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Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) is a safe and effective regimen used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The standard treatment duration is 12 weeks. There are no data available to support the shortened treatment. We aimed to present a case of an 11-year-old boy treated with a generic SOF/VEL for 8 weeks. The patient was admitted to our department 12 weeks after the end of treatment to establish the efficacy of the therapy (sustained virological response, SVR12). Laboratory testing revealed aminotransferases and bilirubin levels within the normal ranges, there were no abnormalities in the abdomen ultrasound, and transient elastography did not reveal any liver fibrosis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA tested with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction method was undetectable. The patient achieved SVR12. We conclude that shortening treatment with SOF/VEL to 8 weeks may be effective for HCV elimination in children. The possibility of treatment shortening should be confirmed in further studies on larger groups of paediatric patients.

У статті досліджується запровадження воєнного стану в Україні, який суттєво змінив ситуацію, зокрема і у системі з примусових виконань судових наказів, рішень, ухвал тощо. Проаналізовано, що примусове виконання виконавчих листів, наказів, судових рішень та постанов, написів нотаріусів здійснюють органи Державної виконавчої служби України та приватні виконавці. Зазначено, що за період воєнного стану було прийнято два основні законодавчі акти, які змінили процедуру введення виконавчого провадження. До прикладу, Закон України «Про внесення зміни до розділу XIII «Прикінцеві та перехідні положення» Закону України «Про виконавче провадження»» від 15.03.2022 № 2129-IX та Закон України «Про внесення змін до деяких законів України щодо діяльності з примусового виконання судових рішень, рішень інших органів та посадових осіб у період дії воєнного стану» від 11.04.2023. Зʼясовано, що система примусового виконання судових рішень державних органів, юридичних та фізичних осіб важлива для забезпечення реалізації функцій держави стосовно відновлення та захисту порушених прав. Також те, що існує безліч проблемних ситуацій, які необхідно врегульовувати, наприклад: технічні неполадки та недоліки системи чи реєстрів, більш вигідне становище боржників, а не стягувачів, звуження дій державних і приватних виконавців та їхньої винагороди. Інститут примусового виконання рішень зазнав змін, але вони були тимчасовими та допомогли нашій країні підтримувати життєдіяльність під час дії воєнного стану. У період дії воєнного стану судові рішення, накази, ухвали, розпорядження та постанови мають виконуватися і їх виконання повинні забезпечувати державні та приватні виконавці. Для якісного та ефективного здійснення своїх повноважень особи та органи, які здійснюють примусове виконання рішень, мають повноваження розпорядчого характеру, у свою чергу вони передбачають можливість підпорядкування певних суб’єктів та відповідають обов’язковим до виконання приписам або наказам.

In this study, we aimed to characterize a cohort of children hospitalized due to varicella before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical charts of all children hospitalized in the Regional Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Warsaw due to varicella in the years 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and compared. In total, 221 children were included in the analysis; 59 of them were hospitalized in 2019, whereas 162 were hospitalized in 2022. Children hospitalized in 2022 were older than those reported in 2019 (median 4.0 vs. 3.0 years, p = 0.02). None of the hospitalized children received complete varicella vaccination. The most common complication in both years was bacterial superinfection of skin lesions, found in 156/221 (70.6%) of patients. This complication rate was higher in 2022 (50.8% in 2019 vs. 77.8% in 2022, p = 0.0001), OR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.80–6.35. Moreover, skin infections in 2022 more often manifested with cellulitis (in 2022 13.6% vs. 3.4% in 2019, p = 0.03), OR = 4.40, 95% CI: 1.00–19.33. Sepsis as a complication of varicella was almost five-fold more prevalent in 2022 than in 2019 (p = 0.009), OR = 5.70, 95% CI: 1.31–24.77. Antibiotic use increased between 2019 and 2022 (71.2% vs. 85.2%, p = 0.01). Furthermore, patients were treated more frequently with the combination of two different antibiotics simultaneously (only 3.4% of patients in 2019 compared to 15.4% in 2022, p = 0.01). Primary infections with varicella zoster virus in 2022 led to a more severe course of the disease.

