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Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many scientific papers have described the medical aspects and treatment of the virus infection and its symptoms. There are also many studies on how pandemics of this magnitude affect psychological wellbeing. Despite the spread of COVID-19, it has remained a rather abstract threat for many people in Poland. They have often expressed disbelief and negative attitudes toward social restrictions. The study aimed to investigate changes in attitudes to the COVID-19 threat in young people and the psychological repercussions of social isolation. The present study examined the changes in young people's attitudes, ones not directly affected by COVID19, over a period of a month. It comprised 41 individuals aged 21 to 60. The partic- ipants were asked to fill out a specially designed Internet questionnaire. This consisted of 5 open questions concerning their attitudes, values, feelings, reactions, and vision of the future. They were also encouraged to give their own remarks. At first, 46.6% of participants reported a feeling of discomfort, while 48.4% treated the situation as an opportunity to temporarily slow down the pace of life. However, negative moods and deterioration of mental state arose over time, and 58.7% of respondents reported discomfort in the second study. It shows that counter-arguing against information that causes discomfort and fear does not work for long. Moreover, the majority of them believed that the epidemic would result in the deterioration of their psychological wellbeing. The study revealed that psychological restlessness was almost imperceptible at first, and many participants reported a feeling of relief. Nevertheless, deterioration of mental state arose gradually, often leading to a lack of motivation, feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and, consequently, aggressive behaviors. The neuropsychological and biological aspects of long-term stress are also discussed.

The aim of the present study was to specify the nature of the relationships between work and marital satisfaction in the women. In addition it aimed at revealing as to whether demographic variables, such as age, position, length of service, marriage duration, and the number of children have an impact upon the work and marital satisfaction in working women. The present study included 120 married, working women, and analyses the relationship between job satisfaction and marital satisfaction, taking into consideration emotional and cognitive factors. The participants were mostly office workers, of whom 20 (8%) occupied management positions. The Descriptions Inventory, Job Affect Scale, Questionnaire of Well-matched Marriage, and a scale of work-job interactions were administered. Significant positive correlations across almost all variables of job and marital satisfaction were observed. This means that the increase of marital satisfaction corresponds with the increase in job satisfaction, although the work/family conflict resulted in experiencing negative emotions at work. Moreover, the level of job satisfaction was higher than the level of family satisfaction. It was also found that the age and time spent at work proved to have a negative impact upon job satisfaction. Work-family facilitation proved to be crucial since its exclusion made the interface between all factors of family satisfaction and work insignificant. At the same time, the managerial women suffered from work/family conflict to a greater degree than did office workers. The study revealed also that the needs of older workers should be taken into account to maintain their work/life balance.

Introduction: mental health has been one of the most important issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; mental disorders can be exacerbated by isolation during lockdowns or online learning. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between non-clinical (early) symptoms of depressed moods, personality traits, and coping strategies, as well as whether the learning mode (online versus hybrid) differentiates the experiences of these early symptoms and coping strategies. Methods: 114 university students aged 19 to 34, whose education model was changed from stationary to hybrid or online due to COVID-19 restrictions, participated in the study. The participants completed the online questionnaire, which consisted of two sections: (1) demographic questions to characterize the subjects and 44 questions based on the literature review. (2) Mini-COPE Inventory. Results: the study showed that the fully online study mode has a negative impact on the mental health of students; hybrid students are more likely to use active and positive coping strategies, which effectively help to control negative thoughts and/or reduce negative mental states. Conclusions: the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological effects that will extend to coming years; therefore, implementing systemic psychological care is of utmost importance.

The aim of this study was to examine the neurophysiological correlates of cognitive dysfunctions in a patient with the minimally verbal variant of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD + MV), who after reaching adulthood showed progressive deterioration of his cognitive skills. The patient was a 25-year-old male, diagnosed with ASD. He never developed spoken language, and communicated only by gesturing or writing on a computer. Our findings confirmed comorbidity of ASD and epilepsy, accompanied by dysfunction of cognitive control. We also found that spontaneous EEG and event-related potentials (ERPs) in a cued GO/NOGO task can be used to assess functional brain changes concomitant with ASD.

The research focuses on the questions of if nurses working in various health care facilities present different abilities for emotional adaptation to the work environment, if they differ in feeling job related burnout, and what stress coping strategies they tend to employ. The Questionnaire of Emotional Intelligence (INTE), Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ), and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) were administered. The study comprised 104 nurses from various health care facilities located within 7 voivodships (Polish provincial administrative divisions). This included three groups of different types of work: general care, specialized medical care, and units providing care for patients at a high risk of dying. A statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistic 24. A regression analysis of the interface between emotional intelligence and stress-coping strategies showed that a high degree of emotional intelligence fostered a strategy of task-avoidance coping, and diminished the tendency to concentrate on emotions during stressful situations, it also minimized the propensity of the individual to reduce stress by distracting themselves with other activities. However, the mediation analysis revealed that the impact of emotional intelligence decreased after the role of occupational burnout was taken into consideration. This finding suggests that it is rather the occupational burnout that limits the possibility to apply effective stress coping strategies and that stress management does not reduce the risk of burnout. The study indicated the significant role of emotional intelligence: as a higher level of this form of intelligence corresponded with a lower feeling of burnout in all its dimensions. The mediation analysis revealed that it is the occurrence of burnout that plays the most significant role in adjustment to the work environment. This finding suggests that the prevention of burnout is the most effective factor enabling productive work, and the maintenance of psychological wellbeing despite the many job stressors which may occur in the workplace. It creates the need to clarify its links with depression in order to concentrate on a really effective treatment.

