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Introduction: The incidence of basal-cell carcinomas (BCC) in Europe is estimated at 10 cases per 100,000 people and is continuously increasing. Recurrent cases of BCC tend to have a more aggressive progression. The treatment methods include: conventional surgery, Mohs surgery, laser therapy, cryosurgery, curettage and radiotherapy. The recurrence of basalcell carcinoma depends on the method of treatment and ranges between 4% and 18%. In the case of recurrent BCC the treatment method of choice is margin control surgery., Aim of the Study: The purpose of this paper is to conduct a retrospective analysis of patients with facial BCC treated with classic surgery and laser therapy as well as to present a strategy for action in the case of recurrence., Material and Methods: The retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with diagnosed facial BCC, treated at the Head and Neck Surgery Ward and Laryngological Oncology Clinic of the Greater Poland Cancer Centre in the years 2007-2010. The research included 58 patients aged 56-80; 34 women and 24 men., Results: Out of 58 patients 8 had recurrent BCC - 4 cases after laser therapy (Group A), and 4 cases after classic surgery (Group B). In 2 cases from Group A and all cases from Group B further treatment involved removal of the recurrent tumour by margin control surgery and skin flap plastic surgery. In 2 remaining cases from Group A further CO(2) laser therapy was performed under local anaesthesia and analgosedation. This type of treatment was chosen due to general medical and cardiological concerns which disqualified the use of general anaesthesia and conventional surgery. So far no further local recurrent cases of BCC have been diagnosed, and the follow-up periods range from 4 to 26 months., Conclusion: Recurrent cases of BCC are 10% more frequent in patients treated with cryosurgery or laser therapy without margin control than in patients who had the tumour removed by margin control surgery. Margin control surgery remains the method of choice in cases involving large tumours, recurrence or spread by invasion., (Copyright © 2012 Polish Otolaryngology Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z.o.o. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The basic assumption of the prevention of cervical cancer is to early detect and treat CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) as well as to prevent recurrence of neoplasia after therapy This study involved comparison of the cytology test value and determination of HPV (human papilloma virus) DNA in women treated for CIN so as to find a sensitive and specific marker of disease recurrence., Methods: A group of 107 females after CIN treatment underwent 14-month follow-up and regular cytological and molecular evaluations., Results: Based on the follow-up data the recurrence of CIN was found in 9 females who despite effective therapy for the entire follow-up period were HPV positive. Evaluation of value of HR (high risk)--HPV DNA assay used to detect CIN showed its 100% sensitivity, Conclusion: The HR-HPV DNA assay is likely to be a valuable diagnostic tool facilitating more precise detection of recurrent neoplasia risk than cytological test alone.

Background: Syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases may cause some psychological problems and anxiety among the infected patients., Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the differences in stress level and stress coping strategies of patients infected with syphilis and healthy controls. Also, the authors aimed at establishing types of strategies to cope with the stigma of sexually transmitted diseases., Material and Methods: The study was a survey of 21 syphilis infected subjects and 21 healthy subjects, paired according to age and gender The respondents used the SRRS questionnaire with some additional questions and the Mental Adjustment to Disease Mini-MAC Scale in Polish adapted version. The latter was given to the syphilis-infected subjects only, Results: The syphilis infected subjects experienced more acute stress than the healthy subjects. Most healthy subjects used the active task strategy to cope with stress while the infected subjects (particularly females) chose the escape strategy and the 'waiting out' strategy The infected males preferred an active style of coping with the stigma; among the females, the anxiety style was dominant., Conclusions: Syphilis is a source of permanent stress and awareness of the possible social consequences is a strong stimulus, prompting the stigma bearer to keep its existence a secret.

