At the age of 14 years the LH-RH test showed prepubertal values. Endocrine disorders may be one of the first manifestations of MELAS syndrome. In differential diagnosis of short stature, less common causes, such as mitochondrial diseases, should be taken into consideration.Zespół MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) jest chorobą uwarunkowaną genetycznie, związaną z mutacją w mitochondrialnym DNA. Przedstawiamy przypadek pacjentki, u której w trakcie diagnostyki niedoboru wzrostu wysunięto podejrzenie zespołu MELAS. U dziewczynki oprócz niedoboru wzrostu obserwowano inne objawy sugerujące chorobę mitochondrialną, takie jak m.in. hipotonia mięśniowa, bóle głowy, niedowład nerwu VI lewego, zwyrodnienie barwnikowe siatkówki, niedosłuch zmysłowo-nerwowy, zwiększone stężenie kwasu mlekowego. W rezonansie magnetycznym mózgu zobrazowano hiperdensyjne zmiany w istocie białej w obrazach T2- zależnych. Biopsja mięśnia wykazała obraz poszarpanych włókien czerwonych charakterystyczny dla zespołu MELAS. W wykonanych badaniach genetycznych nie wykryto najczęstszych mutacji w genie MT-TL1 i MT-ND5. W toku diagnostyki endokrynologicznej rozpoznano somatotropinową niedoczynność przysadki, rozpoczęto leczenie preparatem hormonu wzrostu (rhGH). Po roku leczenia rhGH na podstawie doustnego testu obciążenia glukozą zdiagnozowano cukrzycę. Ponadto u obecnie 14-letniej dziewczynki obserwuje się opóźnione dojrzewanie płciowe. Test z LH–RH wykazał wartości przedpokwitaniowe. Zaburzenia endokrynologiczne mogą być jedną z pierwszych manifestacji zespołu MELAS. W diagnostyce niedoboru wzrostu należy uwzględniać jego rzadsze przyczyny jak np. choroby mitochondrialne.

At the end of 2019, a new classification of breast malignancies was published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Popular name of the classification is the "blue book" and it derives from the colour of its cover. New classification was made available after 7 years from the previous one. In 2019 the WHO introduced new disease entities: mucinous cystad­enocarcinoma and tall cell carcinoma of reverse polarity. The most recent classification also contains classification of the microscopic evaluation of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and of the evaluation of the parameters necessary to define the tumour grade of breast cancer as well as predictive or prognostic parameters. All of above mentioned changes are presented and commented on in the article.

Introduction Surgical treatment is always associated with tissue damage and the subsequent development of oxidative stress. Aim To compare the oxidative stress response in patients treated operatively for inguinal hernia with multi-trocar laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP) or single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP-SI). Material and methods A randomized group of 34 patients with one-sided inguinal hernia was enrolled in the study. Seventeen patients were treated with a standard TEP method (group 1) and the other 17 patients were treated with the TEP-SI technique (group 2). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) as the oxidative stress markers were measured before surgery (0), 1 day (1) and 4 days (2) after surgery. Results A decrease in TAS on the first day after surgery was observed in both groups. Sustained reduction on the fourth day after surgery was observed in group 1, whereas in group 2 an increase followed. A statistically significant difference was observed in TAS (2 : 0) ratio with a meaningful decrease in group 1. TBARS concentration was elevated 1 day after surgery in both groups. It remained at an elevated level on the fourth day after surgery in group 1, while it decreased in group 2. The duration of surgery was higher in group 2 (mean: 57.5 min) than in group 1 (mean: 50.0 min) (p = 0.0286). Conclusions Oxidative stress levels are lower in patients treated operatively by TEP-SI technique than by TEP. TEP-SI may be considered as a less invasive technique associated with less tissue injury.