The study aimed to identify the mediating role of emotional intelligence and social competences in the relationship between gender and broad autism phenotype (BAP) as well as between age and BAP. It comprised 85 parents of children with ASD. They completed the questionnaires of Autism-Spectrum Quotient, social competences, and emotional intelligence. The results revealed that emotional intelligence in general and its two dimensions: the ability to accept and express emotions and to empathize are important mediators of the relationship between gender and BAP. Also, social competences in general and two of their dimensions: the effectiveness of behavior in intimate situations and in social situations were significant mediators. The relationship between age and BAP could not be confirmed.

The present paper argues that the development of a new methodology in studying the brain has resulted in a change of our views on the way it works, has seen the emergence of new ideas, and a considerable modification of traditionally accepted theories. The most significant are neuroplasticity, negative activity network (NAT), the nature of aphasic disorders, and the approach to the localization of brain functions. New brain imaging techniques have confirmed also the ability to change the neuronal circuits by mental force. Moreover, new techniques have brought about a rise in new methods for both the diagnosis and rehabilitation of individuals with various brain disorders. Most valuable in this respect has proved to be neurofeedback. We have concentrated on the most important contributions of Prof. Pąchalska in the implementation and development of these new ideas on brain functioning. We also emphasize the fact that her theoretical considerations are firmly based upon her extensive (forty years) work with brain damaged patients.

The use of novel synthetic opioids as recreational drugs has become a public health concern as they are implicated in numerous fatal intoxications across the world. Synthetic opioids have played a major role in the United States opioid crisis and may contribute to a similar opioid epidemic in Europe. The most prominent group of designer opioids consists of fentanyl and its analogues. At present, carfentanil is the most dangerous fentanyl derivative. It was recently detected as an adulterant to other illicit drugs and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, contributing to life-threatening hospital admissions and fatalities. Toxic exposure to carfentanil typically occurs through injection, insufflation or inhalation. Carfentanil produces similar pharmacotoxicological effects to other opioids. However, due to its extraordinary potency, reversing carfentanil-induced severe and recurring respiratory depression requires administration of multiple or higher than standard doses of naloxone. Toxicological reports indicate that carfentanil use is strongly connected to polydrug use. Detection of carfentanil requires specific and sensitive analytical methods that are not commonly available in hospitals. Since abuse of carfentanil is an emerging problem, particularly in the United States, there is an urgent need to develop new techniques for rapid determination of intoxication evoked by this drug as well as new treatment regimens for effective overdose maintenance. This review presents current knowledge on pharmacological activity of carfentanil, prevalence and patterns of use, and analytical methods of its detection. Special emphasis is given to carfentanil-related non-fatal and lethal overdose cases.

BACKGROUND Physiological pregnancy is associated with volume overload. Unlike cardiac pathologies linked with volume overload, such as mitral or aortic regurgitation, pregnancy is thought to be unrelated to fibrosis of the heart. However, changes in the cardiac extracellular matrix during pregnancy remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to examine the expression of 11 microRNAs associated with cardiac fibrosis (miR-21, miR-26a, miR-26b-5p, miR-29b-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-101a, miR-146a, miR-208a, miR-223 and miR-328) during pregnancy and to compare them with a healthy control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six women in singleton pregnancy (30-36 weeks) and 6 non-pregnant women as a control group were included in the study. Each woman underwent an echocardiographic examination, and had blood pressure on both arms measured and a blood sample taken. MicroRNAs expression was analyzed using Custom TaqMan® Array MicroRNA Cards (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, USA). RESULTS Median age of the pregnant women was 34 years (range 25-39 years) and of the control group 32 years (range 29-43 years). Median week of pregnancy was 34 years (range 31-36 years). Most of the examined microRNAs had a lower expression in the pregnancy group (fold change 1.0). CONCLUSIONS In the 3rd trimester of physiological pregnancy, there is a 244% increase in expression of miR-101a and a decrease by 73% in expression of miR-328. Both of these changes can protect against fibrosis during volume overload occurring in physiological pregnancy.

Background: Procrastination means delaying action, which creates serious problems both in academic, work, and clinical settings since it leads to reduced performance levels, and gives rise to psychological distress resulting in lower levels of health and well-being. Therefore, it is imperative to acquire a better know ledge of its reasons and relationships with psychological factors. Yet, the nature of those rela tionships remains am biguous. One of reasons is that many fac tors considered as causes of procrastination work as mediators, modify ing the relationships of procrastination with other factors. Hence, the present study aimed at delineating the factors, which might have a mediating effect upon the interface of procrastination with personality features. Material/Methods: Undergraduate students (n=62) participated in the study. The participation was voluntary and anonymous. A self-constructed Questionnaire of Predictors of Procrastination (QPP), a Polish version of the NEO-FFI test, and a Polish adaptation of the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) were administered, and there was no time limit. Results: Positive significant correlations between neurotism and general, decisive, and behavioral procrastination were found. There was also a significant interaction of neuroticism with the fear of failure, evaluation anxiety, low motivation and a lack of persistence as well as a lack of time management. In addition, the tendency to succumb to temptations and distractibility proved to be significantly related with procrastination, which suggests a lack of self-control. Conclusions: The current study confirmed observations that a neurotic personality does not determine procrastination but both those variables do interact. This study also shows that anxiety plays a significant role in starting actions and/or in accomplishing it. This is not only a fear of final evaluation, but the fear following the belief of impossibility to properly deal with a given action. Moreover, a capability of controlling emotions is closely connected with self-control enabling the planning, and organizing of an action, which is one of the main problems of procrastinators.