Background: Artemisia species pollen represents a major cause of allergy in Central Europe. Variations in the pollen season, the influence of climate variables and the prevalence of pollinosis to it were analyzed in Poznan, in western Poland between 1995 and 2004., Methods: A Hirst volumetric spore trap was used for atmospheric sampling. Pollination date trend analysis and Spearman correlation tests were performed. Skin prick tests (SPT) and allergen specific immunoglobulin (lg)E antibody measurements were performed in 676 and 524 patients, respectively., Results: The Artemisia species pollen season grew longer due to a clear advance in the starting day and only a slightly earlier end point; the peak day also came slightly earlier. Rainfall in the first fortnight of July highly influenced pollen season severity. Temperature was directly correlated with daily Artemisia species pollen levels; relative humidity was inversely correlated. Twelve percent of patients had a positive SPT reaction to Artemisia species. Their symptoms were rhinitis and conjunctivitis (15%), atopic dermatitis (15%), chronic urticaria (14.3%), bronchial asthma (2.4%), and facial and disseminated dermatitis (1.3%). Elevated specific IgE concentrations were detected in the sera of 10.1% of patients., Conclusions: Artemisia species pollen is an important cause of pollinosis in western Poland. Pollen season intensity is highly influenced by rainfall in the previous weeks. Trends towards earlier season starts and longer duration, possibly caused by climate change, may have an impact on the allergic population.

Daily average Alnus pollen counts (1996-2005) from Worcester (UK) and Poznan (Poland) were examined with the aim of assessing the regional importance of Alnus pollen as an aeroallergen. The average number of Alnus pollen grains recorded annually at Poznan was more than 2.5 times that of Worcester. Furthermore, daily average Alnus pollen counts exceeded the thresholds of 100, 500 and 1,000 grains/m3 more times at Poznan than Worcester. Skin prick test results (1996-2005) and allergen-specific IgE (asIgE) measurements using the CAP (Pharmacia) system (2002-2005), were supplied by the Allergic Diseases Diagnostic Centre in Poznan. The annual number of positive skin prick tests to Alnus pollen allergens was significantly related (p<0.05) to seasonal variations in the magnitude of the Alnus pollen catch recorded at Poznan (r=0.70). The symptoms of patients with positive skin prick tests to Alnus pollen allergens were: 51% pollinosis, 43% atopic dermatitis, 4% asthma, 1% chronic urticaria and 1% eczema. On a scale of 0-6, 20.5% of patients examined for serum asIgE in relation to Alnus pollen allergens had asIgE measurements in classes 5 and 6. Alnus pollen is generally considered to be mildly allergenic. However, the amount of Alnus pollen released into the atmosphere in places such as Poznan may increase its impact on the population and make it one of the more important aeroallergens present.

Effective treatment of frequently infected, poorly healing wounds such as leg ulcers due to chronic venous insufficiency poses a major clinical problem. Antibiotic resistance in dermatology patients, especially those with non-healing leg ulcers, is a widespread phenomenon. Various antibiotics, mainly broad-spectrum agents, are frequently and sometimes inappropriately prescribed, which often leads to the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains. The aim of this study was to analyze antibiotic susceptibility and resistance of bacterial isolates cultured from leg ulcers. Wound swabs were obtained from patients admitted to Dermatology Department, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, during the 1998-2002 period. Bacteriologic diagnosis of 175 wound swabs was performed in compliance with compulsory laboratory methods. The analysis yielded 173 positive results, predominated by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli. Bacterial isolates were evaluated for resistance to commonly used antibiotics, taking into consideration the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Antibiotic resistance profiles were compared between the years 1998 and 2002, with detailed account of clinical characteristics and history of leg ulcers disease. The study pointed to an increasing tendency of antibiotic resistance in the study group of patients.

