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The COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge to health systems worldwide. Limiting healthcare availability may delay early diagnosis and worsen the treatment effects of various diseases, including oncological diseases. We analyzed patients presenting to the 2nd Department of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis in Białystok, Poland, with suspicion of lung cancer 12 months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (pre-COVID-19) and, similarly, 12 months after the outbreak of the pandemic (mid-COVID). In total, 320 patients were analyzed—132 prior to and 188 after the COVID-19 outbreak. During the COVID-19 period, there was a lower percentage of patients presenting with ECOG performance status 0-1, with a noticeably increased percentage of patients with ECOG PS ≥2. The disease’s clinical stage (CS) was higher on admission during COVID-19. We observed more use of immunotherapy and more deaths before the start of treatment during the COVID-19 period. These results provide insight into the early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on lung cancer patients and underscore the importance of conducting further studies to assess the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this population.

Purpose We aimed to assess sexual function, sexual distress and the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among women with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), and to assess if the presence of OSA and dyspnea influences the prevalence of FSD, body image during sexual activity and sexual function. Methods We assessed 23 women with new OSA diagnosis and 23 healthy age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls. Sexual functions were evaluated by Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ), sexual dysfunction was diagnosed based on DSM-5 criteria during the semi-structured sexual interview, whereas body image was evaluated by Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ). New York Heart Association score (NYHA) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess dyspnea. Results OSA women had worse general sexual function and lower frequency of desire assessed by CSFQ (37.0 vs. 42 and 5 vs. 6), were at higher risk for FSD (CSFQ; 80% vs. 48%) and had a higher NYHA score (II vs. I). The prevalence of FSD did not differ in both groups, nor did sexual dysfunctions or body image (BESAQ). The multiple regression analysis revealed that OSA was associated with lower desire/frequency, higher NYHA scores with decreased desire/interest and worse body image during sexual activity, whereas higher VAS scores with worse desire/frequency. Conclusions OSA probably does not influence the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in females. However, OSA, as well as the higher level of dyspnea assessed by NYHA, may decrease sexual body image and sexual performance in females.

Introduction Dyspnea sensation is frequently present in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) patients; however, its possible influence on sexual function and body image has not been well analyzed. Aims To evaluate sexual function, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD), and body image during sexual activity and its relationship with dyspnea in men with OSA. Methods 129 men were included in the prospective study, with 61 diagnosed with OSA (cases) and 68 age- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects. Patients were assessed for the severity of heart failure by the New York Heart Association scale and dyspnea by the Visual Analogue Scale. OSA was confirmed by in-laboratory polysomnography. Main Outcome Measures International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used as a measure of sexual function, body image during sexual activity was assessed by the Body Exposure During Sexual Activity Questionnaire, whereas SD was diagnosed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Results The mean age of the studied population was 57.9 ± 10.8 years. Presence of dyspnea interfered with sexual life in 20% of men diagnosed with OSA and with work performance in 33%. Men with OSA had worse scores in IIEF-15 compared with control subjects and higher frequency of sexual distress compared with men with OSA. There were no differences in the rate of SD according to criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. The presence of OSA worsened the perceived body image during sexual activity. The presence of dyspnea was the only negative factor affecting sexual function in general (IIEF-15 score) and 1 of the factors affecting erectile function and orgasmic function. Conclusion In men with OSA, body image is negatively influenced by the presence of OSA. Furthermore, the presence of dyspnea assessed by the New York Heart Association scale impairs sexual function in that group of men.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the pulmonary function tests (PFT) in COVID-19 convalescents six months after recovery. Additionally, the research question was whether PFT should be performed routinely in post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: A total of 39 patients with a history of COVID-19 6 months prior to the study were included in the study (Group I). Individuals were hospitalized or treated in the outpatients department. The control group (Group II) consisted of 39 healthy patients without a COVID-19 history. Each subject completed a questionnaire interview and underwent laboratory and pulmonary function examinations. Results: Six months after COVID-19 recovery, patients mainly complained about cough (46%, n = 18), shortness of breath (23%, n = 9), weakness (13%, n = 5), and memory/concentration disorders (8%, n = 3). In the group of patients complaining of persistent cough present 6 months after COVID-19, the following PFT parameters were decreased: FEV1, FVC, FRC, TLC, and DLCO (p < 0.05) in comparison with patients without this symptom. Conclusions: Persistent shortness of breath is not necessarily associated with pulmonary function impairment in patients 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and hence it requires appropriate differential diagnosis. Patients with a cough persisting 6 months after the acute phase of COVID-19 may benefit from PFT.