This thesis was written under the assumption that the implementation and adoption of new medical devices can be supported by an early assessment of economic and clinical perspectives. The early stages of the medical device development are found crucial, as early in the lifecycle the device development process can either emerge or conclude without major financial drawbacks for the company. An assessment of medical devices starting at the early stages could result in a decrease of the failure rate at each stage of further medical device development, and thus in an increased Research and Development (R&D) efficiency. This, on the other hand, could lead to more successful reimbursement of new medical innovations and better prioritization of devices that are most likely to succeed.However, as the iterative use of medical device assessment alongside their development is relatively new and unknown, many questions remain. To answer some of those questions, this thesis particularly addressed the:1.clinical need and methods to engage various stakeholders within the medical device development,2.the evaluation of the commercial viability of medical devices early in the lifecycle to prioritize development of the most “beneficial” technologies using potential added value to society and, hence, economic returns,3.the adaptation of a decision support tool for the manufacturers to be used alongside the medical device development process.

Problem nieterminowego wywiązywania się z różnych zobowiązań stał się tak powszechny, że zajęli się nim psychologowie. Badacze analizujący to zjawisko nadali mu nazwę prokrastynacja (łac. prōcrāstinō – ‘odkładanie do jutra, z dnia na dzień’). Problemem nie są sytuacje, kiedy z powodu zmęczenia, zniechęcenia, przepracowania, potrzeby uzupełnienia informacji lub po prostu zwykłego lenistwa sporadycznie coś zaniedbujemy, nie wywiązując się we właściwym terminie ze zobowiązania. Prokrastynatorzy to osoby, które zwlekają w sposób chroniczny, z powodów irracjonalnych, często wyszukując sobie zastępcze zajęcia, aby w ten sposób usprawiedliwić niemożność przystąpienia do właściwego zadania. Powodem takich zachowań jest m.in. lęk przed niepowodzeniem, niskie poczucie własnej wartości. Osoby takie na ogół planują wykonanie zadania, lecz im bardziej zbliża się termin przystąpienia do jego realizacji lub zakończenia, tym silniej odczuwają awersję. W Europie Zachodniej oraz w USA psychologowie dostrzegają potrzebę objęcia takich osób różnymi formami terapii. Niestety, w Polsce, chociaż zjawisko jest równie powszechne, problem nie jest wystarczająco nagłośniony, brak jest statystyk, które wyjaśniałyby, jak dużej populacji on dotyczy, a praktyka nieterminowego realizowania różnych zobowiązań wydaje się mieć bardzo szerokie granice tolerancji. Artykuł opiera się na przeglądzie literatury i stanowi próbę opisania zarówno samego zjawiska, jego następstw, jak i stosowanych form pomocowych.

Background: The aim of the paper is the differential diagnosis of various types of Fronto-Temporal Dementia (FTD), with the focus on its behavioural variant (bvFTD). Material/Method: Material and Method. Screening was done in order to assess the depth of dementia with the short version of MMSE, while evaluation of various variants of FTD was performed with the use of such neuropsychological tests as Newcomb and Chicago Fluency Tests, Wechsler Memory Scale - III (WMS-III), Western Aphasia Battery (WAB-R), and the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Behaviour was evaluated with a Polish version of the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBInv). The inventory consists of 24 questions which enable an evaluation of social behaviour disorders. The study included 112 patients - 68 men and 46 women treated in the Reintegrative -Training Centre of the Foundation for Persons with Brain Dysfunctions in Kraków and in the Clinic for Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic Disorders and Old Age Psychiatry, of the Medical University at Gdańsk, who were suffering from various types of dementia. Results: It was found that FTD patients scored the highest, while the VAD patients scored somewhat lower in the FBInv. At the same time the scores obtained by PPA patients were higher in comparison to the control groups, but not as high as in the case of patients with FTD. In the process of the neurotherapy of FTD patients we found a reduction of the behavioral disturbances, despite the progression of the illness. Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study confirmed the diagnostic value of FBInv in the differential diagnosis of various types of FTD and in the evaluation of neurotherapy efficacy. © Med Sci Monit, 2011.