Venous leg ulcers are an important cause of morbidity in a significant percentage of the world population. The percentage of leg ulceration, either active or healed, in the European population is about 1%-2%. The aim of this study was to analyze the rate of colonization and qualitative composition of the bacterial flora isolated from leg ulcers in patients admitted to Dermatology Department, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, during the 1998-2002 period, with special reference to the infection risk factors. Bacteriological diagnosis of 175 wound swabs was performed in compliance with compulsory laboratory methods. In 173 positive results, the predominant culture composition included Staphylococcus aureus (56.57%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37.14%), Enterococcus faecalis (22.29%), Proteus mirabilis (13.71%) and Escherichia coli (12.57%). There was a significant increase in the incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, along with a decrease in the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus isolation during the study period. The rate of yeast-like fungi strains, mainly Candida albicans, recorded in culture composition showed a systematic increase. Changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of bacterial flora, presence of multiple isolates, and concomitant diseases that may influence the characteristics of leg ulcer disease were closely monitored.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of unclear etiopathogenesis. It belongs to the group of atopic diseases and an IgE-mediated uptake and antigen focusing of environmental allergens by IgE-bearing dendritic cells is assumed to be a central immunopathogenetic event resulting in clinical appearance of AD. In case of non-allergic (intrinsic) type of AD, non IgE-related factors are involved in the process. Potential immunological and clinical differences between allergic and non-allergic type of the disease are still being investigated. The aim of our study was to evaluate prevalence of non-allergic and allergic type of AD among patients of Allergic Diseases Diagnostic Center, University of Medical Sciences in Poznań between 2001 and 2002. We investigated 161 patients with AD and selected factors influencing course of the disease such as age, gender, month of birth, population of the region and characteristics of sensitizing allergens were analyzed. Allergological diagnostics consisted of skin prick tests and measurements of total and antigen specific IgE concentrations in sera of investigated patients (FEIA CAP). Non-allergic type of AD was registered in 38.5% of the investigated population. There was no significant difference between allergic and non-allergic type of AD in terms of month of birth and living conditions (urban areas or countryside). Especially in the case of children evaluations of total and antigen specific IgE serum concentrations were helpful in verification of skin prick test results. In the group of patients with allergic type of AD grass pollen allergens were sensitizing most frequently and finally type of sensitizing airborne allergens may be at least partially related to the environmental characteristics of the region.

Treatment modalities of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are dependent on patient age, on the intensity of both skin symptoms and subjective signs of the disease i.e. itch and sleep disturbances, on the body surface involved with lesions, as well as on the type of sensitizing allergens. The characteristic of these allergens is crucial to start prophylaxis and to make decision about specific immunotherapy. In asymptomatic period of the disease the most important factor is to prevent dryness of the skin using emollients, which reconstruct integrity and continuity of stratum corneum. This procedure prevents penetration of air-borne allergens across damaged skin barrier into the skin. In mild AD cases, pimecrolimus (mainly in children) and corticosteroids of the lowest potency alternatively with their basis should be recommended. In moderate intensity AD either topical treatment with calcineurin inhibitors i.e. tacrolimus and pimecrolimus or topical corticosteroids from 4-5 group of American classification should be applied. In addition, PUVA/UVB phototherapy may be beneficial, as well as immunotherapy with specific airborne allergen/s. Coexisting bacterial skin infections should be treated with systemic antibiotics (macrolides, quinolones, and cephalosporins), viral herpes infection systemically using acyclovir for 5-7 days, and fungal infections applying ketoconazole orally, accompanied by topical treatment with miconazole or other antimycotics. Severe AD is an indication for the systemic use of cyclosporin A (rather than corticosteroids), and antibiotics as mentioned above. Prolonged 3-5 year specific immunotherapy is significant concern for selected cases. Sensitive skin areas such as face, orbicular skin, flexures should be treated with pimecrolimus and tacrolimus rather than with corticosteroids, however, topical corticosteroids are recommended on involved skin of the trunk and the extremities besides of flexures. While the improvement of severe AD is reached, the treatment modalities for benign and mild AD should be observed. In all AD patients with active skin lesions antihistaminic drugs of 2nd generation reactive with H1 receptor are a gold standard (or short treatment with these drugs of 1st generation to achieve a sedative effect, followed by the 2nd generation drug), as well as tranquilizers as the combined treatment. There is no reason for the use of anti-leukotriene drugs.