Abstract Mastitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease. The increase in antibiotic resistance of bacteria that cause mastitis means that cattle breeders would prefer to reduce the use of antibiotics. Recently, therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources have gained significant interest in the development of regenerative medicine in humans and animals, due to their extraordinary range of properties and functions. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of an allogeneic stem cells derived from bone marrow (BMSC) and adipose tissue (ADSC) in treating mastitis in dairy cattle. The research material consisted of milk and blood samples collected from 39 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows, 36 of which were classified as having mastitis, based on cytological evaluation of their milk. The experimental group was divided into subgroups according to the method of MSC administration: intravenous, intramammary, and intravenous + intramammary, and according to the allogeneic stem cells administered: BMSC and ADSC. The research material was collected at several time intervals: before the administration of stem cells, after 24 and 72 h, and after 7 days. Blood samples were collected to assess hematological parameters and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while the milk samples were used for microbiological assessment and to determine the somatic cells count (SCC). The administration of allogeneic MSCs resulted in a reduction in the total number of bacterial cells, Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae group, and a systematic decrease in SCC in milk. The therapeutic effect was achieved via intravenous + intramammary or intramammary administration.

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the c.495C > T polymorphism within exon 1 of the osteopontin gene (OPN), and to analyze its association with susceptibility to ketosis in Polish Holstein–Friesian (HF) cows. The study utilized blood samples from 977 HF cows, for the determination of β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) and for DNA isolation. The c.495C > T polymorphism of the bovine osteopontin gene was determined by PCR–RFLP. The CT genotype (0.50) was deemed the most common, while TT (0.08) was the rarest genotype. Cows with ketosis most often had the CC genotype, while cows with the TT genotype had the lowest incidence of ketosis. To confirm the relationship between the genotype and ketosis in cows, a weight of evidence (WoE) was generated. A very strong effect of the TT genotype on resistance to ketosis was demonstrated. The distribution of the ROC curve shows that the probability of resistance to ketosis is > 75% if cows have the TT genotype of the OPN gene (cutoff value is 0.758). Results suggest that TT genotype at the c.495C > T locus of the OPN gene might be effective way to detect the cows with risk of ketosis.

The threat posed by microplastics has become one of the world’s most serious problems. Recent reports indicate that the presence of microplastics has been documented not only in coastal areas and beaches, but also in water reservoirs, from which they enter the bodies of aquatic animals and humans. Microplastics can also bioaccumulate contaminants that lead to serious damage to aquatic ecosystems. The lack of comprehensive data makes it challenging to ascertain the potential consequences of acute and chronic exposure, particularly for future generations. It is crucial to acknowledge that there is still a substantial need for rapid and effective techniques to identify microplastic particles for precise evaluation. Additionally, implementing legal regulations, limiting plastic production, and developing biodegradation methods are promising solutions, the implementation of which could limit the spread of toxic microplastics.

Coffee is a source of micronutrients, including iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. It may also contain toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium. The effects of coffee on the human body may vary depending on its composition. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of ground and instant coffee with regard to the content of selected trace elements. The concentrations of trace elements, including copper, iron, manganese, and zinc, were determined by ICP-AES, while the levels of lead and cadmium were quantified by GF-AAS methods. Furthermore, the degree of coverage of the recommended intake of elements and the risk assessment for human health (EDI, THQ, PTMI, and TWI) were determined. Our findings indicate that the consumption of a cup of coffee provides the body with only small amounts of these elements. A coffee prepared from 6.33 g of ground coffee beans provides 0.08–1.52% of the RDA value, while a coffee prepared from 6.33 g of instant coffee provides 0.46–13.01% of the RDA, depending on the microelement. The low transfer to the brew (Pb = 7.1%; Cd = 30.0%) of the analyzed ground coffees renders them safe for the consumer, even at a consumption of six cups per day. The percentage of benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL0.1) in the case of lead did not exceed 0.9%. The estimated value did not exceed 0.2% of the provisional tolerable monthly intake of cadmium (PTMI). None of the analyzed coffees exhibited any risk regarding the trace elements.

