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Purpose While most coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases are mild, the risk of heart dysfunction remains unknown. The objective of this observational study was to assess the impact of mild COVID-19 on heart function in a short-term follow-up using advanced echocardiography. Methods Our study cohort comprised patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who did not require hospitalization. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was used to assess heart chambers function in the 31 recovered COVID-19 patients, and the results were compared with those of the control group (28 healthy participants). Results Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) systolic function was assessed using standard and STE methods and was found to be normal and comparable in both groups (LV ejection fraction [p = 0.075], LV global longitudinal strain [p = 0.123], LV global radial strain [p = 0.630], LV global circumferential strain [p = 0.069], tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [p = 0.417], tricuspid S' peak systolic velocity [p = 0.622], and RV free wall longitudinal strain [p = 0.749]). Similarly, atrial function was not impacted when assessed using advanced STE. Conclusions The heart function of patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms, assessed using standard and advanced echocardiographic methods, was observed to be normal after a short-term follow-up.

Ambient air pollution in urban areas may trigger asthma exacerbations. We carried out a time-series analysis of the association between the concentrations of various air pollutants and the risk of hospital admission due to asthma over 7 days from exposure. We used distributed lag nonlinear models to analyze data gathered between 2010 and 2018 in the three largest urban agglomerations in Poland. Overall, there were 31,919 asthma hospitalizations. Over 7 days since exposure, the rate ratio (95%CI) for admission per 10 µg/m3 was 1.013 (1.002–1.024) for PM10; 1.014 (1.000–1.028) for PM2.5; 1.054 (1.031–1.078) for NO2; and 1.044 for SO2 (95%CI: 0.986–1.104). For all pollutants, the risk of admission was the greatest on the day of exposure (day 0), decreased below baseline on days 1 and 2, and then increased gradually up to day 6. The proportions (95%CI) of hospitalizations attributable to air pollution were 4.52% (0.80%–8.14%) for PM10; 3.74% (0.29%–7.11%) for PM2.5; 16.4% (10.0%–21.8%) for NO2; and 2.50% (−0.75%–5.36%) for SO2. In conclusion, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2 pollution was associated with an increased risk of hospital admission due to asthma in the three largest urban agglomerations in Poland over nine years.

Poland has one of the worst air qualities in the European Union, particularly regarding concentrations of particulate matter (PM). This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of air pollution and weather conditions on all-cause mortality and pneumonia-related hospitalizations in three Polish agglomerations. We investigated data from 2011 to 2018 on a number of health outcomes, concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and selected meteorological parameters. To examine the impact of air pollutants and weather conditions on mortality and pneumonia burden, we identified optimal general regression models for each agglomeration. The final models explained 10% of the variability in the number of deaths. Up to 46% of daily variability in the number of pneumonia-related hospitalizations was explained by the combination of both factors, i.e., air quality and meteorological parameters. The impact of NO2 levels on pneumonia burden was pronounced in all agglomerations. We showed that the air pollution profile and its interactions with weather conditions exert a short-term effect on all-cause mortality and pneumonia-related hospitalizations. Our findings may be relevant for prioritizing strategies to improve air quality.

BACKGROUND This report describes a 63-year-old Polish man presenting with COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pneumonia in early 2020, before vaccines to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection were available. Nine weeks following recovery from the initial infection, he tested positive again for SARS-CoV-2. CASE REPORT Man, age 63, was admitted to the Military Institute of Medicine on March 12, 2020, with body temperature 40°C, a cough, and breathlessness. On March 12, 2020, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in a nasopharynx smear. A chest X-ray (RTG) showed discrete areas of interstitial densities. On June 13, 2020, after 32 days of hospitalization and 2 negative real-time polymerase chain rection (RT-PCR) test results, patient was released home in good general condition. On July 23, 2020 he reported to the emergency room with fever of 39°C and general weakness. A nasopharynx smear confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. On admission, the patient was in moderately good condition with auscultatory changes typical for pneumonia on both sides of the chest. On the seventh day of hospitalization, the patient was transported to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to drastic deterioration in respiratory function. Respiratory support with non-invasive high-flow oxygen therapy (Opti-Flow) was used. On August 20, 2020, after negative RT-PCR test results, he was discharged in good general condition. CONCLUSIONS This case of COVID-19 pneumonia presented early in the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, and the laboratory diagnosis of the initial and subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection relied on the laboratory methods available at that time. However, several cases of repeat SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described before the development of vaccines in late 2020.