Typical cells of specific immunity are lymphocytes. T cells may specifically recognize antigens using T Cell Receptors (TCRs). Antigen presentation by specialized cells is a necessary element of specific immunity. It leads to initiating an immune response. After antigen dependent activation T cells transform to memory and effector lymphocytes. Cells engaged directly in destruction of the tumour are CD8+cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD4+ lymphocytes, Tγδ lymphocytes, NK, NKT cells and indirectly B lymphocytes. One of the main methods of osteosarcoma treatment in children is chemotherapy. The goal is to destroy the cancer cells by putting them in a state of apoptosis. All of the medications used as chemotherapy carry the risk of short-term and long-term problems including leukopenia, immune disorders such as immunodeficiency.was evaluation by flow cytometry selected elements of specific cellular immunity in children with osteosarcoma at various stages of antitumour treatment.The study was performed on the group of 44 children with osteosarcoma, aged from 6 to 20 years (average 14.9 years; median 15.0 years). T and B lymphocytes and subpopulations: CD4+, CD8+, CD3+?HLA-DR+, CD3+γδ; NK, NKT cells were analyzed in peripheral blood with use of flow cytometry method with monoclonal antibodies. Examinations were performed before the therapy - in diagnostic period (examination I), after the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (examination II), 10-14 days after the surgery (examination III), 5 months after the surgery (after adjuvant chemotherapy, examination IV).The number of T and B lymphocytes was decreasing after each stage of cytostatic therapy, with the biggest differences for CD19+ cells (medians: I examination - 205.0; II exam. - 62.0; IV exam. - 24.0 cells/mL); in single cases the number of cells decreased even under 10/mL (norm 200-500 cells/mL).1. In children and youth with osteosarcoma antineoplastic treatment contributes to the suppression of the immune system, decreasing definitely the number and percentage of B lymphocytes, T helper lymphocytes and NK cells. 2. Decreased number of CD3+, CD4+, CD19+ and NK lymphocytes during chemotherapy may contribute to the progression of neoplastic disease in the future, after treatment. 3. Evaluation of immunologic status in patients with osteosarcoma may be helpful in monitoring of antineoplastic therapy effectiveness, may prevent the formation of unfavourable clinical changes and may be the basis for correction of the cytostatic agents' administration.

The causes of osteosarcoma (OS) and effector mechanisms of the immune response against OS and other neoplastic diseases remain unknown. According to current knowledge, the major role is attributed to cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK, NKT and Tăä lymphocytes, which are engaged directly in the destruction of the tumour cells. Helper T lymphocytes (CD4+) and indirectly B lymphocytes are of special importance. There is sparse data on the state and efficiency of the immune system in children with neoplastic disease, with bone tumours in particular. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was the evaluation of selected elements of cellular immunity in children with osteosarcoma at the time of diagnosis.The study was performed on a group of 44 children with osteosarcoma, aged from 6 to 20 years (median 15.0 years). The control group consisted of 22 children of the same age (median 14.5 years) without the diagnosis of neoplastic disease and active inflammatory state. T lymphocytes with their subpopulations, activated T lymphocytes (CD3+/HLA-DR+), B lymphocytes, NK and NKT cells were analyzed in peripheral blood using the flow cytometry method. Examinations were performed before the therapy - in the diagnostic period.A lower number of peripheral blood lymphocyte population in children with osteosarcoma at diagnosis, compared to the control group was observed. The differences concerned T lymphocytes CD3+(1609.0 vs 3038.0 kom/μl, p0.001) CD4+(598.0 vs 1071.0 kom/l; p0.001) and their cytotoxic subpopulation CD8+ (386.0 vs. 866.0 cells/μL; p0.001), activated T lymphocytes CD3+/HLA-DR+(39.0 vs. 81.0 cells/μL; p0.025), B lymphocytes CD19+(205.0 vs. 381.0 cells/μL; p0.025) and NK cells (161.0 vs. 339.0 cells/μL; p0.005). The number and percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes in children and youth with osteosarcoma at diagnosis is over 50% lower compared to the patients without neoplastic disease.1. The general analysis of peripheral blood without differentiating lymphocyte subpopulations is insufficient to determine disturbances which are forming in the immune system of patients developing the neoplastic disease. 2. The course of the neoplastic disease (osteosarcoma) in patients of developmental age is very diverse, and associated with individual biological variation. 3. The evaluation of the immunologic status in patients with osteosarcoma may have prognostic meaning for the further course of the disease, may prevent the formation of unfavourable clinical changes, and be the basis for correcting the administration of cytostatic agents.

Intensive and fast development of digital technology as well as the world financial crisis, which resulted in the collapse of economy created changes that had a serious impact upon the young generation both in their everyday activities and in planning their future life. However, the plans may depend to a considerable degree upon social and political situation of a given country. Therefore, the present study aimed at making comparison of planning and imagining their future by young Poles and Ukrainians as the two countries underwent serious transformations. The modified Social Readjustment Rating Scale , Cantril’s Ladder and The Vision of Future developed by L. Oryshchyn were administered. The obtained results reflect optimistic but differentiated attitudes towards future life in both examined groups.