Erosion strongly influences soil properties and affects the intra-field variation of nutrients not only in steep young morainic landscapes but also on gentle slopes of old-glacial landscapes. The aim of the study was the evaluation of changes in plant-available nutrient contents in the complex old-glacial eroded landscape of the Bielska Plain in the north-eastern part of Poland. The soil samples were collected from soil profiles located along the transect beginning on the flat summit of the kame hummock extending through south-facing convex slope, the toeslope and footslope and further through the north-facing uniform slope. The content of plant-available forms of phosphorus (Pdl) and potassium (Kdl) and mineral forms of nitrogen (NH4-N and NO3-N) were determined in every soil profile. Soils located in various landscape positions were characterized with different fertility. In soil located on the toeslope the content of NO3-N, Pdl and Kdl was high, while soil located on the summit was rich in NH4-N and poor in plant-available forms of K and P. The erosional distribution of plant-available N, P and K enhances the variation of nutrient content within one field and contributes to high variability of crops.

Apocrine carcinoma is a very rare type of breast cancer, which represents 0.5-4% of all breast cancers. The aim of the study was to analyze biological and clinical features of apocrine carcinoma and their influence on patients survival. The studied group consists of 57 patients, who underwent treatment between 1987 and 2010. Expression of ER, PgR, HER2, AR, GCDFP-15, EGFR, CK 5/6, CK 8/18 and Ki-67 was assessed immunohistochemically on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Presence of emboli and extent of lymphocyte infiltration were assessed on haematoxylin-eosin-stained slides. In the investigated group, 16 cases were ER/PgR positive and 49 were AR-positive. ER/PgR-negative tumours were often characterised by CK5/6 and EGFR positivity. The presence of AR was related to HER-2 and GCDFP-15 expression and tumours with expression of CK5/6 were more likely be EGFR positive and had higher Ki-67 LI. Higher probability of 10-years OS and DFS was observed in patients with tumours characterized by Ki-67 LI

W oparciu przede wszystkim o źródła archiwalne podjęłam w artykule próbę zwięzłego omówienia udziału Krystyny i Czesława Bednarczyków, założycieli emigracyjnej Oficyny Poetów i Malarzy, w pracach redakcyjnych zespołu paryskiej „Kultury” i londyńskiego „Orła Białego”. Zarówno szczegóły tej współpracy, jak i redaktorskie dokonania debiutujących wydawców poezji nie wzbudziły dotychczas żywszego zainteresowania badaczy życia literackiego emigracji. Tymczasem na początku lat pięćdziesiątych Bednarczykowie zasadniczo wpływali na podniesienie poziomu poetyckiego i artystycznego obu periodyków, publikując gościnnie autorskie całostronicowe kompozycje wierszy i grafik malarzy oraz poetów, których poznali w większości na wojennym szlaku II Korpusu. W „Kulturze” ukazały się one tylko dwa razy (w kwietniu i listopadzie 1950 r.), na łamach „Orła Białego” zaś dziesięć razy (w latach 1950-1951). Uczestnictwo w tworzeniu numerów miesięcznika oraz tygodnika stanowiło dla Bednarczyków szansę nie tylko na redaktorski debiut i edytorską wprawkę, lecz także na reklamę własnego wydawniczego przedsięwzięcia. Zarówno bowiem Jerzy Giedroyc, jak i Ryszard Piestrzyński wspomogli nowo założoną Oficynę Poetów i Malarzy, zamieszczając w kierowanych przez siebie pismach apele, ogłoszenia i artykuły promujące tę inicjatywę. Zatem mimo że opisana współpraca stanowiła dla Bednarczyków dodatkowe i krótkotrwałe zatrudnienie, należy uznać możliwość równoczesnego redagowania działu poetyckiego „Kultury” oraz „Orła Białego” za niemałe ich osiągnięcie i przywrócić temu epizodowi należne mu z tej racji miejsce w literaturze przedmiotu.