Studying the dynamics changes of neutrophils during innate immune response in coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) can help understand the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of new neutrophil activation parameters: Immature Granulocyte (IG), Neutrophil Reactivity Intensity (NEUT-RI), Neutrophil Granularity Intensity (NEUT-GI), and data relating to granularity, activity, and neutrophil volume (NE-WX, NE-WY, NE-WZ) available in hematology analyzers to distinguish convalescent patients from patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infection and healthy controls (HC). The study group consisted of 79 patients with a confirmed positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV2 infection, 71 convalescent patients, and 20 HC. We observed leukopenia with neutrophilia in patients with active infection compared to convalescents and HC. The IG median absolute count was higher in convalescent patients than in COVID-19 and HC (respectively, 0.08 vs. 0.03 vs. 0.02, p &lt, 0.0001). The value of the NEUT-RI parameter was the highest in HC and the lowest in convalescents (48.3 vs. 43.7, p &lt, 0.0001). We observed the highest proportion of NE-WX, NE-WY, and NE-WZ parameters in HC, without differences between the COVID-19 and convalescent groups. New neutrophil parameters can be useful tools to assess neutrophils’ activity and functionalities in the immune response during infection and recovery from COVID-19 disease.

Introduction The literature describes the influence of venom immunotherapy (VIT) on the subpopulation of T regulatory cells (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+) and the synthesis of IL-10, TGF-β1 as well as many other cytokines at various times after immunotherapy. Aim To assess changes in the percentage of cells of CD4+ and CD25+ in peripheral blood and serum concentrations of IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-β1 in the early stages of VIT. Material and methods The study included 18 patients who were allergic to wasp venom and who in the past underwent systemic anaphylactic reaction after stinging, meeting the criteria to qualify for VIT. The immunoenzymatic method (ELISA) was used to assess concentrations of cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-β1 and the surface antigens CD4 and CD25 on the cells. The concentrations were determined by flow cytometry method at baseline (before VIT) and after 2.5 and 24 h from the VIT starting point. Results The mean values of the activity of T lymphocytes CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ and concentrations of the cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-β1 are shown in table. Conclusions A 24-hour activation assessment of serum concentrations of cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-β1 during the first day of the Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy by ultra-rush protocol does not show the significant dynamics of change of the examined parameters.

Ambient air pollution impairs lung development in children, particularly in industrialized areas. The air quality in Zabrze, a city located in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region of Poland, is among the worst in Europe. We compared lung function and the frequency of respiratory or allergic symptoms between children living in Zabrze and those living in Gdynia, a city on the Baltic coast, which has the best long-term air quality in Poland. We enrolled children aged 9–15 years from both cities who were able to perform a spirometry. The following spirometry variables were measured for all participants: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume during the first second of expiration (FEV1), FEV1/FVC index, and peak expiratory flow (PEF). The frequencies of respiratory or allergic symptoms were taken from a survey completed by the participants’ parents. In total, 258 children from Gdynia and 512 children from Zabrze were examined. The mean values of FVC, FEV1, and PEF were significantly greater among children in Gdynia than those reported in Zabrze (p ≤ 0.032), and the frequencies of seasonal rhinorrhea (p = 0.015) or coughing episodes (p = 0.022) were significantly higher in Zabrze than in Gdynia. In conclusion, lung function was significantly impaired in children living in Zabrze, an area which is associated with poor air quality. Strategies to improve air quality in the Silesia region are urgently needed.

The role of the adaptive microenvironment components in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) infection is widely researched, but remains unclear. Studying the common dynamics of adaptive immune response changes can help understand the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in critical patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the cytokines concentration and leukocyte subpopulations profiles in the severe COVID-19 (n = 23) and critical (n = 18) COVID-19 group distinguished by the computed tomography (CT) severity score. We observed lower percentage of lymphocyte subpopulation, higher neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and higher IL-6 concentration in critical COVID-19 group than in severe group. CT severity score was negative correlated with proportion of lymphocytes, lymphocytes T, CD4+ cells, Treg cells and NK cells and positive correlated with neutrophils, NLR, and IL-6. In critical group more correlations between cytokines and lymphocytes were observed, mainly between TNF-α, IL-1β and lymphocyte subpopulations. The collective assessment of the cytokine profile, leukocyte subpopulations and the CT severity score can help to characterize and differentiate patient in advanced COVID-19 than the study of single parameters. We have shown that the interconnection of elements of the adaptive microenvironment can play an important role in critical COVID-19 cases.