The study involved 22 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis between 13 and 53 years of age. The level of antigen specific IgE (AS IgE) to 5 grass and 3 weed pollens was determined with the use of CAP FEIA (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden). The control group consisted of 20 persons. All above AS IgE were significantly higher in the patients with seasonal allergic rhinithis than in the control group. The most commonly present hypersensitivities were to Meadow fescue (Festuca elatior), Meadow grass (Poa pratensis), Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), Ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) and Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) allergens. The authors believe that the pathomechanism of the development of seasonal allergic rhinithis is governed to a large degree by hypersensitivity to grass and weed pollens and suggest that precise determination of AS IgE to these allergens in patients blood sera should form the basis of the construction of the vaccine used in their immunotherapy.

From among 810 persons subjected to a medical examination, skin lesions were found in 33.3%. These were mostly: seborrhea (89 cases), occupational naevi (55 cases), dermatomycosis (49 cases), urticaria (21 cases), eczema (12 cases). Other dermatoses were found in 44 workers, however, in a small percentage, not greater than in other non-industrial populations. No occupational dermatoses resulting from exposure to fundamental materials or dyes used in production were found.

Copyright of Polish Journal of Allergology / Alergologia Polska 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.)

Copyright of Zywnosc is the property of Polish Society of Food Technologists - Scientific Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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The Second Republic of Poland was a country of multiple religions, where the followers of Roman Catholicism, Greek Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants and Jews lived alongside each other. In the reborn Poland, the constitution of the commonwealth was the framework that determined religious policy. All citizens were guaranteed freedom of religion, as well as the right to public and private religious practices. State authorities tried to apply the principle of equality and balance to the various religious associations in their mutual relations. The authorities did not give in to pressure, mainly from the Roman Catholic side, striving to strengthen its dominant position, and they tried to preserve the religious peace in the country. Moreover, due to the national-religious structure of the Second Republic both the ruling class and the broader circles of Polish society assessed individual religious associations through the prism of the relation of a given religious minority to the Polish state and its national interests. Subsequent governments, starting from 1918, tried to prevent (rather without success) religious organizations from becoming centers of nationalistic activity for Germans, Ukrainians, and Belarusians, which was usually directed against Poland. They also attempted to influence the internal affairs of churches and religious associations of national minorities through legal regulations, and to accelerate their possible Polonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Global epidemiological studies have revealed considerable geographical differences in prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim: To present the epidemiology of AD, risk factors and co-occurrence of allergic diseases in the Polish population. Material and methods: The present paper is a part of the Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland study. We studied 22 703 participants by ECRHS/ISAAC questionnaire; 18 617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6-7 y.o., 25.4% 13-14 y.o., 50.4% 20-44 y.o.) completed questionnaires were accepted. Four thousand seven hundred and eighty-three participants (25.7%) have undergone a medical examination. Results: Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 3.91% (6-7 y.o. 5.34%, 13-14 y.o. 4.3%, adults 3.02%), more often in females (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.56-0.77), in the cities (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.61-3.09), in mothers (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.72-2.48) and fathers (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.61-2.49) with atopy, higher education (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11-2.32) and economic status (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04-1.74). The highest prevalence was found in Katowice (4.89%) and lowest in rural areas (1.9%). Coexisting AD and allergic rhinitis (AR) was found in 26.17%, AR and asthma in 9.09% and AD, AR and asthma in 14.6%. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by allergologists in 6.5% (6-7 y.o. 8.7%, 13-14 y.o. 9.0%, adults 3.6%). Most diagnoses were made in Poznan (16.76%) and smallest in rural area (3.67%). 78.8% of subjects were diagnosed with AD for the first time although they had earlier experienced its symptoms. Conclusions: Atopic dermatitis prevalence in Poland is below the mean rate for Europe, but the risk factor profile is similar to other countries. Atopic dermatitis is more frequent in well-educated females with atopic parents and high socioeconomic status and who live in a city. [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.)

Intra-abdominal adhesions related to a previous surgical procedure can significantly influence postoperative pain occurrence. There is still no proper and sufficiently successful method of their treatment and, in some complicated cases, a relaparotomy is required. In the Department of Internal Diseases, Angiology and Physical Medicine in Bytom, the authors take a decision the treatment the incidental case of e 26-year old female patient with pain ailments caused occurrence postoperative multiple adhesions with used variable magnetic fields with good effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]