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is one of the most popular alternatives to conventional cigarette smoking. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cigarette and e-cigarette use among university students from Poland, with particular emphasis on ever and current cigarette and e-cigarette use as well as smoking initiation age.A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2017 and 2018 in a group of university students in 5 academic centers in Poland. The questionnaire addressed 46 questions about personal attitudes toward cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use.Data were collected from 7324 participants (67.3% females, aged 21.9 ± 2.1 years), with an overall response rate of 70.1%. Among participants, 71.2% had ever smoked a cigarette, and almost half of the respondents (45%) declared ever use of an e-cigarette. The mean age of first use of a cigarette was significantly lower (16.5 ± 2.5 y-old) than of an e-cigarette (18.6 ± 2.2 y-old; p 0.001). Exclusive cigarette smoking was declared by 12.9%, 1.3% were e-cigarette users and 1.5% were dual users. Those in the medical field were less likely to try e-cigarettes (odds ratio, OR = 0.73) or to currently smoke conventional cigarettes (OR = 0.82). Older participants were more likely to have ever smoked conventional cigarettes (OR = 1.06), but less likely to have ever used e-cigarettes (OR = 0.88).In this study, we found a high proportion of young adults who have tried e-cigarettes with both regional and demographic differences. The education profile influences cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use behaviors.

Purpose This paper presents an own proposal for the construction of a ball latch intended for use in prosthetic dentistry. Attention was paid to the existing commercial constructions of elements of the same type, indicating their advantages and disadvantages. Based on the analysis of the present solutions, own ones were proposed. Materials and methods The following materials were chosen for the tests: pure titanium, 316 L V steel, Ti15Mo2.8Nb obtained using powder metallurgy and through mechanical alloying, 10 and 20% of titanium carbide – obtained using powder metallurgy, as well as 10 and 20% of graphite – obtained using powder metallurgy. For the prepared materials, tribological tests were performed using a friction simulator in a ring/shield system. Results Fairly extensive tests were performed to verify the suitability of the selected material for use in the specific conditions of the oral cavity. The performed tests showed that the proposed material is not only beneficial in relation to the existing commercial dental alloys but also meets the general criteria set for this type of elements. Conclusions A more beneficial use of two–part ball latches (two key parts – patrix, matrix) was noticed in comparison to latches consisting of three parts (patrix, insert, matrix). On the basis of the obtained test results, it can be concluded that the proposed own design of a ball latch is a good alternative for traditional constructional and material solutions of commercial ball latches.

The paper presents results of microbiological research of plastic elements. Plastic elements were made of the polystyrene composition with addition of nanosilver and nanocopper with a laboratory extruder EHP 25ELine. Microbiological research was carried with regard to evaluation of antifungal impact of nanoadditives according to international standards with Cryobank (Mast Diagnostica). A positive impact of nanoadditives on antifungal properties of polystyrene elements produced by means of extrusion which is very favourable in the aspect of their use in agri-food processing.

Our aim is to assess the smoking cessation and vaping cessation activity, including quit attempts and willingness to quit among university students in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to investigate personal characteristics associated with smoking cessation and vaping cessation attempts. Data were collected by questionnaire which included 46 questions on cigarette and e-cigarette use. Questionnaires were obtained from 14,352 university students (aged 20.9 &plusmn, 2.4 years, cooperation rate of 72.2%). For the purposes of this analysis, only data from exclusive cigarette smokers (n = 1716), exclusive e-cigarette users (n = 129), and dual users (216) were included. Of all cigarette smokers, 51.6% had previously tried to quit smoking and 51.5% declared a willingness to quit cigarette smoking in the near future. Among all e-cigarette users only 13.9% had ever tried to quit using the e-cigarette and 25.2% declared a willingness to give up using e-cigarette in the near future. The majority of the group did not use pharmacotherapy to quit cigarette (87.5%) or e-cigarette (88.9%) use. Our results indicate that while most university students have some desire to quit conventional smoking, those who use e-cigarettes do not have the same desire.