Introduction Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has a direct role as a mediator in the pathogenesis of various disorders with an inflammatory component, including those with allergic aetiology. The peripheral blood concentration of PAF is dynamically regulated by plasma PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH). Previous research suggest that low activity of plasma PAF-AH could be a predictive marker for increased severity of some types of allergic hypersensitivity reactions–especially anaphylaxis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the association between plasma PAF-AH activity and severity in patients with anaphylactic reactions following a wasp or bee sting. Materials and methods The study group of 89 patients was divided into two subgroups depending on the increasing severity of the most severe anaphylactic reaction in the past, which was assessed according to the Müller’s scale. The first subgroup included participants with a history of hypersensitivity reactions up to grade II. The second subgroup consisted of patients who have experienced at least one grade III or IV reactions in the past. A control group of 20 people was established. Plasma PAF-AH activity was measured using a colorimetric method. Results It has been observed that plasma activity of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase was significantly lower in patients with anaphylaxis history compared to the control group with negative atopic history (on average 21.38 nmol/min/ml for the control group, 9.47 nmol/min/ml for the first subgroup and 10.16 nmol/min/ml for the second subgroup, in both cases p < 0.0001). Conclusion The plasma activity of PAF-AH is a promising parameter that can help to distinguish a group of patients not threatened with development of anaphylaxis and not requiring laborious or expensive prophylactic procedures.

Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the influence of different factors, including treatment, on the risk of ILD in the course of RA. Methods A total of 109 RA patients were included in the analysis. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest was obtained in each patient. Patients were classified as having ILD (ILD group) or not (N-ILD group). The ILD was graded using the semi-quantitative Warrick scale of fibrosis. Warrick extent score (WES) and Warrick severity score (WSS) were calculated separately for each patient, then combined to obtain a global score (WGS). Results In univariate analysis the presence of ILD was associated positively with age (P = 5x10-6) and negatively with MTX treatment (P = 0.0013), mean MTX dose per year of treatment (P = 0.003) and number of DMARDs used (P = 0.046). On multivariate analysis only age and treatment with MTX were independently associated with the presence of ILD. WGS was significantly lower in patients treated with MTX in a dose of ≥15 mg/week (MTX≥15 group) as compared to patients treated with lower doses of MTX (0P = 0.04 and P = 0.037, respectively). The ILD prevalence was higher in N-MTX group than in 0P = 0.0036) and MTX≥15 group (0.0007). The difference in ILD prevalence between MTX≥15 and 0P = 0.044) and trended to have higher WSS and WGS. Consclusions We found a beneficial effect of MTX on RA-ILD. Importantly, this effect seems to be dose dependent.

Cell response to novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is currently a widely researched topic. The assessment of leucocytes population and the maturation of both B and T lymphocytes may be important in characterizing the immunological profile of COVID-19 patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate maturation of B and T cells in COVID-19 patients with interstitial lesions on chest X-ray (COVID-19 X-ray (+)), without changes on X-ray (COVID-19 X-ray (&minus, )) and in healthy control. The study group consisted of 23 patients divided on two groups: COVID-19 X-ray (+) n = 14 and COVID-19 X-ray (&minus, ) n = 9 and control n = 20. The flow cytometry method was performed. We observed a significantly higher percentage of plasmablasts and lower CD4+ lymphocytes in COVID-19 X-ray (+) patients than in COVID-19 X-ray (&minus, ) and control. In the COVID-19 X-ray (+) patients, there was a lower proportion of effector CD4+ T cells, na&iuml, ve CD8+ T cells and higher central memory CD4+ cells and effector CD8+ T cells than control. The above results showed that the assessment of selected cells of B and T lymphocytes by flow cytometry can distinguish patients with COVID-19 and differentiate patients with and without changes on chest X-ray.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the exposure of healthy adults on ambient and indoor PM2.5 and PM2.5-bound PAHs and analyse seasonal differences in pulmonary function (PF) and cytokines concentrations (CC) which may appear due to variable exposure to air pollution. Material and Methods: Concentration of PM2.5 and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) has been measured outdoor and indoor, in the heating and non-heating season in selected households of 81 people living >20 years in the city of Legionowo (with one of the highest PM2.5 in Central Poland). Study participant underwent PF tests and measurement of serum CC (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α) in both seasons. Results: Seasonal statistically significant differences in PM2.5 and PAHs concentrations has been observed. Spirometric parameters in both seasons met the limits, however higher values were observed in summer. The investigation focused on healthy adults, thus statistically significant (p Conclusion: Exposure to PM2.5-bound PAHs may be associated with subclinical decrement especially in distal lung function and stimulation of systemic inflammatory processes by proinflammatory cytokines production.