In several coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB), in Poland, radium removal from mine water was necessary in order to mitigate the negative results of radium release with mine effluents. The most efficient method of radium removal was based on the application of barium chloride, implemented in full technical scale in two Polish collieries. Removal efficiency exceeding 95% of the initial activity was achieved. The technology was implemented in full technical scale in two collieries. The problem was that barium chloride is dangerous to health and moreover continuous use of the powdered chemical was required to achieve good results. Therefore, the possible application of zeolite for radium removal was tested in laboratory experiments. This passive technique would be less hazardous for miners and would not require full-time supervision meaning it would enable a reduction in workload. The main goal of the investigations described in this paper was to check the capability of zeolites to remove natural radionuclides from mine waters and compare the removal efficiency of radium isotopes with the results obtained from the application of barium chloride solution for the same purpose. Keywords: Barium chloride, Mine waters, Purification, Radium, Zeolites

AIM: To compare the results of in vivo human high resolution image registration studies of the eye during accommodation to the predictions of mathematical and finite element models of accommodation. METHODS: Data from published high quality image registration studies of pilocarpine induced accommodative changes of equatorial lens radius (ELR) and central lens thickness (CLT) were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean changes in ELR and CLT were 6.76 µm/diopter and 6.51 µm/diopter, respectively. The linear regressions, reflecting the association between ELR and accommodative amplitude (AA(ELR)) was: slope=6.58 µm/diopter, r(2)=0.98, P

The highly mineralised formation waters in the coal mines of Poland’s Upper Silesian Coal Basin contain natural radioactive nuclides, mostly radium. The 226Ra concentration in the groundwater that flows into the underground mine workings reaches 390 Bq/L, and is sometimes exceeded by the 228Ra concentration. The radium-bearing water sometimes also contain barium ions, which enables coprecipitation of barium-radium sulphate. Another type of radium-bearing water contains sulphate ions instead of barium; in this case, radium is transported to settling ponds and downstream. We have assessed the daily activity of radium in waters flowing into the underground mines and being discharged to the environment. Based on 1995 data, we estimate that the total activity of radium isotopes flowing into the mines was about 1300 MBq/day, while the radium activity in the discharge waters was about 700 MBq/day. A similar assessment performed with 2016 data indicated that the total activity in inflows was roughly 1150 MBq/day, while that discharged to surface waters was about 450 MBq/day.

This article briefly presents the attitude towards same sex-marriages and registered partnerships of legislators in those EU Member States which have decided not to participate in the adoption of EU regulations concerning property matters for spouses and registered partners. It also provides an overview of these regulations in order to indicate which provisions have triggered such decisions. Finally, it points out some examples of clashes resulting from the different systems being applied in participating Member States and non-participating Member States.

Objective: Ageing is one of the major risks for atherosclerosis. The age-related changes of interactions between plasma lipids, oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and glycation processes are still not established while we age. Thus, the aim of the study was to analyze such relationships in individuals at risk for atherosclerosis due to their age. Methods: Elderly and middle-aged persons with no acute disease or severe chronic disorder were assessed. Fasting plasma lipids (total cholesterol (T-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triacylglycerols), thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), and glucose and glycated proteins (fructosamine (FA) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)) were determined. An oral glucose tolerance test allowed exclusion of persons with type 2 diabetes. Results: Lipid profiles were significantly profitable, increased HDL-C especially (p

Background: The frequency of late-onset Huntington's disease (>59 years) is assumed to be low and the clinical course milder. However, previous literature on late-onset disease is scarce and inconclusive. Objective: Our aim is to study clinical characteristics of late-onset compared to common-onset HD patients in a large cohort of HD patients from the Registry database. Methods: Participants with late- and common-onset (30–50 years)were compared for first clinical symptoms, disease progression, CAG repeat size and family history. Participants with a missing CAG repeat size, a repeat size of ≤35 or a UHDRS motor score of ≤5 were excluded. Results: Of 6007 eligible participants, 687 had late-onset (11.4%) and 3216 (53.5%) common-onset HD. Late-onset (n = 577) had significantly more gait and balance problems as first symptom compared to common-onset (n = 2408) (P