The term Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) came into use in 1988 to stress the fact that symptoms of autism may appear with various intensity – from very mild to very severe. The matter gets further complicated due to the fact that the symptoms occur in different combinations. Autistic deficits include not only “autistic triad”, that is disorders of speech, behaviour and social interactions but disturb also cognitive, and motor abilities as well as emotional functioning. Despite a long-term interdisciplinary studies and detailed descriptions of autistic symptoms diagnosis of ASD still causes a number of diagnostic difficulties. The diagnostic procedure has been made easier thanks to the introduction of two systems of classification International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10)1 and DSM-IV-TR2 but it still remains a long and arduous process. It happens quite often that the final diagnosis is made in the course of therapy. Assessment of children with ASD must takes into account their spontaneous and reactive behaviours as well as information gained during the interview with their parents. As mentioned above, dysfunctions occurring in autistic spectrum vary to a considerable degree in their intensity. Moreover, they are of a dynamic character and are apt to undergo changes as a result of a course of general development, individual experience, social conditions, undertaken therapy, and efficacy of stimulation. All these may hamper the process of evaluation, especially at the early stages of a child development. Hence, autistic children are often made a diagnosis of mental disability, behaviour disorders, hearing problems as well as strange and eccentric behaviours. To complicate the matter further the above disorders frequently coexist with autism. It is imperative, therefore, to be able to discriminate autism and other developmental disorders since the early diagnosis provides basis for creating effective therapeutic and educational programs.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumour, mainly affecting children in the first and second decade of life. Causes of the disease are still unknown and reaction of the immune system on its development is very individual. Particular emphasis must be placed on the role of cytokines in the immunoregulatory and coordinating function and tumour cell disruption. Knowledge about cytokines concentration in serum, regarding mechanisms of oncogenesis, may have prognostic significance for the further course of OS in children. The aim of study was evaluation of IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IFN-gamma, and TNF-a concentrations in children with osteosarcoma at diagnosis.The study was performed on the group of44 children with osteosarcoma, aged from 6 to 20 years (average 14.9 years; median 15.0 years). 22 children ofthesame age (median 14.5years) without neoplastic disease and active inflammatory state formed the control group. Investigations were performed before the therapy. The inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma, upper or lower limbs tumour localization, patients who were not treated by chemo- or radiotherapy before biopsy patients' age at diagnosis was 6-20 years. Concentrations of selected cytokines were analyzed in peripheral blood with using ELISA method with 99.8% sensitivity and 99,5% specificity.In children with osteosarcoma, at diagnosis the following concentration of peripheral blood cytokines (medians) was observed: IL-2 10.7 pg/ml (min-max: 0.0-894.0); IFN-gamma 1,3 pg/ml (min-max: 0.2-147); TNF-alpha 28.3 pg/ml (min-max: 0.0-188.8); IL-4 2.0 pg/ml (min-max: 0.0-32.0); IL-8 13.5 pg/ml (min-max: 0.0-2154.0). A large scatter among individual children results was found. Analysis of cytokines concentration showed significant statistical differences between patients with OS and the control group in case of IL-4 (p=0.005) and IL-8 (p=0.01).Results of studies obtained at diagnosis did not give a specific answer about the prognosis and further course of OS disease in patients in the developmental age. Big differences in cytokines concentration in children and youth with OS might be associated with individual biological variation and individual reaction to the development of neoplastic disease and further studies in this direction are needed - before the start of cytostatic therapy and in therapy monitoring.

Despite years of intensive research, there is much about autism that remains theoretically and practically difficult to understand. There are presently three main theories: (1) defect of theory of mind, (2) executive dysfunction, and (3) lack of central coherence, i.e. an inability to integrate sensation and behavior into complex and sensible wholes.The patient, Damian S, born 1993, was diagnosed in early childhood with profound autism. He has been closely observed longitudinally by the first author, who is his therapist. Despite the absence of noticeable improvement in standard psychometric tests, he has shown considerable clinical progress. However, he continues to have difficulty in making and maintaining contact with others: he converses spontaneously only with his father and his teacher, and interacts with other persons (including his mother) only in the presence of one of these two persons. However, he has learned to use a computer to communicate. Samples of dialogue are provided to help illuminate how he thinks.Despite his profound autism, Damian displays awareness of and concern for the thoughts and feelings of others. He is also able to solve problems. On the basis of this and other observations, the authors suggest that the "central coherence" theory better explains the available observations and data.

Food allergy is an abnormal response of the immunological system, especially of mucosal immunological system on antigens supplied per os. There are very complicated and still unexplained immunological mechanisms, which lead to hypersensitivity reaction. Most often food hypersensitivity is identified as the effect of atopy, which is connected with humoral response (specific IgE antibody). On the other hand cell immunological response are less investigated, however they can be very important, especially as a significant factor to initiate pathological allergic processes.To investigate, the usefulness of flow cytometry for estimation of specific sensitization of subpopulation of lymphocytes on food allergens in the allergy diagnosis.The investigations were performed on 60 children from 6 months to 5 years old: 20 children with CM A IgE dependent, 20 with CM A IgE independent and 20 healthy children. IgE total, sIgE, IgG, IgA, IgM, basic immunological panel, CD 23, CD25, CD26, CD30, CD69, PCNA were measured.We noticed decrease of expression of CD4+CD30+ between I and II examination (p=0.029), between I and III (p=0.009); decrease of expression of CD8+CD26+ between I and III test (p=0.038); decrease of expression of CD19+CD23+ between I and II examination (p=0.012) in I type of hypersensitivity. We observed a decrease of expression of CD4+CD25+ between I and III examine (p=0.026) and decrease of expression of CD4+ CD26+ between I and III examination (p=0.036) in IV type of hypersensitivity. Expression of CD69 was decreased after diet in IgE dependent allergy. Values of expression of PCNA are similar in I and IV type of hypersensitivity in children with CM A. Decrease of expression of PCNA in II examination was observed in both cases. Reintroduced allergen caused increase of expression of PCNA in both types of allergy (p=0.048 and p=0.041).Our recent research confirms changes of the expression of T lymphocytes activation markers. It is connected with in vivo stimulation to allergen or with allergen elimination. The study of expression of activation markers using flow cytometry in food allergy in children can be helpful in observation of the dynamic progress process, but it cannot be used as a single diagnosis test.

