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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infections worldwide, yet it remains an underestimated public health problem. There are no international standards for the prevention of vertical transmission of the infection, and the management of pregnant women as well as fetuses with symptoms of infection. The analysis was conducted between December and February 2022. The detailed criteria of inclusion in the analysis included: a separate study group, consisting only of pregnant women regardless of their stage, and statistical analysis of obtained data with particular emphasis on the result of antibodies against CMV antigens in IgG and IgM class. The introduction of universal screening is still controversial. In most countries, routine determination of IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV antigens is not recommended among pregnant women, but these tests are often offered to them independently of nationally approved screening programmes. (JNNN 2022;11(2):83–94).

The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increased stress levels experienced by employees of the healthcare system during their professional activities. The aim of the study was to compare the stress-coping strategies used by nurses in two different systems of work (one shift/two shifts) in a Polish hospital in 2021. The study used the Polish adaptation of the Mini-COPE questionnaire and the authors’ data sheet. The results indicate that regardless of experience or the place and system of work, nurses more often chose problem-focused coping strategies. Conducting screening tests among nurses will help to establish effective strategies for coping with occupational stress, thus preventing professional burnout.

Issues related to death are difficult areas of human existence and are most often considered in terms of ethical or non-ethical behaviour. The aim of the research was to examine the attitudes of Polish medical and nursing personnel towards death. The research was conducted among medical (110 people) and nursing staff (110 people) working in Polish hospitals and representing 16 regions. The Questionnaire About Attitudes to Death (DAP-R-PL) was used. The attitude of medical staff, taking into account the holistic approach to the patient in his existential–spiritual dimension, is an extremely important element of professional care. The study outlines the attitudes of medical and nursing staff towards death. Medical personnel under examination demonstrate a mature attitude towards death. In light of this research, health care workers show great commitment to helping dying people with existential and spiritual needs.

Introduction . The subject of this wok includes health problems occurring in patients over 80 years of age reporting to the hospital emergency department with an indication of neurological problems. Aim . The aim of this study is to present health problems, including neurological problems, with which patients over 80 years of age report to the hospital emergency department (ER), the most common reasons for hospitalization and how to get to ER. Material and Methods . An analysis of the health situation of patients over 80 years of age was performed who reported to the Hospital Emergency Department of the 10 th Military Clinical Hospital with the Polyclinic in Bydgoszcz. The necessary data was obtained by accessing the medical documentation contained in the KS-Medis hospital system. The relationship between the two variables was calculated using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results . 80 plus (58%) women most often come to the hospital emergency department because of a fall (11%), brought by a medical emergency system transport (67%). Neurological or co-existing neurological problems (head injuries, strokes or their suspicion) are 6% of the causes of emergency hospitalization. Conclusions . Reasons for seniors over 80 years of age reporting to the hospital emergency department are varied, but falls are dominant. (JNNN 2020;9(1):27–32)

Introduction Delivery is a physiological process stimulating the adaptation of the newborn to new conditions of life outside the mother’s body The moment of the baby’s birth and cutting the umbilical cord means the newborn’s violent transition from the uterine environment to the external world, which requires the dynamic process of adaptation connected with numerous physiological states of transient character. The degree of the intensification of the transient states may still be different and cause deviations from the norm, or even transition into pathological states constituting the cause of a prolonged stay in hospital, invasive examinations and longterm treatment. Objectives The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of the intensification of the chosen transient states in the newborns born naturally, and those born through Caesarean section. Material and methods In August-September 2018, 148 women and 148 newborns were qualified to the study. The exclusion criteria were mother’s chronic diseases diagnosed before the pregnancy, delivery before the 37th week, negative blood group of the mother, and the newborn’s Apgar result below 10 points. Results The newborns born naturally were more frequently fed only naturally (N- 55; 67.9%), in comparison to those born through caesarean section (30; 44.7%). The body weight loss expressed in % in relation to the birth body weight in the group SN reached 5.45%, while in group CC – 6.26% (p=0.01275). Conclusions The newborns born naturally were more often fed naturally than those born through caesarean section. The physiological weight loss in the first days was greater in newborns born via caesarean section than those born naturally