Background: The emergence of tolerance during Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a complex process. The main goal of VIT is to induce a change from proinflammatory Th2 response to the Th1 response. The immune mechanism of acquiring rapid tolerance during VIT has not yet been fully understood. Methods: We have analyzed (in 4 time points: 0, 2, 6 and 24 weeks after treatment) concentration of 30 cytokines and chemokines in serum using Luminex system, complement system, lymphocyte subpopulations (flow cytometry), and histamine and tryptase serum concentrations of 40 patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy (III and IV Muller grade) classified to ultra-rush treatment and 40 volunteers as control group (CG). Results: We have found that VIT influences the immune system by inducing changes in the complement system, cytokine secretion, histamine and tryptase concentration, and lymphocyte subpopulations. The study group (SG) at time 0 has higher percentage of T and B cells compared to the CG. The SG at time 0 is characterized by a decreased percentage of neutrophils. VIT decreased C3, C4, C5 concentration in the SG. The SG is also characterized by decreased IL-4 and MCP-1 concentrations. Patients with venom allergy have a higher percentage of CD3+ CD4+ T cells compared to the CG. VIT leads to normalization of the number of these cells 2 weeks after the first dose. The decreased concentrations of G-CSF and TGF-beta2 in patients at time 0 has normalized in two weeks after treatment. Conclusions: Preliminary test results suggest that VIT has immunoregulatory properties influencing G-CSF, TGF-beta2 concentration, and CD3+ CD4+ helper T cells percentage.

Introduction Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) in some patients occurs with general symptoms involving respiratory and cardiovascular system with anaphylactic shock with constitutes a significant threat to life. Aim Assessment of the prevalence of HVA in our own material. Material and methods There were 498 patients after a general reaction to wasp and/or bee venom. The survey included questions: the type of stinging insect, body parts stung by insects, profession, frequency of stings by wasps and bees depending on professional activity, places of stings, clinical symptoms using the scale according to Muller, and the treatment following the sting. Among 498 patients, there were 281 women and 217 men. Results Wasp stings were more frequent and affected 382 (77%) persons, while bee stings affected 116 (23%) persons. Limbs constituted the most common area of the body stung by both wasps and bees. The sting was more frequent in rural areas and during summer rest. A severe systemic reaction (class III and IV according to Muller) occurred more often in people stung by bees. The most common medications included intravenous glucocorticosteroids, calcium preparations and antihistamines. Intramuscular Adrenaline injection was used in 48% of patients, while only 15% received its prescription as an emergency medication. Bee stings were the most common cause of severe systemic symptoms. Conclusions The treatment after the sting in a significant percentage of episodes still deviates from the recommendations of the guidelines, especially in the field of adrenaline recommendations for patients in case of a resting by an insect.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of air pollutants exposure (especially PM2.5), in winter and summer, on respiratory tract function and inflammation parameters in healthy people. Material and methods: 81 healthy people living more than 20 years in one of the most polluted city in Central Poland were examined. During the heating and non-heating season pulmonary function tests and serum cytokine (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) concentration has been conducted. Outdoor and indoor PM2.5 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration has been measured. Results: Statistically significant differences between PM2.5 and PAHs concentrations between the heating and non-heating seasons has been observed. Spirometric parameters in both seasons met the limits, however higher values were observed in summer. There were statistically significant (p Results: The results of the study indicate that exposure to PM2.5 may be associated with subclinical decrement especially in distal lung function and cause stimulate to systemic inflammatory processes by pro-inflammatory cytokines production.