Autism, intellectual disability, and specific language impairment (SLI) constitute three important forms of developmental disability that are often mistaken for each other, especially in very young children (under age 4). Diagnostic problems are caused by the fact that a fundamental problem in cognition, language, or behavior has secondary effects on the remaining areas, which makes it difficult to separate cause from effect. A wrong or absent diagnosis can be a major hindrance in providing properly targeted therapy for developmentally disabled children.From a population of 667 children referred to a specialized outpatient clinic for developmentally disabled children, we identified 35 children in whom the fundamental diagnosis of autism, intellectual disability, or SLI was unambiguous, and then analyzed these children's scores on 7 subtests from the Munich Functional Developmental Diagnosis, in order to identify specific features of each of the three syndromes.The most reliable differentiating factor in our research group proved to be the MFDD subtest for self-reliance. A model was constructed to assist in analyzing the complex interactions of symptoms, which frequently overlap.Cognitive and communicative limitations resulting from underlying perceptual dysfunctions can lead to inappropriate adaptive behavior in children with developmental disorders, such as autism, intellectual disability, and specific language impairment. Each of these syndromes has a specific profile in respect to measures of cognitive function, social skills, and verbal communication.

During the year 2000 a screening was performed to estimate the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii infections in 2016 pregnant women and their children in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and in the Outpatient Clinic of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw. The study was based on identifying IgG and IgM specific antibodies. All tests were done in the Department of Immunology. Women with serologically diagnosed primary infection were offered further follow up, antibiotic therapy and care during delivery in the Institute of Mother and Child. Children born by infected mothers were examined serologically and observed in terms of congenital abnormality. There were 1294 (64.19%) seronegative; 722 (35.81%) were infected before pregnancy (the presence of IgG antibodies). Five women with previous seronegative results (0.29%) were diagnosed as having primary infection during pregnancy. Congenital infection, confirmed serologically, was recognized in 3 newborn infants.

Many studies in vitro and in vivo have shown immunomodulating and antiviral activities of inosine pranobex. The object of this research was to examine the potential beneficial effects of inosine pranobex (Groprinosin) on immune system in children with cellular immunodeficiency as a prophylaxis of recurrent infections, mainly of viral origin. 50 mg/kg b.w/day of inosine pranobex in divided doses was given to the group of 30 children aged 3-15 years for 10 days in 3 following months. Clinical and immunological investigations were done before and after the treatment. Statistically significant rise of CD3T lymphocytes number (p = 0.02) and in this CD4T lymphocytes number (p = 0.02) as well as statistically significant improvement of their function (p = 0.005) evaluated with blastic transformation method were found. These laboratory findings were parallel to clinical benefits. Control study was performed in the group of children completed by randomization and treated in the same way with garlic (Alliofil).

The immonomodulatory mechanisms responsible for allergens tolerance in healthy subjects were described on the basis of the newest medical literature, including own papers and experience. It was detected that the same immunological mechanisms are built by specific immunotherapy. IL-10 and TGF-beta cooperate in the regulatory T-cell response to aeroallergens, food allergens and allergens of bee and yellow jacket venoms in healthy subjects as well as during specific immunotherapy making the tolerance to these allergens. The actual progress in improvement of specific immunotherapy methods is described.

As the frequency of allergic disease and especially the food allergy in children is still increasing - we undertook studies to determine the specific sensitivity of lymphocytes T in order to improve the diagnostics and monitoring of treatment. The usefulness of evaluation CD69 and PCNA expression of T cells from children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) in these procedures was examined.The study on usefulness of lymphocytes CD69 and PCNA detection for diagnosis of CMA in children and for monitoring of the treatment.The subjects in this study included 26 children from 1.5 to 15 years old with CMA who were under clinical care of our Immunological Department. Patients were examined (medical history of the child, physical examination, specific food provocation) and laboratory investigations were made before therapy and after 6 months of elimination diet. Allergen-specific IgE antibody was determined. Children's T cell cultures were stimulated by beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-casein, whole cow's milk, phytohaemoglutinin PHA and without stimulation. Expression of T cells CD69 and PCNA from patients with CMA and 10 healthy children were analysed by use of flow cytometry. 10 children with CMA after 6 months of elimination diet and next 2 weeks with cow's milk provocation were examined also for CD69 and PCNA expression in lymphocytes from peripheral blood.After 6 months of elimination diet it seems that the expression of CD69 receptor has tendency to fall, these differences, however, are not statistically significant. But after next 2 weeks with cow's milk diet the expression of CD69 was increased with statistically significance (p=0.04). T cells PCNA expression of children with CMA was lower than in healthy children in PHA stimulated cultures. Our study indicates that PCNA expression of T cells from patients with CMA increased even more after 6 months of elimination diet in all cultures but there was statistically significant differences only after stimulation with cow's milk and PHA (p=0.05 and p=0.04 - respectively). Subsequently through 2 weeks children were provoked with cow's milk and after that PCNA expression in vivo lowered (no statistically significant differences).CD69 expression of T lymphocytes was significantly higher after specific stimulation of children with cow's milk allergy (p=0.04). The evaluation of CD69 expression of children with CMA may be also useful in monitoring of treatment. Estimation of PCNA expression suggests the efficiency of T cells connected with DNA synthesis related to the stage of allergy disease and demands further investigations.