Introduction: Human longevity is a complex phenotype with strong genetic components. Identifying the genetic factors which influence human longevity is a formidable challenge. The centenarian model provides us with a unique opportunity to face this challenge. The objective of the study was to diagnose the universality of applying studies on polymorphisms favouring longevity in people over 65 years of age. Materials and methods: Crucial articles were obtained by reviewing and analysing the PUBMED (MEDLINE) database by searching for the following entries: LEP/rs7799039, LEPR/rs1137100, FOXO1a/rs4943794, CETP/rs5882, TP53/rs1042522, IL6/ rs1800795, ACSL1 rs6552828, THRH/rs7832552, IL6/rs1800795, IGF- 1R/rs2229765, IGF-IR, IRS-1, FOXO1A, PI3KCB, testosteron (IGF-1) (DHEA-S), FOXO3 (MIM 602681), APOE, HRAS1, LASS1, CETP I405 V gene, CETP/rs9923854, APOE/rs769449, IL6/rs2069827, APOC3/rs2542052, MTP/rs2866164. Article selection was based on inclusion criteria set by the authors and the appointed Advisory Board. Results: Most of the identified gene variants are specific to a given population. Only a small group of genes consistently show up in various types of studies and in different populations. In humans, the influence of single genes on life expectancy is negligible. What gains significance is a set of genetic variants which favours longevity. There are numerous sets of such genes. Conclusions: The development of a new generation of sequencing techniques makes it possible to comprehend the genetic and epigenetic background of aging. Many researchers believe that aging is inevitable, but to some extent modifiable. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for aging may, in turn, indicate essential avenues of health promotion and disease prevention in middle age, so that elderly people could enjoy good health. Searching for polymorphisms specifically related to longevity enables the identification of new biological pathways connected to the control of life expectancy. Further research in this field could also help in developing more effective ways of treating age-related diseases.

Glucocorticoids (GCs), which are secreted by the adrenal cortex, are important regulators in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. For the proper functioning of the body, strict control of their release is necessary, as increased GCs levels may contribute to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other pathological conditions contributing to the development of metabolic syndrome. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (11β-HSD1) locally controls the availability of the active glucocorticoid, namely cortisol and corticosterone, for the glucocorticoid receptor. Therefore, the participation of 11β-HSD1 in the development of metabolic diseases makes both this enzyme and its inhibitors attractive targets in the pharmacotherapy of the above-mentioned diseases.

Introduction. The Chiari type I Malformation is a malformation of the hindbrain and skull. It refers to moving down the tonsils of the cerebellum through a large opening to the upper part of the spinal canal.Case Report. The patient aged 27 was subjected to a peak-occipital decompression procedure in the course of the Chiari type I Malformation due to the results of imaging examinations and reported complaints.Discussion. The neurosurgical treatment for both the patient and his family is a source of stress and fear of further functioning in the environment. During hospitalization, the patient should be surrounded by the care and interest of the therapeutic team members.Conclusions. Symptoms of Chiari Malformation type I may affect patients of different ages despite the fact that it is an inborn defect. Nursing care of the patient after the peak-occipital decompression treatment in the course of the Chiari type I Malformation aims at preventing typical complications of the postoperative period and minimizing the risk of neurological deficits. (JNNN 2018;7(3):124–129)

Complete Cerebral Assessment (CGA) involves the assessment of a neurological patient in four basic areas where performance capacity, physical health, mental health, as well social and environmental factors are taken into account. Specially prepared research tools (scales, questionnaires) can be used to assess individual CGA components, which significantly facilitate it and influence its credibility. In addition, they allow to verify changes in patient’s condition over time, in the category of improvement or deterioration, and also help in the exchange of quantitative (clinical) information between health care providers. Based on the literature, there have been discussed the most frequently applied scales used to assess the mental state of neurogeriatric patients. There have been presented data of metrics such as Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). (JNNN 2017;6(3):130–133)