The aim of the study was to assess the need for changes in spirometry reference values in the Polish population with time lapse, as the aftereffect of a radical socioeconomic overturn of the 1990. We retrospectively analyzed data files on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), vital capacity (VC), and forced VC (FVC) in healthy, never-smoking Caucasians (731 females and 327 males) obtained in in 1993-1998. We assessed a discrepancy between the then measured values of these variables, on the one side, and the corresponding European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSC) predicted values or the current updated predicted values for the Polish population, on the other side. We found that those old measured values approximately corresponded to the ECSC reference, but they were appreciably lower than the current Polish reference values; the younger the subjects the greater the difference. The current Polish reference values of FVC were much closer to the old measured VC than to the old measured FVC values, which introduces a substantial discrepancy between the past and present FVCs. We conclude that the spirometry reference values may change with time lapse. Thus, accuracy of prediction equations should be periodically updated, which seems to particularly concern the equations elaborated for the nations that undergo rapid economic developments connected with changes in living standards.

Because the optimal treatment for COVID-19 is still unknown, it is important to explore every potential way of improving the chances of survival for COVID-19 patients. The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of convalescent plasma on COVID-19 patients. The study population consisted of 78 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, selected from the SARSTer national database, who received convalescent plasma. The impact on clinical and laboratory parameters was assessed. A clinical improvement was observed in 62 (79%) patients, and 10 (13%) patients died from COVID-19. No side effects of the convalescent plasma treatment were observed. When plasma was administered earlier than 7 days from diagnosis, the total hospitalization time was shorter (p &lt, 0.05). Plasma efficacy was inferior to remdesivir in endpoints such as the necessity and duration of oxygen therapy, the duration of hospitalization, and mortality rate, and inferior to other drugs in the case of the duration of hospitalization and the necessity of constant oxygen therapy, but comparable in most other measured endpoints. A comparison of a 30-day mortality rate in patients who received plasma and remdesivir (4/25, 16%) and who received only plasma (6/53, 11%) showed no significant difference. Convalescent plasma efficacy is inferior to remdesivir when treating COVID-19 patients but the addition of remdesivir to plasma does not improve the treatment effectiveness. In most endpoints, plasma was comparable to other treatment options. In our opinion, convalescent plasma may be used as a supportive treatment in COVID-19 patients because of the low frequency of adverse effects and availability, but must be given as early from the diagnosis as possible.

The aim of the study was to assess the need for changes in spirometry reference values in the Polish population with time lapse, as the aftereffect of a radical socioeconomic overturn of the 1990. We retrospectively analyzed data files on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), vital capacity (VC), and forced VC (FVC) in healthy, never-smoking Caucasians (731 females and 327 males) obtained in in 1993–1998. We assessed a discrepancy between the then measured values of these variables, on the one side, and the corresponding European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSC) predicted values or the current updated predicted values for the Polish population, on the other side. We found that those old measured values approximately corresponded to the ECSC reference, but they were appreciably lower than the current Polish reference values; the younger the subjects the greater the difference. The current Polish reference values of FVC were much closer to the old measured VC than to the old measured FVC values, which introduces a substantial discrepancy between the past and present FVCs. We conclude that the spirometry reference values may change with time lapse. Thus, accuracy of prediction equations should be periodically updated, which seems to particularly concern the equations elaborated for the nations that undergo rapid economic developments connected with changes in living standards.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease underlain by airway inflammation. Despite trials with new generations of anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the disease burden, the effective curative treatment remains elusive. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of simvastatin, a leading member of the family of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, known to display anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, on symptoms and lung function, as well as the proportion of inflammatory cells, cytokines, proteolytic enzymes, and surfactant protein D (SP-D) content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in COPD patients. There were 50 patients with moderate-to-severe airway obstructions included into the study, subdivided into simvastatin-treated (Zocor - MSD; 40 mg daily) and control simvastatin-untreated groups, other treatment being equal. Pulmonary functions tests and bronchofiberoscopy with BALF procedure were performed before and after 3-month-long treatment in both groups. The major finding was that simvastatin treatment caused a distinct increase in the airway content of SP-D. Further effects, albeit smaller in magnitude, consisted of reductions in the proportion of airway neutrophils and in MMP-9 content, all with a benefit of improved score in the disease activity assessment test. There were no appreciable changes noted in lung function or dyspnea perception, which could be ascribed to simvastatin treatment. We conclude that statin's anti-inflammatory and surfactant homeostasis preserving properties may offer promise as an adjunctive treatment in COPD patients. The SP-D content in BALF has a potential to become a marker of COPD inflammatory activity and treatment monitoring.