Introduction: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. HCMV is an ubiquitous virus in humans with very high prevalence rates. Despite its proven effect on immune senescence, oncogenicity has not been proven so far. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of active human cytomegalovirus infection on lung cancer prognosis. Methods: 84 lung cancer tissue were collected during surgical removal of the tumor. DNA was extracted and analysed using Real Time-PCR for specific HCMV DNA fragments. 12 samples proved HCMV positive while 72 were HCMV negative. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate HCMV infection and several clinical outcome parameters. Results: No correlation was found between active HCMV infection and: age group, smoking, TNM classification, relapse time, survival time or death rate (p>0.05). Correlation was found between lung cancer relapse times and high HCMV concentration in the samples: (Mantel-Cox=3.705, df=1, p=0.052). The results state that active HCMV infection is associated with an early relapse in post-surgery lung cancer patients. Conclusions: Results may have clinical relevance. Early treatment of active HCMV infection in lung cancer patients could improve relapse times. Further studies are recommended.

The attitudes towards smoking are changing. More and more European are reaching for first cigarette under 15 years old. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of ever cigarette and e-cigarette usae and smoking initiation among young European adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out among students from five European countries: Belarus (BY), Lithuania (LT), Poland (PL), Russia (RU) and Slovakia (SK). A self-prepared, previously validated questionnaire focused on attitudes toward cigarettes and e-cigarette use was used. This study is a part of YoUng People E-Smoking Study (YUPESS). Completed questionnaires were obtained from 14,352 young adults (70.4% female), aged 20.9±2.4 y-old: BY:3895; LT:1128; PL: 7324; RU:1290; SK:715, the overall response rate: 72.2%. Ever cigarette use was declared by 66.1% of respondents, mean age cigarette start: 16.0 ± 2.5 y-old. Among respondents, 43.7% had ever used e-cigarette, mean age e-smoking start: 18.2 ± 2.2. The proportion of Europeans, who had ever used a cigarettes or e-cigarette, significantly differed (p Europeans reach for cigarettes at an earlier age than e-cigarettes. Attitudes towards cigarette and e-cigarette use differ between EU and non-EU countries.

Respiratory failure is one of the most important risk factors for diagnostic bronchofiberoscopy (BF), whereas therapeutic bronchoscopies are typically performed in intubated patients. Only a few published studies analyzed the outcomes of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV)-facilitated BF. In this case series, we present our experiences with NIV-facilitated diagnostic and therapeutic BF performed in patients with respiratory failure that was associated with acute interstitial pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis exacerbation, foreign body aspiration, tracheal stenosis, pneumonia, and in a patient with a neuromuscular disease. All of the patients were initially hypoxic and some had PaO

Purpose This paper presents a method of ensembling rules obtained through induction of several basic types of decision trees. Material and methods The proposed method uses rules generated by means of well-known decision trees: CART, CHAID, exhaustive CHAID and C4.5. The method was tested on data describing pressure distribution under foot during gait in children with pes planovalgus (PV) and typical foot. Children with pes planovalgus underwent surgical intervention and were re-examined. Overall, 316 gait cycles have been used in analysis. Results The obtained results consist of a set of rules for all considered cases and show that the proposed method may be a useful tool of gait analysis on the basis of parameters that have a physical interpretation. Conclusions The presented method for mining rules useful in this respect may be successfully used by persons with a typically medical knowledge and could improve the understanding of the human gait phenomenon. There is obviously no reason why this method could not be used in the case of other data as well.