Introduction. Parkinson’s disease is considered to be one of degenerative disorders of the central nervous system. It is classified as an incurable, progressive disease leading to significant deficits in self-care. It is regarded, just after Alzheimer’s disease, as a disease of the elderly, which relates to the central nervous system (CNS). The mechanisms being the basis of this disease have not been completely understood.Case Report. The case study refers to a 72-year-old woman diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and comorbid dizziness. This work has presented nursing diagnosis and the nursing process. There have been defined patient’s problems, the purpose of the care and its implementation by planning activities. There has been also made an assessment, which is a comparison of the results of the care obtained with the objectives assumed. This work is a description of the case of a theoretical patient.Discussion. One of the most important persons taking care of a patient with PD is the nurse. In the proces of hospital treatment hospital nurse becomes the closest person to the patient. Therefore, she is required to maintain a professional therapeutic contact with the patient. The role of the nurse is primarily to motivate the patient to take actions which will lead to a slowdown in the progress of the disease (ie. encouragement to participate in activities with a therapist, to talk to a psychologist, exercise with a physiotherapist). The patient described has a problem with low self-esteem and a critical attitude towards herself. It is difficult for her to establish contacts and maintain relationship with another person. Such signals should be noticed by the nurse. The nurse is required to respond adequately to the aforementioned symptoms.Conclusions. Parkinson’s disease is defined as a primary degenerative process of the extrapyramidal system. In its course it is characterised by a slow and degenerative process. The patient described by us is fully aware of her state of health as well as of the nature of the disease. This involves a significant decrease of mood, apathy and fear. She cannot accept her condition and the developing deficit of self-care resulting from the progress of the disease. In the case of our patient after discharge from hospital there was recommended further therapy with a psychologist and participation in classes conducted by an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist. (JNNN 2016;5(4):156–161)

Introduction: To a vast extent the body’s ageing process affects changes in the human nutritional status and body composition. The nutritional status of elderly people is assessed by means of nutritional history, physical examinations, somatometric measurements, biochemical and immunological tests. Moreover, survey tools (questionnaires, scales) are used in order to perform a screening and in-depth analysis of food intake and nutrition in the elderly. Today, an accurate assessment of body composition is conducted by means of specialist devices, such as those used for bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual X-ray absorptiometry.The objective of the thesis was to analyse the usage of selected anthropometric measurements in correspondence with an mini nutritional assessment (MNA) in studies on the identification of undernourishment in seniors, with consideration of some of the initiating factors of nourishment disorders in the population of the elderly.Methods: A review of articles considered essential from the point of view of the study objective was performed by analysing the PubMed database. The search query used was: “mini nutritional assessment MNA elderly”.Results: Nutritional status measured with the MNA may evaluate the way seniors feel. Overweight and obesity usually results in a worse assessment of the quality of the elderly’s life. A disordered nutritional status could stem from a range of medical, psychological and social factors.Conclusions: The results of anthropometric measurements are essential for an optimal identification of the risk of undernourishment in senior citizens by means of an MNA. They also complement information onthe initiating factors of eating disorders in the population of elderly people. In order to be able to widely use anthropometric measurements to complement knowledge on the nutritional status of the elderly, it is indispensable to conduct studies among healthy senior citizens to obtain information that will serve as reference data.

Introduction: Eating disorders constitute one of the most serious health problems in older people.The objective of the thesis was to evaluate the impact of clinical nutrition on selected biochemical parameters and general nutritional status in geriatric patients undergoing home treatment.Material and methods: The study covered 65 people aged 65+ suffering from a chronic disease undergoing home therapy. The study was conducted based on the diagnostic survey method with the use of survey questionnaires.Results: The nutritional status of the studied patients was assessed against the NRS scale during the introductory assessment. The average result obtained by the subjects was 5.28 points ±0.84 points. The main reason for nutrition therapy in the case of 52 patients (80.0%) was dysphagia. In the remaining 20% of patients the causes for nutritional therapy stemmed from other clinical symptoms.Conclusions: 1. Nutritional therapy improves nutritional status in chronically ill patients treated at home. 2. Dysphagia in the course of oncological and neurological diseases is the most frequent indication for home nutritional treatment. 3. To a substantial extent, nutritional therapy improves albumin and haemoglobin levels in chronically ill patients. Meanwhile, no statistically significant differences were reported in terms of improved total cholesterol, triglycerides or electrolytes among patients.