The possibility of detection of lymphocytes T specific sensitivity after contact with the allergen (mainly food allergen) even in early age of children has been reported in this paper.This is the literature review of basic applied methods such as: lymphocyte blastic transformation in allergen stimulated culture, macrophage migration inhibition test and flow cytometric analysis of in vivo and in vitro lymphocyte specific activation by using activation markers (CD69, PCNA - proliferating cell nuclear antigen and others).The significance of such investigation is underlined especially for young children during early diagnosis of food allergy and monitoring of the treatment.

The recognition of allergy in children with hypoimmunoglobulinemia is very difficult because they have very low level or even lack of specific IgE antibodies. Our research hypothesis was the possibility of detecting the specific sensitization of lymphocytes T to food allergens in children with hypoimmunoglobulinemia and with clinical symptoms of allergy.32 children actually treated in our Immunology Outpatients Department due to immunodeficiency connected with hypoimmunoglobulinemia and with clinical suspicion of allergy.IgE concentration in serum and IgE specific antibodies to food and pollens were examined by FEIA CAP-SYSTEM. Lymphocyte specific response to allergens (cow's milk, gluten) was examined by classical blast transformation test. Immunological profile of children was also evaluated.In the group of 32 children we recognised: 20 children with predominantly antibody deficiencies (2 - agammaglobulinemia; 8 - CVID; 5 - selective immunoglobulins deficiency; 5 - hypoimmunoglobulinemia of infants) and 12 children who had combined immunodeficiency with hypoimmunoglobulinemia ( 3 - AT; 8 - Nijmegen S; 1 - Di George). The children had atopic dermatitis and clinical symptoms of allergy in respiratory and digestive tracts. Concentration of IgE in serum of children was very low, even2KU/L, Pediatric Phadiatop was negative, f2 and f79 were absent. Using lymphocytes transformation test (culture stimulated with cow's milk and gluten antigens) we detected sensitivity to cow's milk in 24 children and additionally in 4 of them sensitivity to gluten.1) Laboratory difficulties in allergy diagnosis in children with hypoimmunoglobulinemia by evaluation of specific IgE concentration in serum may by caused by defect in biosynthesis of mentioned antibodies. 2) In children with hypoimmunoglobulinemia the lymphocyte blastic transformation test with specific allergens in cultures has a diagnostic value indicating lymphocytes specific response to allergens.

Background Infections caused by various microbes may induce immunodeficiency and allergies. Methods Clinical and laboratory tests were conducted on 579 potentially healthy people (172 women and 407 men, between 25 and 30 years), performed twice: in a diagnosis and after 6 to 12 months. Lymphocytes and NK cells from peripheral blood were assessed using cytometry. G, A, M immunoglobulin concentrations were determined by the turbidimetry. IgE concentration was measured by ELFA. HSV2, HIV and Chlamydia trachomatis infections were detected on the basis of presence of IgM and IgG antibodies tested by ELISA. For the assessment of HPV infections, DNA from the urinary-tract, squamous, and epithelial cells was tested through PCR. The statistical analysis was undertaken using regression analyses. Results In 579 people in the case of 65 people HPV infections were confirmed 10% men, 14.8% women. In 65 patients, in 1 case concentration of IgA was decreased, in 7 cases IgM. In 21 cases, there were higher concentrations of IgE. During the cytometric analyses a decreased number of T CD3+ was found in 3 cases, BCD19+ in 5, TCD4+ in 5, T CD8+ in 4, and NK cells in 8 cases. The check for HSV2 was positive for 17 people: 1.5% men, 6.4% women. In this group in 3 cases the concentration of IgA was decreased; in 2 cases IgM was lowered, in 4 cases there were higher concentrations of IgE. Decreased number of lymphocytes CD19+ was observed for 1 person and for 1 person NK cells. Chlamydia trachomatis infections were positive in 10 cases: 1.5% men, 2.3% women; in this group 1 person had lower IgA and 2 persons had increased concentrations of IgE. HIV infection was negative for all the groups. The examination was repeated for 171 out of 579 people after 6 months. HPV infections were positive in 12.9% cases: 14.9% men, 10.8% women; HSV2 in 11 persons: 2.3% men, 10.7% women; Chlamydia trachomatis in 4 cases: 2.3% men 2.4% women. Conclusions No significant correlation was observed between HPV, HSV2, HIV and Chlamydia trachomatis infections and a relevant deviation from the norm of the investigated immunological parameters.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of efficacy of the specific immunotherapy using Pollinex for 3 years before the period of pollen dust in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis induced by grass pollen. The study was carried out in a group of 40 children aged 5-18 years, from the Outpatient Department of Immunology at the National Research Institute of Mother and Child. The children demonstrated clinical symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis with conjunctivitis and had a medical history typical for this disease. Diagnostic procedures including skin prick tests and estimation of specific IgE to grass pollen by Pharmacia - CAP system, gave positive results. The efficacy of therapy was monitored by a clinical score with 4-0 points, recording symptoms relating to intensity of rhinoedema, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching, oedema, conjunctival congestion, pain and lacrimation. In the study group, 39 children (97%) with seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis treated by specific immunotherapy (Pollinex) improved. This was confirmed by a statistically significant difference. The results indicate that the specific immunotherapy is an effective treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis with conjunctivitis in children sensitized to grass pollen.