Background: Myonectin is a myokine secreted by skeletal muscles in response to physical activity (PhA) in rodents. It was shown that myonectin may be positively associated with insulin resistance parameters. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the concentration of myonectin after short-term PhA. Methods: A total of 29 young, healthy volunteers, were included in the study. Each participant completed a life-style questionnaire, underwent a physical examination with anthropometric measurement followed by a treadmill test according to theBruce protocol. Blood samples were collected before and after PhA. An ELISA Assay was used to investigate the myonectin serum level. Results: The myonectin serum level did not change significantly after PhA (0.62[0.14-2.9] vs. 1.08[0.15-2.44] ng/ml; p=0.84). Before PhA the myonectin serum level differed significantly between men and women (respectively: 3.92[2.24-5.30] vs. 0.56[0.15-1.75] ng/ml; p=0.02). Before PhA it had a positive association with weight, BMI, serum creatinine and uremic acid (p < 0.05). The change in the level of myonectin serum after PhA had negative associations with weight, BMI, fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Myonectin serum concentration does not change after short-term physical activity among young, healthy people. Changes in the myonectin serum level after short-term physical activity may be associated with fasting insulin resistance.

Purpose . To analyse the role of virulence factors (VFs) and host in Klebsiella pneumoniae upper urinary tract infections (UTIs) in renal transplant (RTx) recipients. Methodology. Clinical and demographic data were registered prospectively. Phylogenetic background of K. pneumoniae isolates was analysed by PCR melting profiles (MP) and the following VFs genes: fimH-1, uge, kpn, ycfM, mrkD, rmpA, magA, hlyA, cnf-1, irp-1, irp-2, fyuA, entB, iutA, iroN by PCR. Results. We studied urine cultures and clinical data from 61 episodes of K. pneumoniae UTI in 54 RTx recipients. There were 32 cases of AB (53%), 10 cases of lower UTI (16%), 19 cases of AGPN (31%), including six cases of bacteraemia. In total, 74 % of strains were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase+, and there were two carbapenemase-producing strains. PCR MP typing showed a diverse population with 52 different genetic profiles of K. pneumoniae . Analysis of the DNA profiles indicated 45 unrelated, unique genotypes and 7 related (16 isolates from 15 patients) genotypes. Urine flow impairment emerged as an independent predictor of K. pneumoniae upper UTIs (OR 14.28, CI 2.7–75.56, P 0.002), while we did not find any association between the profile of VFs and developing upper UTIs. The prevalence of the uge gene was lower in RTx patients on everolimus when compared to isolates from patients not receiving mTOR inhibitors (33.3 % vs 82.8 % P

The provision of forest ecosystem services (such as biodiversity, water and soil protection, and recreation) is often associated with a reduction in timber harvesting. In the case of private forests, such a situation requires institutional solutions that allow the economic balance of forest management to be maintained. The aim of the study was to find out the average value of monetary compensation private forest owners would expect in case of timber harvesting restrictions. The study was conducted with a random sample of 1003 forest landowners. The average value of expected compensation ranged from PLN 2300/year/ha (which corresponds to the price of about 12 m3 of wood in Poland) under the condition of no restrictions on timber harvesting but the need to apply indicated of forest management methods, to PLN 4900/year/ha in the model assuming a total ban on harvesting. In general, higher compensation was expected by farmers who stated that they sold timber and those whose agricultural area was larger than the average in Poland. When harvesting restrictions are low, the expected compensation is influenced by the age and gender of the respondent, or the number of people in the household.