TWstęp: Wskaźnik kostka–ramię (ABI) wyraża stosunek ciśnienia skurczowego w tętnicach zlokalizowanych na podudziach, tj. tętnicy piszczelowej tylnej bądź tętnicy grzbietowej stopy, do ciśnienia panującego w tętnicy ramiennej.Celem niniejszej pracy było porównanie wartości ABI mierzonego za pomocą detektora dopplerowskiego fali ciągłej (DDFC) oraz urządzenia BOSO ABI-SYSTEM 100 (ABIs) u seniorów, a także próba określenia czynników determinujących wyniki badań w porównaniu z pacjentami młodszymi.Materiały i metody: Przedmiotem przeprowadzonego badania był pomiar ABI przy użyciu DDFC oraz urządzenia ABIs wśród pacjentów z przewlekłą niewydolnością żylną, niedokrwieniem kończyn dolnych oraz cukrzycą. Badania przeprowadzono po uzyskaniu zgody Komisji Bioetycznej nr KB 523/2016 z dnia 28.06.2017 r. przy Uniwersytecie Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Collegium Medicum w Bydgoszczy w okresie 28.06.2016–6.04.2017 r. Miejscem realizacji badań była Poradnia Leczenia Ran Przewlekłych w Szpitalu Uniwersyteckim nr 1 im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy.Wyniki: Średnia wartość ABI wśród wszystkich badanych wyniosła w kończynach: prawej – 0,999 (DDFC), 0,954 (ABIs), lewej – 0,980 (DDFC) i 0,945 (ABIs); z odchyleniem standardowym 32,9% (DDFC), 30,1% (ABIs) dla kończyny prawej i 34,2% (DDFC), 32,1% (ABIs) dla kończyny lewej wartości średniej, co świadczy o dużym zróżnicowaniu wyników. Średnio najwyższy wskaźnik uzyskali pacjenci z cukrzycą (1,163 DDFC – dla kończyny prawej, 1,196 DDFC – dla kończyny lewej), a najniższy – badani z miażdżycą (0,750 – kończyna prawa, 0,684 – kończyna lewa DDFC).Wnioski: Wyniki pomiaru ABI za pomocą DDFC oraz ABIs nie wykazują istotnych statystycznie różnic mogących wpływać na postawienie diagnozy. Płeć, wiek, wykształcenie i analiza kliniczna pacjentów częściowo określiły wyniki testu ABI. Pacjenci w wieku 61–70 lat i najstarsi mieli najniższe wartości ABI.

Introduction: The staff of social welfare home is exposed to the phenomenon of occupational burnout due to the specificity and characteristics of social welfare homes functioning. In social welfare homes there are people covered by 24-hour nursing and rehabilitation care, which required a significant amount of work on the part of the staff of such a centre. Nurses in their work constantly encounter situations which result in experiencing professional stress, which in turn results from the contact with another person waiting and requiring professional care and assistance. Due to specific conditions of the profession, nurses are particularly exposed to occupational burnout. As members of an interdisciplinary therapeutic team in social welfare homes, they spend most of the time with the residents, which promotes emotional exhaustion. The aim of the research was to present selected aspects of professional burnout of nurses compared to other welfare home employees. Methods: The methods used in the research consisted of the diagnostic survey method and estimation method; research techniques: surveying and estimation scale technique, as well as PSS-10 (perceptible stress scale) and DS-14 (scale for D-type measurement) questionnaires were used. Results: The study showed a statistically significant relationship between the intensity of stress between groups of social welfare homes staff, among whom there were nurses. The highest intensity of stress was observed in the occupational group of physiotherapists and nurses, followed by the medical caregivers/caregivers in the social welfare homes, social workers and occupational therapists/cultural and educational workers. Conclusions: Nurses and medical caregivers/caregivers at SWH are the representatives of the therapeutic team most exposed to the occurrence of burnout syndrome. It is important to be aware of the threat existence and have a decisive attitude to counteract the phenomenon of occupational burnout.