Respiratory failure is one of the most important risk factors for diagnostic bronchofiberoscopy (BF), whereas therapeutic bronchoscopies are typically performed in intubated patients. Only a few published studies analyzed the outcomes of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV)-facilitated BF. In this case series, we present our experiences with NIV-facilitated diagnostic and therapeutic BF performed in patients with respiratory failure that was associated with acute interstitial pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis exacerbation, foreign body aspiration, tracheal stenosis, pneumonia, and in a patient with a neuromuscular disease. All of the patients were initially hypoxic and some had PaO2/FiO2 < 200, which corresponded to moderate-to-acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). NIV-facilitated BF were performed for the diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The former consisted of bronchoalveolar lavage and bacterial sampling in a patient with impaired cough reflex, airway assessment in otherwise unexplained respiratory failure and hemoptysis, and the latter of mucous plugs resolution, foreign body removal, and assistance in weaning from mechanical ventilation. All procedures were carried out using NIV in the spontaneous timed (ST) or average volume assured pressure support (AVAPS) mode with oxygen supplementation. There were no procedure-related complications noticed during NIV-facilitated BF. We conclude that NIV is a useful and safe tool that facilitates the performance of BF in severe pulmonary diseases. Prospective studies are required to set the recommendations for the procedure and to define the optimum ventilatory modes to be used.

Introduction: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is used in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases. BAL is diagnostic when ≥60% of the instilled volume is recovered. There are no reliable markers useful to predict whether BAL volume is going to be diagnostic. Our goal was to search for pulmonary function markers which could anticipate whether the recovered volume of instilled fluid would be ≥60% of administered volume. Material and methods: BAL volumes and quality were analyzed in the context of disease, medical condition and lung function test results of the subjects hospitalized at the Pulmonology Ward from January 2015 to October 2016. The patients’ average age was 61 (29–89). Results: Among 80 procedures, diagnostic BAL (≥60%) has been obtained in 58 cases. The analysis of the group of patients with an interstitial lung disease confirmed that there is a correlation between decreasing BAL recovered volume and an increase of RV[%pred] (r = –0.34) and RV/TLC[%pred] (r = –0.41); p < 0.05. There was no significant correlation with DLCO. RV/TLC[%pred] was the parameter with the highest predictive value for an anticipated correct BAL recovery. The curve analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) showed a diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.73, 95% CI 0.61–0.86). Conclusions: Pulmonary hyperinflation may have a predictive role in anticipating a proper recovery of the BAL fluid volume.

Nasal polyps and hypertrophic lower nasal conchae are common disorders of nasal cavity. The majority of etiopathogenetic theories indicate inflammatory background of polyps and hypertrophic concha. N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase and β-glucuronidase are lysosomal exoglycosidases revealing accelerated activity in inflammatory processes.The aim of the study was to evaluate the catabolism of glycoconjugates in nasal polyps and hypertrophic nasal concha basing on the activity of N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase (HEX) and β-glucuronidase (GLU).Material consisted of nasal polyps taken from 40 patients during polypectomy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and hypertrophic lower nasal conchae taken from 20 patients during mucotomy. The activity of HEX, HEX A, HEX B and GLU in supernatant of homogenates of nasal polyps and hypertrophic lower nasal concha tissues has been estimated using colorimetric method.Statistically significant decrease has been observed in concentration of the activity (per 1mg of tissue) of HEX (p0.05), HEX B (p0.001) and specific activity (per 1mg of protein) of HEX B (p0.001) in nasal polyps tissue in comparison to hypertrophic lower nasal conchae tissue.Decrease in the activity and specific activity concentration of the majority of examined lysosomal exoglycosidases (increasing in inflammations) in comparison to hypertrophic lower nasal conchae suggests electrolytes disorders and questions the inflammatory background of nasal polyps.

The current treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) focuses on alleviation of symptoms by increasing airway patency during sleep through positive airway pressure, oral appliances, changes in sleep position, weight loss, or surgical treatment. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is currently the treatment of choice and prevents upper airway obstruction, resulting in improved sleep architecture and daytime symptoms. Despite proven efficacy, adherence to CPAP treatment is still not efficient. The new methods of rehabilitation (exercise training programs, hypoglossal nerve stimulation) for patients with OSAS are currently modified. The aim of the present study was to present recent developments in the field of selected aspects of rehabilitation in patients with OSAS. Database search was focused on exercise training programs and electrostimulation of genioglossus muscle. The search for articles on the rehabilitation interventions for OSAS was performed using the PubMed database from 1966 to 2013. Most of the findings have shown beneficial effects of rehabilitation. In detail, we describe the recent developments and potential adverse effects of electrostimulation and physical exercises. According to the results of studies presented, the above therapy might support conventional treatment or may be an alternative for patients with poor compliance to CPAP therapy, mandibular advancement devices, or ineffective results of surgical procedures as well.