Simple Summary Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) optimize the selection of thyroid nodules for cytological examination. There is a question: is the effectiveness of these systems affected by morphological changes to thyroid parenchyma that are visible in the course of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT)? This question is very important because of the increased risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules in patients with HT. We investigated widely accepted ultrasound malignancy risk features with a special consideration of the suspected nodule’s shape in patients with and without HT. We also validated EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, ACR-TIRADS, and ATA guidelines in both groups and evaluated the impact of changes in the threshold for nodule’s shape criterion on the diagnostic value of these TIRADS. The presence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis did not exert any significant adverse implications for the efficiency of examined TIRADS. The impact of changes in the threshold for nodule’s shape criterion was the highest for EU-TIRADS. Abstract The aim of the study was to validate thyroid US malignancy features, especially the nodule’s shape, and selected Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (EU-TIRADS; K-TIRADS; ACR-TIRADS, ATA guidelines) in patients with or without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT and non-HT groups). The study included 1188 nodules (HT: 358, non-HT: 830) with known final diagnoses. We found that the strongest indications of nodule’s malignancy were microcalcifications (OR: 22.7) in HT group and irregular margins (OR:13.8) in non-HT group. Solid echostructure and macrocalcifications were ineffective in patients with HT. The highest accuracy of nodule’s shape criterion was noted on transverse section, with the cut-off value of anteroposterior to transverse dimension ratio (AP/T) close to 1.15 in both groups. When round nodules were regarded as suspicious in patients with HT (the cut-off value of AP/T set to ≥1), it led to a three-fold increase in sensitivity of this feature, with a disproportionally lower decrease in specificity and similar accuracy. Such a modification was effective also for cancers other than PTC. The diagnostic effectiveness of analyzed TIRADS in patients with HT and without HT was similar. Changes in the threshold for AP/T ratio influenced the number of nodules classified into the category of the highest risk, especially in the case of EU-TIRADS.

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment is an established management in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), with growth promotion and improvement in body composition and possibly the metabolic state. We compared anthropometric characteristics, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels, metabolic parameters and the bone age/chronological age index (BA/CA) in 147 children with PWS, divided according to age of rhGH start into four groups, corresponding to nutritional phases in PWS. We analysed four time points: baseline, rhGH1 (1.21 ± 0.81 years), rhGH2 (3.77 ± 2.17 years) and rhGH3 (6.50 ± 2.92 years). There were no major differences regarding height SDS between the groups, with a higher growth velocity (GV) (p = 0.00) and lower body mass index (BMI) SDS (p &lt, 0.05) between the first and older groups during almost the whole follow-up. IGF1 SDS values were lower in group 1 vs. other groups at rhGH1 and vs. groups 2 and 3 at rhGH2 (p &lt, 0.05). Glucose metabolism parameters were favourable in groups 1 and 2, and the lipid profile was comparable in all groups. BA/CA was similar between the older groups. rhGH therapy was most effective in the youngest patients, before the nutritional phase of increased appetite. We did not observe worsening of metabolic parameters or BA/CA advancement in older patients during a comparable time of rhGH therapy.

This paper describes the further development of large area (13x13 mm2) polymer PMUT arrays operating at relatively low frequency (233.4 kHz) for mid-air imaging applications. An improved frequency uniformity across more elements enables an output efficiency of 71 %. Transmission beamforming is implemented in one dimension and 3D acoustic field measurements correlate well with simulations. Steering angles are confirmed to be accurate within 1° and peak pressures exceeding 2 Pa/V are achieved with a FWHM beam width around 6 mm. Initial imaging experiments demonstrate the ability to locate a 4-mm target within a 60 mm lateral and 70 mm vertical range.

The Upper Silesian urban-industrial agglomeration is one of the most industrialized areas in Europe. The intense industrialization should be attributed mostly to the presence of coal and other minerals deposits and its extraction. Mining areas of hard coal mines comprise approximately 25% of the total catchment area of watercourses in the area of Upper Silesian Coal Basin, including the river basin of the Upper Oder River and the Little Vistula River. The mining, its scope and depth, duration of mining works, extraction systems being used and the total volume of the drainage fundamentally affect the conditions of groundwater and surface water in the studied area. In this paper, an overall characteristics of the coal mining industry in the area of USCB was made, including the issues of its influence on water environment in the light of the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its guidelines transposed into Polish law. An analysis of the collected data, obtained from collieries, relating to the quantity and quality of water flowing into the workings and discharged to surface watercourses, was performed. An approach to the requirements for wastewater discharge into the environment by these enterprises was presented regarding the physicochemical parameters, possible harmful substances and radionuclides measured in mine waters. The main goal of the paper is to recognize the condition of surface water bodies in the area of Upper Silesian Coal Basin and to make the assessment of the biological condition using Ecological Risk Assessment and bioindication methods.