Objective: SMOG episodes appear due to high air pollutants concentration and specific meteorological conditions (thermal inversion, high atmospheric pressure, no wind, no precipitation). In Poland above 50% of PM emission originates from coal and wood burning in individual households which, according to Badyda et al. (10.1183/1393003.congress-2017.OA1777), increase the risk of respiratory diseases. Materials and Methods: Data on hospital admissions, visits to primary and specialist outpatient health care (from the National Health Fund) as well as PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in Warsaw (from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection) in January 2017 has been compared with the situation in January 2016. Analysis of variance has been conducted (with statistical significance p Results: PM10 concentration in 01.2017 exceeded the 24-hour WHO recommended value for 19-22 days and PM2.5 for 25-28 days (depending on station). Comparing to 01.2016 significant (p Conclusion: During 15 years of air quality monitoring history in Poland such smog episode has not been observed. Increase in the number of people hospitalized and demanding other medical care due to exacerbations of asthma or other respiratory disorders most likely resulted from the increase of PM concentration.

Coronary heart disease is the most common cardiovascular disease. Primary prevention, medication, and invasive approach, along with the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), are used in cardiovascular prophylaxis. Pulmonary rehabilitation, whose main task is to restore the patient's optimum efficiency and prevent complications of the respiratory system, particularly resulting from limited physical activity and immobilization, plays an important role in the postsurgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence on lung function of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) vs. standard physiotherapy in patients undergoing CABG surgery. The study included 42 patients scheduled for surgery, divided into PNF (n = 22; aged 62.3 ± 8.4) and standard rehabilitation (n = 20; aged 62.0 ± 7.4) groups. The findings demonstrate a decrease in post-surgery lung function in both groups. The increased ratios of FEV

Introduction : Chronic urticaria (CU), in view of its manifestations (pruritus, wheals), chronic and recurrent nature is very bothersome for patients and significantly influences their quality of life. Aim : To assess the importance of sleep problems and sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) declared by CU patients, for their quality of life. Material and methods : Twenty-eight patients with CU at an asymptomatic stage or with minimal symptoms and signs were qualified for the study. In these patients, assessment of urticaria severity, QoL and SRBDs incidence was carried out. Results : In a questionnaire study (CU-Q2oL), about 54% of the patients with CU complained of sleeping problems, about 80% reported significant fatigue and lack of concentration in the daytime. Respiratory polygraphy, an objective measure of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) demonstrated their higher incidence in patients with CU than in the general population, but these disorders were mild and had no influence on the reduced quality of life of the study patients, compared with a group of patients without SRBDs. Conclusions : The occurrence of SRBDs was found in 25% of patients with CU at asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic stages. The SRBDs in those patients were mild, required no treatment and their occurrence did not cause any significant reduction in their quality of life.

Coronary heart disease is the most common cardiovascular disease. Primary prevention, medication, and invasive approach, along with the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), are used in cardiovascular prophylaxis. Pulmonary rehabilitation, whose main task is to restore the patient’s optimum efficiency and prevent complications of the respiratory system, particularly resulting from limited physical activity and immobilization, plays an important role in the postsurgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence on lung function of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) vs. standard physiotherapy in patients undergoing CABG surgery. The study included 42 patients scheduled for surgery, divided into PNF (n = 22; aged 62.3 ± 8.4) and standard rehabilitation (n = 20; aged 62.0 ± 7.4) groups. The findings demonstrate a decrease in post-surgery lung function in both groups. The increased ratios of FEV1/FVC and RV%TLC speak for a transient postoperative disturbance in lung function after surgery of restrictive character, accompanied by air trapping. We found a gradual improvement after 2 months of home rehabilitation, with a significant trend for a better outcome using PNF. We conclude that PNF holds a potential for optimizing the outcome of pulmonary rehabilitation after coronary bypass surgery.