Introduction. The occurrence of ischemic strokes, particularly with people over 65 years of age, results from the presence of comorbidities that may adversely affect both the early and late prognosis as well as functional capacities of patients.Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency regarding basic daily activities performed by patients after the incident of the ischemic stroke, depending on the advancement of their age and the on the presence of comorbidities.Material and Methods. The study was carried out among 65 patients hospitalised due to the ischemic stroke in the neurology ward of the Provincial Hospital in Plock. The analysis of the functional capacity of patients, with the use of the Barthel Scale Questionnaire, was performed twice: on the first day of their hospitalisation and on the day of discharge from the hospital ward.Results. The functional capacity of the patients within the period of hospitalization after the incident of ischemic stroke was improving as a result of treatment, rehabilitation and care. However, both on the day of admission to the ward, as well as at discharge, the patients aged over 65 had the lowest scores on the Barthel Scale Questionnaire. The presence of comorbidities, particularly among older respondents, contributed to the deterioration of patients’ functional capacity.Conclusions.1). Patients after the incident of ischemic stroke, despite the improvement regarding their functional capacity, require assistance in the performance of daily activities.2). Age advancement contributes to the reduction of the functional capacity of respondents after the incident of ischemic stroke.3). Comorbidities of the incident of ischemic stroke as well as the prior episode of stroke significantly contribute to the decrease the functional capacity of respondents.(JNNN 2015;4(3):102–108)

Introduction . In order to achieve a learning success by a nurse during the pre- and post-graduate education, it is useful to apply the method of case studies using the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) or the traditional model of the nursing process. Case Report . The patient in good general condition, with overweight. Nourished orally, the patient shows a standard swallowing reflex. There are appetite disorders. Periodically, there occur constipation and urine retention. The patient shows increased risk of urinary tract infections due to self catheterization. Physical fitness limited because of the paresis of the right lower limb. Body balance impaired. The patient moves with the assistance from one person. She uses auxiliary means to move. On the Barthel Scale the patient scored 50 points, which indicates that she needs assistance in the performance of daily activities. Discussion . In the patient with multiple sclerosis there occurred nursing problems, in particular: reduction of capacity in terms of self-care and self-nursing, difficulty in performing daily activities, difficulty with communicating, urine residual in the bladder, constipation, the possibility of contractures, the possibility of eating disorders, discomfort caused by increased sweating, depressed mood, pain in bones and joints. Conclusions . Referring to diagnoses and ICNP interventions in the process of nursing it has been confirmed that the nursing care of the patient with MS is based on a holistic approach to the patient. All spheres of patient’s life regarding biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects were included in it. (JNNN 2015;4(2):76–84)

The group of diseases with extra-pyramidal disorders includes inter alia Parkinson’s disease. It is one of the most common progressive, degenerative diseases of the central nervous system occurring in mature and older people. First symptoms of the disease occur in most cases after fifty years of age. The disease is generated by the loss of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra manifested clinically in the mobility slowdown, muscle rigidity and tremor at rest. The clinical use of various measuring tools (scales, indexes, indicators, tests, etc.) for the diagnosis of patients with dysfunction of the extra-pyramidal system has been increasingly applied. Based on the literature there were discussed scales most commonly used in the assessment of patients with dysfunction of the extra-pyramidal system including mainly those with Parkinson’s disease. There were presented data regarding such measuring scales as: Hoehn and Yahra’s (HY Scale), Webster’s (Webster Rating Scale — WRS), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Northwestern University scale (Northwestern University Disability Scale — NUDS), Columbia University scale (Columbia University Rating Scale — CURS), Schwab and England’s independence scale (Schwab and England ADL Scale — S-E ADL), the short scale of Parkinson’s disease evaluation (Short Parkinson’s Evaluation Scale — SPES), the scale of daily activities in Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s Disease Activities of Daily Living Scale — PDADL) as well as life quality scales, including the PDQL (Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire) and PDQ-39 (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire). (JNNN 2014;3(2):88–92)

The development of civilization has led to the increasing prevalence of spinal problems. Lifestyle in the form of long hours of sitting or standing significantly affect the reduction in spinal mobility and promotes complaint back pain. Its structure is closely related to the functioning of the human being. Back pains are varied in terms of pathogenesis uprising. A common feature is pain that occurs in the lumbar area — the cross and the cross — the hip, with varied backgrounds and character. Treatment is based on conservative methods, such as drug treatment and rehabilitation, and surgery. An important role is played by prevention of backaches distributed among learners and workers. This article aims to highlight the role of nurses over patients with spinal pain syndromes in various stages of treatment. The nurse must take care individually and holistically. It is based mainly on alleviating pain and help the patient because of the temporary reduction in physical activity, which impedes the proper functioning. It is aimed at the comprehensive preparation of the patient and his family for self-care. (JNNN 2014;3(1):39–43)