In elderly, hormones and oxidant-antioxidant interplay are suggested to mediate biochemical balance between adipose tissue to other tissues. Thus the study attempts to explore metabolic traits, plasma resistin, and oxidant-antioxidant markers in metabolic syndrome (MetS) in comparison to non-metabolic syndrome (non-MetS) elderly individuals. A total of 541 healthy elderly Caucasians, with no acute and/or chronic disorders were invited. After taking into account inclusion/exclusion criteria’s the MetS was defined as the presence of three out of five abnormal findings and allowed to divided groups into: non-metabolic syndrome, non-MetS ( n = 25, median age 69.0 years), and newly diagnosed MetS ( n = 29; median age 70.5 years) individuals. Glucose, plasma lipids, resistin (Res), thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) were measured. The MetS had higher resistin than non-MetS ( p 2 = 0.23; p 2 = 0.53; p = 0.0004) moreover in that group TAS correlated negatively with HDL-C (β = −0.71; R = 0.72; R 2 = 0.37; p = 0.01). While age correlated negatively with systolic blood pressure (β = −0.60; R = 0.62; R 2 = 0.14; p = 0.03) independently from other factors in the non-MetS group. Various metabolic factors contribute to maintain serum resistin and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the elderly people in the presence or absence of MetS. Resistin may serve as a predictor of MetS in the elderly, while strong antioxidant defense interactions in older individuals may indicate good health.

Background Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH-P) is one of the most common uteropathies in bitches. In diseases with mild or obscure clinical signs and normal uterine size, a diagnosis based on a clinical assessment might be incorrect. The main aim of the research was to determine the morphological variables accompanying uterine diseases in bitches in microscopic evaluation. Consequently, the obtained results can be used to create a new classification system for uterine pathological changes during the development of the CEH-P, diagnosed by microscopic examination in bitches. Material for the study consisted of the uteri of 120 female dogs, aged 1–16 years, obtained during routine ovariohysterectomies. Macroscopic observation after a longitudinal incision of the uterine horns, allowed a preliminary classification of the uteri into research groups: control group (physiological uteri), and groups GI-III uteri collected form bitches with varying degrees of endometrial pathology. These preliminary classifications were then verified by histological analysis (H&E stain). Results The obtained results made it possible to determine and describe the prevalence (%) of pathological changes characteristic of the analyzed uterine diseases in the examined bitches. Histopathological analyses that were conducted have confirmed preliminary macroscopic evaluation for the control group, group GII (CEH), and group GIII (pyometra). In the uteri of the GI group, a severe congestion of the endometrium has been observed – this is typical of inflammation – which was not confirmed during histopathological examinations. However, these examinations revealed acute endometrial haemorrhage of varying severity. Conclusions Early reproduction disorders in bitches are, in general, not confirmed by clinical signs in the examined animals. The results show that during classification of typical morphological changes in the endometrium over the development of the CEH-P complex in bitches microscopic examinations are required. The obtained results indicate a frequent lack of consistency in the macroscopic assessment and histological analysis of the endometrium, observed in the analyzed uterine diseases, which in most cases is not followed by clinical symptoms. The presented classification of uterine diseases may be useful as a diagnostic tool in reproductive disorders in bitches and in examination in the field of basic research.