Background: The concentration and specific activity of N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase (HEX) in palatine tonsils with chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy give insight in tonsillar tissue remodeling and constitute a potential marker for diagnosis and treatment of chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy. Aim: Determining the concentration and specific activity of N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase in palatine tonsils with hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis. Methods: HEX activity was analyzed by the method of Marciniak et al. with p-nitrophenyl N-acetyl-β-glucosaminepyranoside as a substrate. Results: The concentration and specific activity of HEX in palatine tonsils in patients with tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis both in childhood and adulthood significantly increase in comparison to healthy individuals. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the presence of HEX in palatine tonsils and indicate on significant increase of its concentration and specific activity. Based on content and specific HEX activity we suggest that tonsils with hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis should be treated as identical unit irrespectively of age.

Introduction Nasal polyps are smooth outgrowths assuming a shape of grapes, formed from the nasal mucosa, limiting air flow by projecting into a lumen of a nasal cavity. Up to now the surgical resection is the best method of their treatment, but etiology and pathogenesis of the nasal polyps is not yet fully established. Aim of the study The aim of the study was the assessment of the selected lysosomal exoglycosidases activity in the nasal polyps. In this study the activity of β-galactosidase, α-mannosidase and α-fucosidase was determined in the tissue of the nasal polyps obtained from 40 patients (10 F, 30 M) and control tissues derived from mucosa of lower nasal conchas obtained during mucotomy from 20 patients (10 F, 10 M). Results We observed significant lower values of GAL, FUC and tendency to decrease of MAN and GLU concentration in nasal polyps (P) in comparison to control healthy nasal mucosa (C). In nasal polyp tissue (P) no differences of GAL, MAN and FUC specific activity in comparison to control mucosa (C) were found. Conclusions Our research supports bioelectrical theory of the nasal polyps pathogenesis and directs attention at research on glycoconjugates and glycosidases of the nasal mucosa extracellular matrix.

Increased tissue activity of cathepsin A and cathepsin C can be observed in many pathological conditions. It is associated with an enhanced degradation of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins, and results in their decreased tissue content. Cathepsin C releases the glycosidases from complexes formed with cathepsin A, and reinstates their activity. In this review a current state of knowledge is presented concerning the regulation of selected glycosidases activity by cathepsin A (EC 3.4.16.1) and C (EC 3.4.14.1).

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by hypotonia of lingual and suprahyoid muscles. Genioglossus muscle is responsible for protrusion and depression of the tongue. Its dysfunction results in occlusion of the upper airways and greater incidence of apnea-hypopnea events during sleep. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effects of daytime transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the genioglossus muscle and standard continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on the quality of sleep, in patients with OSAS. During a 4-week study period, 19 patients with OSAS were subjected to daytime transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the genioglossus muscle before sleep and another 19 subjects underwent standard CPAP therapy. Polysomnography (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to diagnose OSAS and to verify the efficacy of both treatments. Electrical stimulation treatment was reflected by a decrease in PSQI (p = 0.012) but did not influence ESS and AHI values (p > 0.05). In turn, CPAP therapy resulted in a significant decrease in ESS and AHI values (p

Taking into account the reported incidence of hypolactasia in cystic fibrosis (CF) and the possible impact of milk products on nutritional status we aimed to assess the genetic predisposition to adult-type hypolactasia (ATH) and its incidence in CF. Single nucleotide polymorphism upstream of the lactase gene (LCT) was assessed in 289 CF patients. In subject with −13910C/C genotype (C/C) predisposing to ATH, hydrogen-methane breath test (BT) with lactose loading was conducted and clinical symptoms typical for lactose malabsorption were assessed. The percentage of CF patients with C/C was similar to that observed in healthy subjects (HS) (31.5 vs 32.5% ). Eleven out of 52 (24.5%) CF C/C patients had abnormal BT results. The recalculated frequency of lactose malabsorption was similar for the entire CF and HS populations (6.9 vs 7.2%). Similarly as in the control group, few CF patients have identified and linked to lactose consumption clinical symptoms. The frequency of LCT polymorphic variants in CF patients having and not having severe mutations of CFTR gene showed significant differences. The C allele was more frequent in homozygotes of the severe mutations than in patients carrying at least one mild/unknown mutation (P

A literature survey was performed of human cathepsin D gene, cathepsin D biosynthesis, posttranslatory modifications, transport within the cell, substrate specificity and catalytic effect. Methods used to determine the activity and level of this proteinase as well as its role in the biochemistry and pathobiochemistry of cells, tissues and organs were considered.