Angelika Długosz-Pokorska,1 Renata Perlikowska,1 Tomasz Janecki,2 Anna Janecka1 1Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; 2Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, PolandCorrespondence: Angelika Długosz-Pokorska, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, Lodz, 92-215, Poland, Tel +48 42 2725706, Fax +48 42 678 42 77, Email angelika.dlugosz@umed.lodz.plIntroduction: Taxol (Tx), a microtubule-stabilizing drug, has been widely used as a chemotherapeutic in several types of cancer. However, the development of resistance limited its application. One of the strategies used to prevent the emergence of drug resistance is combination treatment, involving at least two drugs. The aim of the current study was to assess if a new uracil analog, 3-p-bromophenyl-1-ethyl-5-methylidenedihydrouracil (U-359) can prevent the development of Tx resistance in breast cancer cells.Methods: The cytotoxicity of the new drug was tested in MCF-7 (hormone receptor (ER, PR) positive cell-line) and MCF-10A cell lines using MTT method. For the detection of apoptosis and necrosis, the Wright and Giemsa staining was used. Gene expression was measured by real-time PCR, and changes in the protein levels were evaluated by ELISA and bioluminescent method.Results: We investigated the effect of Tx and U-359 on cancer MCF-7 and normal MCF-10A cells alone and in combination. Tx co-administered with U-359 inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells to 7% while the level of ATPase drastically decreased to 14%, compared with effects produced by Tx alone. The apoptosis process was induced through the mitochondrial pathway. These effects were not seen in MCF-10A cells, showing the wide safety margin. The obtained results have shown that U-359 produced a synergistic effect with Tx probably by reducing Tx resistance in MCF-7 cells. To elucidate the possible mechanism of resistance, expression of tubulin III (TUBIII), responsible for microtubule stabilization and tau and Nlp proteins, responsible for microtubule dynamics, was assessed.Conclusion: Combination of Tx with U-359 reduced overexpression of TUBIII and Nlp. Thus, U-359 may stand for a potential reversal agent for the treatment of MDR in cancer cells.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: MCF-7, MDR, Nlp protein, U-359, taxol, tubulin III

In 2018, a new governance law ("Ustawa 2.0") modernised the institutional governance of Polish public higher education institutions. This article investigates the governance changes from the cultural perspective of higher education governance through a survey administered to all Polish rectors. Responses were analysed by splitting higher education institutions into three categories (traditional academic [comprehensive], specialised, and applied sciences) to explore whether distinct institutional environments/subfields influence the perception of the new governance model. This article provides several research contributions: it is the first to adopt a cultural perspective to analyse higher education governance reforms in a Central and Eastern European country; it addresses specialised universities and universities of applied sciences, which are usually overlooked in higher education governance studies; and it extends the knowledge of the recent Polish higher education reform by highlighting divergent interpretations of the same governance framework across distinct institutional subfields within the same higher education system.

There is growing interest in the underlying mechanisms affecting female leaders in Higher Education (HE). This article compares four countries -- Germany, Norway, Poland and Sweden to identify key structural conditions (enablers and barriers) for female representation in academia by studying the regulative framework of government policy. Two research questions are guiding the analysis: first, what (if any) policy instruments are chosen to increase the number of female leaders in HE? Second, to what extent does this choice of instruments mirror either sectorial logic (HE) or national policy styles? The empirical results of the article show that while processes of policy diffusion are observable at the sectoral level, gender equality policies and instrument choice differ considerably in the four countries under consideration. The article thus concludes that national policy styles need to be understood as enabling and disabling policy factors for gender equality in HE shaping the process of translating diffused models decisively.

Electromobility is the challenge of modern cities. The following article explores this issue. The article presents the authors’ assessment of the impact of sustainable urban mobility indicators on the development of electromobility strategies in cities. The purpose of the paper is to describe which indicators of sustainable urban mobility may influence the development of electromobility strategies in cities by increasing the number of not only low-emission cars (electric and hybrid) and low-emission buses but also public bicycles. The hypothesis posited in the work is: sustainable urban mobility is an important factor in the development of electromobility in cities. Our literature analysis, expert research, and statistical analysis allowed us to prepare a possibly comprehensive set of indicators for sustainable urban mobility that have a potential impact on the development of electromobility strategies. We ran a thematic analysis of systematic literature reviews and collected around 50 specific types of indicators and measures of sustainable mobility. After consulting the indicator database with experts, we expanded a list of 21 indicators of sustainable mobility. Next, using regression analysis, it was determined which of the sustainable urban mobility indicators is the most important for the development of electromobility strategies in the three identified transport systems.

A series of phenyl β-carbonyl selenides with o-ester functionality substituted on the oxygen atom with chiral and achiral alkyl groups was synthesized. All compounds are the first examples of this type of organoselenium derivatives with an ester substituent in the ortho position. The obtained derivatives were tested as antioxidants and anticancer agents to see the influence of an ester functionality on the bioactivity of β-carbonyl selenides by replacing the o-amide group with an o-ester group. The best results as an antioxidant agent were observed for O-((1R,2S,5R)-(−)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzoate. The most cytotoxic derivative against breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines was O-(methyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzoate and against human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 was O-(2-pentyl)-2-((2-oxopropyl)selanyl)benzoate.