We present an integrated microfluidic system developed based on semiconductor and flat panel display compatible technology to facilitate mass manufacturability of next generation Lab-on-Chip systems. Tailored to different dynamic specifications, two semiconductor grade polymers are selected and used for device fabrication. Compared with PDMS based approach, the selected polymers and optimized excimer laser-aided transferring technique serve as the key factors to enable multi-step and high controllable diagnostic point-of-care platforms with integrated electrical and optical detection schemes.

Dermatomyositis pathogenesis remains incompletely understood; however, recent work suggests a predominant IFN-1 response. We explored dermatomyositis pathogenesis by quantifying the inflammatory cells in the skin, comparing myeloid with plasmacytoid dendritic cell release of IFN-β, and assessing myeloid dendritic cell (mDC) contribution to hydroxychloroquine refractoriness. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess cell-type expression in lesional skin biopsies from 12 patients with moderate-to-severe cutaneous dermatomyositis. Immunofluorescence, laser-capture microdissection, and flow cytometry were used to assess mDC release of IFN-β in lesional skin biopsies and blood of patients with dermatomyositis. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to determine whether myeloid or plasmacytoid dendritic cells were increased in hydroxychloroquine nonresponders. CD4+, CD11c+, and CD69+ cells were more populous in lesional skin of patients with dermatomyositis. mDCs colocalized with IFN-β by immunofluorescence and laser-capture microdissection revealed increased IFN-β mRNA expression by mDCs in lesional skin of patients with dermatomyositis. In blood, both mDCs and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were major producers of IFN-β in patients with dermatomyositis, whereas plasmacytoid dendritic cells predominately released IFN-β in healthy controls (P0.01). mDCs were significantly increased in the skin of hydroxychloroquine nonresponders compared with that in the skin of responders (P0.05). mDCs cells appear to play an important role in dermatomyositis pathogenesis and IFN-β production.

IntroductionThe gut microbiota may be relevant in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on beta-cell function in children with newly diagnosed T1D.Research design and methodsChildren aged 8–17 years with newly (within 60 days) diagnosed T1D were enrolled in a double-blind, randomised controlled trial in which they received L. rhamnosus GG and B. lactis Bb12 at a dose of 109 colony-forming units or placebo, orally, once daily, for 6 months. The follow-up was for 12 months. The primary outcome measure was the area under the curve (AUC) of the C-peptide level during 2-hour responses to a mixed meal.ResultsNinety-six children were randomised (probiotics, n=48; placebo n=48; median age 12.3 years). Eighty-eight (92%) completed the 6-month intervention, and 87 (91%) completed the follow-up at 12 months. There was no significant difference between the study groups for the AUC of the C-peptide level. For the secondary outcomes at 6 months, there were no differences between the study groups. At 12 months, with one exception, there also were no significant differences between the groups. Compared with the placebo group, there was a significantly increased number of subjects with thyroid autoimmunity in the probiotic group. However, at baseline, there was also a higher frequency of thyroid autoimmunity in the probiotic group. There were no cases of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis in any of the groups. No adverse events related to the study products were reported.ConclusionsL. rhamnosus GG and B. lactis Bb12, as administered in this study, had no significant effect in maintaining the residual pancreatic beta-cell function in children with newly diagnosed T1D. It remains unclear which probiotics, if any, alone or in combination, are potentially the most useful for management of T1D.Trial registration numberNCT03032354.

BACKGROUND: Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease affecting skin, skeletal muscle, and lungs. Pathogenesis is considered largely driven by interferon-beta (IFN-beta) and involves CD4+ cells and dendritic cells (DCs). (I) Quantify inflammatory cells and IFN-beta in skin; correlate with Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI) scores. (II) Identify DC type contributing to refractoriness to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). (III) Compare IFN-beta production by mDCs vs. pDCs in DM. METHODS: (I) DM skin biopsies evaluated for cells and cytokines using IHC from 12 patients with moderate-severe skin disease at baseline and after 12 weeks of therapy. (II) IHC performed on skin biopsies to compare myeloid DC (mDC) and pDC expression in HCQ-responders vs. -nonresponders. (III) Flow cytometry performed on PBMCs from 5 healthy controls and 5 DM patients. RESULTS: (I) CD4+ cells, macrophages, mDCs, and TRM cells were the most populous in DM skin, followed by CD8+ cells, mast cells, and pDCs. Change in CD4+ and CD8+ cells/HPF significantly correlated with change in CDASI scores (r=0.82, P