Background: 69.3% of individual households in Poland produces thermal energy from coal burning (in 13.7% there are also fireplaces for wood and biomass). They are responsible for 55.8% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emission. As mentioned by Badyda et al. Adv Exp Med Biol 2016;944:1-9 in Polish cities PM2.5 is responsible for 10-33% of cardiopulmonary mortality. Material and Methods: 500 people from a small city in the agglomeration of Warsaw were surveyed in an ongoing study on the exposure to PM2.5 from individual households. A questionnaire was conducted and selected 100 people are undergoing medical examination (spirometry test, induced sputum composition, FeNO, CO in the exhaled air, skin prick tests, total and specific IgE, hemodynamics, vascular endothelial function). Statistical analysis was completed (e.g. ANOVA, GRM, PCA). Results: PM2.5 standards in the city are not met (in 2015 were >32 μg/m3). Though only 21% of the investigated inhabitants suppose that air quality is low or very low. Significant fraction of never-smokers (56.4% of the whole examined group) demonstrate symptoms typical for people exposed to air pollutants (PM), like conjunctivitis (21.5% of the non-smokers), rhinitis (34.2%), larynx inflammation (18.1%), frequent respiratory infections (16.1%) but also breathlessness/tightness and pain behind the breastbone (14.8%). Pulmonary symptoms significantly more often occur in people with FEV1 Conclusion: Exposure to PM2.5 in never smokers may increase the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Highlights ► Soldiers are at high risk of respiratory infections when on duty in a harsh environment. ► An increase in air-borne diseases can be observed among participants in combat operations. ► Physical and psychological factors result in a broad spectrum of changes in the immune system., Combat operations in contemporary theaters of war, as well as combat training, are carried out in all parts of the world, typically in a harsh environment. Specific environmental conditions, such as heat, cold, high-altitudes, desert climates, as well as chemical and biological pollution of both the atmosphere and soil, together with over-exertion, food restrictions, sleep deprivation, and psychological stress can all result in changes in the immune system and the occurrence of associated diseases. Respiratory diseases are one of the most common health problems among military personnel participating in combat training or deployed to operations in areas characterized by difficult climatic and sanitary conditions. They are, therefore, one of the main reasons for military personnel requiring ambulant and hospital treatment. The aim of the study was to discuss the influence of environmental factors and the conditions in which active duty is performed on changes in the immune system and the occurrence of respiratory tract diseases in a military environment.

Inflammation in the bronchial respiratory tract and lung parenchyma underlies the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It consists of effector cell infiltration, changes in reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness, and the content of inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on the number of inflammatory cells and RBM thickness in bronchial biopsies, and pulmonary function in patients with moderate COPD. Twenty four patients with newly diagnosed COPD were included into the study. Pulmonary function tests and fiber optic bronchoscopy with bronchial biopsies were performed before and after 12-month treatment in two groups: ICS– group (LABA plus anticholinergics) and ICS+ group (LABA plus anticholinergics plus ICS). We found that the addition of inhaled corticosteroids to the therapeutic regimen contributed to a reduction of RBM thickness, inflammation, and lung hyperinflation. The intensity of bronchial inflammatory infiltration had little effect on lung function. In conclusion, RBM thickness, an airway wall remodeling element, does not significantly affect the degree of airflow limitation.

Background: Due to the widespread use of coal and wood in households for heating purposes, Poland has one of the weakest air quality in the EU. Moreover in East-Central Europe there is still relatively little evidence on the relationship between air pollution, respiratory efficiency and the occurrence of obstructive diseases. Material: 500 people living in a small city in the Warsaw area were surveyed in the ongoing investigation focused on exposure to fine PM originating from the low-stack emission sources. A questionnaire was conducted followed by selected pulmonary, allergy and cardiology examinations (e.g. spirometry, induced sputum, FeNO, SPT, IgE, hemodynamics, vascular endothelial function). Stochastic-exploratory analysis (e.g. ANOVA, GRM or PCA) was conducted. Results: PM 2.5 concentration in the city does not meet the EU standards (in 2014 exceeded 31 ug/m 3 -the highest in the region). Though only 21% of the investigated inhabitants suppose that air quality is low or very low. Significant fraction of never-smokers (56.4% of the whole examined group) demonstrate symptoms typical for people exposed to polluted air, like conjunctivitis (21.5% of the non-smokers), rhinitis (34.2%), larynx inflammation (18.1%) but also breathlessness/tightness and pain behind the breastbone (14.8%). 16.1% of the never-smokers suffer from frequent respiratory infections. Asthma was diagnosed in 8.1%, CHD in 4.7% and COPD in 2% of the group. Conclusion: The initial results may indicate a relationship between continuous exposure to PM 2.5 and the prevalence of respiratory and circulatory systems diseases in never smokers. Ongoing research will help to verify this thesis.

Płukanie oskrzelowo-pęcherzykowe (BAL, bronchoalveolar lavage) nadal zajmuje bardzo istotną po-zycję w diagnostyce pierwotnych chorób płuc o różnym podłożu: infekcyjnych, śródmiąższowych, no-wotworowych oraz patologii płucnych występujących w przebiegu innych schorzeń, w tym układowych [...]