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the concentrations of tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in the blood of patients with a postoperative wound after neurosurgery. Method: Participants included 20 adult patients who underwent neurosurgery because of degenerative spine changes. The concentration of TF and TFPI in the patients’ blood serum was measured 3 times: before surgery, during the first 24 hr after surgery, and between the 5th and 7th days after surgery. The control group comprised 20 healthy volunteers similar to the patient group with respect to gender and age. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between TF concentration at all three measurement time points in the research group and TF concentration in the control group ( p = .018, p = .010, p = .001). A statistically significant difference was found between TFPI concentration at the second time point in the research group and TFPI concentration in the control group ( p = .041). No statistically significant within-subject difference was found between TF concentrations before and after surgery. A statistically significant within-subject difference was found between TFPI concentrations within 24 hr after surgery and 5–7 days after surgery ( p = .004). Conclusion: High perioperative concentrations of TF indicate not only the presence of thrombophilia but also the importance of TF in the wound-healing process. Perioperative changes in TFPI concentrations are related to its compensatory influence on hemostasis in thrombophilic conditions.

Robert Ślusarz,1 Renata Jabłońska,1 Agnieszka Królikowska,1 Beata Haor,1 Ewa Barczykowska,2 Monika Biercewicz,3 Mariola Głowacka,2 Justyna Szrajda4 1Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing Department, 2Nursing Department, 3Clinic of Geriatrics, 4Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, PolandBackground: Application of adequate numeric scales is essential for assessment of a patient’s condition. The scales most commonly used by the therapeutic team for assessment of a patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) include deficit scales, functional scales, and scales assessing quality of life. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationships between the particular scales used for assessment of patients with TBI.Methods: This multicenter study included 159 patients with TBI. The direct observation technique was used. Two measurements were made (at hospital admission and discharge) using standardized assessment scales, ie, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the Functional Capacity Scale (FCS), the Functional Index “Repty” (FIR), and the Glasgow Outcome Scale.Results: Patients with mild impairment of consciousness were most numerous in the examined group at both admission and discharge, ie, 118 (78.8%) and 134patients (89.3%), respectively. The mean score for functional capacity measured with the FCS was 34.41points (71.7%) on the day of admission and 41.87 points (87.2%) on the day of discharge from hospital. A significant correlation was found between results obtained using the GCS and results on the FIR, on both the day of admission [R t(n-2) =7.612=0.530; P=0.00] and the day of discharge [R t(n-2) =8.998=0.595; P=0.00]. Further, a high correlation was found between the FCS and the FIR (rs= -0.854 on day of admission and rs= -0.840 on day of discharge).Conclusion: The majority of examined patients had mild impairment of consciousness. A moderate correlation was found between the GCS and the scales assessing activities of daily living. A high correlation was found between FCS and FIR, which may result from the similarities between the analyzed tools in the scope of their construction and application.Keywords: head trauma, assessment tools, numeric scalesA Letter to the Editor has been received and published for this article.