Thiocyanates (SCN-) are ubiquitous in nature. There are indispensable part of host defense system that act as a substrate for lactoperoxidase (LPO). In our study we present initial data on SCN- concentration in saliva of CF patients in comparison to healthy non-smokers and healthy smokers. 5 ml of saliva was collected from each subject to a sterile tube and thiocyanate concentration was measured in each sample. The results of the measurements are presented on Fig. 1. Mean concentration of SCN- in saliva of CF patients was 0.031 +/- 0.0052 g/l, in healthy non-smokers 0.039 +/- 0.0048 g/l and in healthy smokers 0.048 +/- 0.0161 g/l. The differences between each group were statistically significant. Studies on larger group of patients and probably on different material (BALF or induced sputum) should present interesting data complementing the in vitro studies.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a set of symptoms related to the increased upper airways resistance during sleep (due to pharyngeal walls collapse) leading to intermittent airflow obstruction in the lungs. One of the most severe OSA symptoms is excessive daytime sleepiness. Sustained daytime sleepiness may impair cognitive functions and thus influence the everyday functioning of affected person.The aim of the study was to prospectively assess excessive daytime sleepiness and the risk for OSA in municipal bus drivers. The study was performed in a group of 103 men. The anonymous survey comprised Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for daytime sleepiness assessment and STOP-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ) for OSA risk assessment.In 43 (42%) respondents OSA risk was assessed as low, while moderate and high risk was observed in 55 (53%) and 5 (5%) drivers, respectively. Severe daytime sleepiness correlated positively with ESS results (r = 0.32; p0.05). In drivers with high OSA risk revealed in SBQ no correlation with high ESS was observed.In drivers with moderate and high OSA risk a sleep medicine specialist consultation with a consecutive diagnostic procedures is necessary. STOP-Bang Questionnaire and ESS are the fast tools to identify patients at increased risk for OSA.Obturacyjny bezdech senny (OBS) to zaburzenie polegające na zwiększonym oporze górnych dróg oddechowych, które wynika m.in. z zapadania się ścian gardła w czasie snu, przerywającego przepływ powietrza do i z płuc. Jednym z poważnych objawów dziennych u chorych z OBS jest występowanie nadmiernej senności. Utrzymująca się wzmożona senność dzienna może prowadzić do zaburzeń kognitywnych, które wpływają na codzienne funkcjonowanie.Celem pracy była prospektywna ocena występowania wzmożonej senności w ciągu dnia oraz ryzyka wystąpienia obturacyjnego bezdechu podczas snu u zawodowych kierowców autobusów komunikacji miejskiej. Badaniem objęto 103 mężczyzn, u których przeprowadzono anonimowe badanie ankietowe w celu określenia stopnia senności dziennej w skali senności Epworth (Epworth Sleepiness Scale – ESS) oraz ryzyka wystąpienia OBS za pomocą kwestionariusza STOP-Bang (SBQ).U 43 respondentów (42%) stwierdzono niskie ryzyko wystąpienia OBS według SBQ, średnie odnotowano u 55 kierowców (53%), a wysokie u 5 kierowców (5%). Znaczna senność prowadząca do zatrzymania pojazdu w trakcie pracy korelowała dodatnio z wyższymi średnimi wartościami ESS (r = 0,32; p0,05). U kierowców z wysokim ryzykiem OBS w SBQ nie obserwowano związku ze zwiększoną sennością w ciągu dnia.Osoby ze średnim i wysokim ryzykiem OBS według kwestionariusza STOP-Bang powinny być niezwłocznie skierowane do dalszej diagnostyki snu w celu ustalenia dokładnej przyczyny nasilonej senności. Badanie z użyciem kwestionariusza STOP-Bang jest metodą pozwalającą na wyłonienie grupy osób, u których należy wykonać badanie polisomnograficzne. Med. Pr. 2015;66(5):679–685.