Results Lower number of lymphocytes population in children with osteosarcoma compared to the control group was observed. The differences concerned lymphocytes CD3+ (1609,0 vs 3038,0 kom/μl, p

Background The type I or IV of hypersensitivity reactions according to Gell and Coombs classification may be responsible for clinical symptoms observed after ingestion of gluten - containing products. The mechanisms of these reactions are either IgE-dependent or IgE-independent. Celiac disease based on IgE-independent mechanism is classified as gluten hypersensitivity. Clinical manifestation of celiac disease and gluten allergy is often similar. Correct diagnosis of this disease is particularly important due to the different long-term therapeutic procedures. We would like to asses of the incidence of celiac disease in children with gluten allergy. Methods The study involved 50 children with abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, recurrent respiratory and ears inflammation and skin lesions - patients of the Immunological and Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic of Institute of Mother and Child. The allergy to gluten was confirmed on the basis of positive peripheral blood lymphocytes blast transformation test and detection of allergen-specific IgE antibodies to gluten (f79). In all children plasma concentration of immunoglobulin classes A, G M and IgA or IgG antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTGA) were measured. Results In children on the study group the type IV of hypersensitivity reaction to gluten was diagnosed. In 3 children specific IgE antibodies to gluten was also confirmed (f79 - I type hypersensitivity). Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies both IgA and IgG were detected in 2 children in whom the concentration of IgA and IgG in serum remained within normal range for age. In these children celiac disease was confirmed by jejunal biopsy. Conclusions The predominant frequency of type IV of hypersensitivity reactions in children in response to the gluten antigen should be taken into account in diagnosis of food allergy. In children diagnosed with gluten allergy the test for celiac disease should be performed.

Background Infections caused by various microbes may induce immunodeficiency and allergies. Methods Tests were conducted on 579 potentially healthy people (172 women and 407 men, between 25 and 30 years), performed twice: in a diagnosis and after 6 to 12 months. Lymphocytes and NK cells from peripheral blood were assessed using cytometry. G, A, M immunoglobulin concentrations were determined by the turbidimetry. IgE concentration was measured by ELFA. HSV2, HIV and Chlamydia trachomatis infections were detected on the basis of presence of IgM and IgG antibodies tested by ELISA. For the assessment of HPV infections, DNA from the urinary-tract, squamous, epithelial cells were tested through PCR. The statistical analysis was undertaken using regression analyses. Results In 579 people in the case of 65 people HPV infections were confirmed 10% men, 14.8% women. In 65 patients, in 1 case concentration of IgA was decreased, in 7 cases IgM. In 21 cases, there was higher concentration of IgE. During the cytometric analyses a decreased number of T CD3+ was found in 3 cases, BCD19+ in 5, TCD4+ in 5, T CD8+ in 4, and NK cells in 8 cases. The check for HSV2 was positive for 17 people: 1.5% men, 6.4% women. In this group, in 3 cases the concentration of IgA was decreased, in 2 cases IgM was lowered, in 4 cases there were higher concentrations of IgE. Decreased number of lymphocytes CD19+ was observed for 1 person and for 1 person NK cells. Chlamydia trachomatis infections were positive in 10 cases: 1.5% men, 2.3% women, in this group 1 person had lower IgA and 2 persons had increased concentrations of IgE. HIV infection was negative for all the groups. The examination was repeated for 171 out of 579 people after 6 months. HPV infections were positive in 12.9% cases: 14.9% men, 10.8% women; HSV2 in 11 persons: 2.3% men, 10.7% women; Chlamydia trachomatis in 4 cases: 2.3% men 2.4% women. Conclusions No significant correlation was observed between HPV, HSV2, HIV and Chlamydia trachomatis infections and a relevant deviation from the norm of the investigated immunological parameters.

The present study aimed at delineating personality traits that play a significant role in career planning. The study included 116 students of the final high school grades confronted with making a decision concerning their study and future job. A self- constructed questionnaire and the NEO-FFI were administered. Significant proved to be neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. At the same time, 41% of the examined students proved to have no specified plans. Despite that 70% of them evaluated their future career as positive.

The influence of tobacco smoking in development of respiratory, cardiovascular diseases and impairment of foetal development is well documented. Recent studies have shown adverse effects of tobacco smoke on the immune system. Particular place of impact of tobacco smoke is BALT (bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue). Tobacco smoking increases the inflammatory processes and also has an immunosuppressive effect. It is very important in relation to more frequent youth and children diseases linked with the immune system. In school education programmes to prevent tobacco smoking carried out by the Institute of Mother and Child it is also very important to include this aspect.

In the Immunology Department of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw we have used lymphocyte blastic transformation test (LETT) over 30 years to study lymphocyte function. During the last 10 years we have noticed progressive elevation of lymphocyte percentage undergoing spontaneous blast transformation (autotransformation) in culture of these cells. The percentage rose from mean value of 2.5% to 14.7% in year 2000 with statistically significant difference already between 1985 and 1990 (2.5% versus 9.3%). The reason for this phenomenon is unknown and needs more investigations.