Background. In the process of post surgical wound healing locally secreted relays are involved, including also pro-angiogenic factors, factors of hemostasia or fibrinolysis. The function of TAFI in this process is not fully elucidated. The main purpose of this study was to estimate the concentration of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in blood serum of the patient with a surgery wound at each measurement before and after the surgery. Methods. The study included 20 adult patients who received a surgical treatment because of degenerative spine changes. The test consisted in three-time determination of TAFI concentration in blood serum of the patients tested. Conclusions. No statistically significant difference in TAFI concentration in blood serum of the tested patients was observed in each measurement before and after the surgery. TAFI concentration in blood serum of the patients operated on differs significantly compared to the control group in measurement one and three. Introduction The wound healing process is a dynamic and multi-stage process consisting in interaction of numerous biologically active molecules. This process consists of four phases: (1) hemostasis-, protection against local bleeding taking place due to platelet aggregation and activation of the coagulation cascade, (2) inflammatory phase – generating neutrophils to inhibit bacterial invasion, (3) differentiation stage, proliferation of mesenchymal cell migration and (4) tissue remodeling, which closely cooperate with each other and occur in adequate turn (Gosain, & Dipietro, 2004; Guo, & Dipietro, 2010; Hoffman at al., 2006; Laurens, Koolwijk, & De Maat, 2006; Nowak, & Olejek, 2004). Leukocytes, fibroblasts and blood vessels move to the repair space and take part in the tissue regeneration process (Laurens, Koolwijk, & De Maat, 2006). Plasmin as well as other components of the fibrinolytic system actively participate in tissue repair by regulating extracellular matrix remodeling (ECM). Also, TAFI recently discovered protein which is considered to be a link between the clotting process and fibrinolysis, also actively involved in the wound healing process (Boffa, 2003). Decrease of TAFI concentration may lead to impaired wound healing (Hoffman at al., 2006; te Velde at al., 2003). The analysis of the literature suggests that there are only a few studies regarding thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) function in the process of wound healing which were mainly carried out on mice. The main purpose of this study was the assessment of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) in blood serum of the patients with post-surgery wound in each measurement before and after surgery. Detailed research problems are presented in the form of questions: Does TAFI concentration in the blood of operated patients significantly differ compared to the control group? Does TAFI concentration in blood significantly differ in the measurements before and after the surgery? Is there a correlation between each measurement in TAFI concentration? Material and Methods Patients The tests were carried out at Neurosurgical Department and Clinic, Collegium Medicum (CM), Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) on the group of 20 patients (9 men and 11 women) at the age of 7-54 lat (average 44±8), subject to surgery treatment because of the degenerative change in the spine. From the studies there were excluded patients who had been diagnosed, apart from the basic unit, another central neural system disease (for example.: proliferative process, vascular malformation as well as diseases with a known impact on the wound healing process, such as accompanying atherosclerosis and its complications, diabetes in pregnancy, cancer, AIDS). Also, there were excluded patients, who had been operated on within the period shorter than 30 days preceding their admission to Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing Department. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers selected according to sex and age criteria (to the tested group). To the control group there were qualified healthy people who had not been treated by then. Methods The test consisted in three-time venous blood sampling (5 cm of blood) from venipuncture around the bend of the el

Robert Ślusarz,1 Monika Biercewicz,2 Ewa Barczykowska,3 Beata Haor,4 Mariola Głowacka5 1Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing Department, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, 2Clinic of Geriatrics, 3Nursing Department, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, 4Faculty of Health Science, University of Humanities and Economics in Wloclawek, Wloclawek, 5Institute of Health Sciences, State School of Higher Professional Education in Plock, Plock, Poland Background: One of the elements influencing the assessment of nursing care quality is the assessment of the nurse’s functions that determine the nurse’s particular tasks. The aim of this work was to assess selected tasks involved in the nurse’s caring function, which influence nursing care quality on neurosurgical wards, on the basis of patients’ and nursing staff’s opinions.Materials and methods: The research was carried out on neurosurgical wards in Poland on a group of 455 patients and 75 nurses. In order to assess nursing care quality, an author’s original questionnaire (Questionnaire – Patient Satisfaction) was used.Results: Statistically significant differences concerned particular groups (both patients and nurses) in the assessment of selected issues: providing information about performed activities and operations (P=0.000 and P=0.040), respecting personal dignity and assuring discretion during the operations (P=0.000 and P=0.001), speed of response to patient’s requests (P=0.000 and P=0.000), time availability of nurses for the patient (P=0.000 and P=0.000), providing information about further self-care at home (P=0.032, P=0.008), and nurses’ attitude (kindness, courtesy, tenderness, care) to patients (patient’s assessment only P=0.000).Conclusion: Selected tasks in the field of the caring function of nurses were assessed differently by particular groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the assessment of particular tasks in the opinions of patients and nurses, which means that both examined groups similarly assessed tasks involved in the nurse’s caring function, which influence nursing care quality. Keywords: care quality, caring function, nurse, neurosurgeryA Letter to the Editor has been received and published for this article.