Background: This study aimed to assess the influence of pubertal status on the results of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: We enrolled 167 consecutive children with T1D. Retinal superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel density data underwent analysis. We divided the study population into three subgroups depending on the pubertal status. Results: Analysis of the prepubertal and pubertal subgroups revealed statistically significant differences in foveal thickness (FT) (p Conclusion: Our data suggest that in a cohort of pubertal children with a short duration of diabetes, alterations in retinal vessel density occur early and progress during puberty.

Aim. Increased arterial stiffness is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adult men with untreated hypertension are at risk of future CVD. The study aimed to compare the effects of a submaximal exercise on the recovery of the two descriptors of arterial pressure waveform, i.e. stiffness index (SI) and reflection index (RI), between men with untreated hypertension (HA) and healthy peers. Material and Methods. The study included 70 Caucasian men with untreated primary HA and 30 normotensive men. Blood pressure, SI and RI were determined by photoplethysmography before and 6 minutes after a submaximal (up to 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate) exercise on a treadmill. Results. Baseline SI was higher in HA than control men (6.06 [0.66] vs. 6.61 [0.84] m/s; p=0.0019) and remained significantly increased during post-exercise recovery only in HA men (7.59 [1.6] vs. 6.18 [0.85] m/s; p

Objectives Data on baseline drug resistance is important in informing future antimicrobial stewardship programs. So far, no data on the antimicrobial drug resistance of clinical isolates was available for the African archipelago of Cabo Verde. Methods We have performed a retrospective analysis over five-years (2013-17) of the antimicrombial drug susceptibility profiles of clinical isolates in the two main hospitals of Cabo Verde. For Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, representing respectively 47% and 26% of all clinical isolates, the antimicrobial drug resistance profile was reported for six representative drugs. Results For E. coli we detected an increase in resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and for S. aureus to methicillin, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This increase in both the most commonly isolated bacterial pathogens is of alarm as it might compromise empirical treatment in a setting with limited access to laboratory testing. Conclusions When compared to the published low resistance rates in carriage isolates, the more alarming situation in clinical isolates for S. aureus might encourage antimicrobial stewardship programs to reduce MRSA in the hospital settings, possibly as part of the Cabo Verdean national plan against antimicrobial drug resistance.

The aim of the study was to identify a possible relation between various ultrasonographic (US) appearances of Hashimoto′s thyroiditis (HT) and the risk of obtaining an alarming cytology of coexisting nodules. The study included 557 patients with HT, who had been referred for fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). We divided US patterns of HT (UP-HT) into eight groups: (a) Hypoechoic (compared to submandibular glands), homogeneous/fine echotexture, (b) hypoechoic, heterogeneous/coarse echotexture, (c) marked hypoechoic (darker than strap muscles), heterogeneous/coarse echotexture, (d) heterogeneous echotexture with hyperechoic, fibrous septa, (e) multiple, discrete marked hypoechoic areas (sized as 1 to 6 mm), (f) normoechoic pseudo-nodular areas, (g) echostructure similar to connective tissue, (h) thyroid parenchyma with no signs of HT. Indications for a surgical treatment resulting from the FNA outcome (categories IV–VI of Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology) were identified only in patients with variants b, c, and e of UP-HT, but merely the “multiple, discrete marked hypoechoic areas” variant significantly increased the odds of obtaining such cytology (OR:5.7). The presence of the “normoechoic pseudo-nodular areas” variant significantly increased the odds for the benign cytology (OR:1.7). There are significant differences in the frequency of obtaining an alarming cytology in relation to the UP-HT variant.