The efficacy and safety of 12 weeks of therapy with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in three patients aged 5–10 years are presented. All three children suffered from comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease in two. All participants achieved a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment. No adverse effects were reported during or after the treatment, and the compliance was good. Decisions on starting treatment in children below 6 years of age should be made individually, taking compliance into consideration. The adjustment of formulation and dosing of medication during treatment is necessary in young children. Further research with larger groups of patients is needed to confirm our findings.

Since late 2021, we have observed a significant increase in the proportion of children infected with SARS-CoV-2. The course of the disease in children is usually sparsely symptomatic or asymptomatic. However, the predominance of new virus variants makes children more likely to become symptomatically ill and require hospitalisation. This paper aims to update recommendations for managing a child with COVID-19 in out- and inpatient settings. Current options for prevention and antiviral treatment are discussed, noting the limited availability of therapy for children. In most children with COVID-19, the basis for treatment remains symptomatic and supportive therapy and measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection spread.

Abstract The study aimed to analyse the clinical course of COVID-19 in 300 infants, selected from 1283 children diagnosed with COVID-19 between March and December 2020, registered in the SARSTerPED multicenter database. Most of the infants were registered in October and November 2020. 44% of the group were girls, and 56% were boys. At diagnosis, the most common symptoms were fever in 77% of the children, cough in 40%, catarrh in 37%. Pneumonia associated with COVID-19 was diagnosed in 23% of the children, and gastrointestinal symptoms in 31.3%. In 52% of the infants, elevated levels of D-dimers were observed, and in 40%, elevated levels of IL-6 serum concentration were observed. During the second wave of the pandemic, 6 times more infants were hospitalized, and the children were statistically significantly younger compared to the patients during the first wave (3 months vs 8 months, p

Organoselenium compounds are well-known for their numerous biocapacities, which result from the uniqueness of the selenium atom and the possibility of constructing heterorganic molecules that can mimic the activity of selenoenzymes, crucial for a multitude of important physiological processes. In this paper, we have synthesized a series of N-substituted benzisoselenazolones and corresponding diphenyl diselenides possessing lipophilic long carbon chains, solely or with additional polar insets: phenyl linkers and ester groups. Evaluation of their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity revealed an increased H2O2-reduction potential of diphenyl diselenides bearing N-octyl, ethyl N-(12-dodecanoate)- and N-(8-octanoate) groups, elevated radical scavenging activity of 2,2′-diselenobis(N-dodecylbenzamide) and a promising cytotoxic potential of N-(4-dodecyl)phenylbenzisoselenazol-3(2H)-one.

Dengue is a viral, mosquito-spread disease with a high prevalence in tropical and subtropical areas. We report a case of travel-imported dengue haemorrhagic fever in a 15-year-old Polish boy. The patient presented with fever, headache, and muscle pain. He was initially diagnosed with influenza. He gradually developed skin rash, mild hepatosplenomegaly, episodic gingival bleeding, and mild symptoms of plasma leakage in the form of palms swelling. The laboratory results revealed leukopaenia and thrombocytopaenia with increasing haematocrit. Dengue virus infection was confirmed by simultaneous detection of NS1, IgM, and IgG antibodies. The patient was treated empirically in the critical phase with satisfactory outcome. The symptoms subsided and the platelet and leukocyte levels gradually reached the normal range for his age.

Facial nerve palsy occurs in paediatric population with the incidence of 4.2-15.3/100 000. In most cases etiology remains unknown (Bell’s palsy – idiopathic facial nerve palsy). Infectious agents account for around 25% of cases. This paper describes 2 cases of facial nerve palsy due to herpes zoster infection: a 9-year-old girl with vesicular lesions on the right side of the neck and face with concomitant right sided facial nerve palsy, and a 16-year-old boy* with lesions located in the left external auditory meatus who developed Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. The course of the disease and response to treatment in both patients was significantly different.

Introduction: in the review, we aimed to present current knowledge about the risk of infection, standards of care, and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in pediatric patients after non-vertical exposures to HIV, HBV, and HCV infection. Materials and Methods: the latest available literature and recommendations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), European recommendations for the management of HIV and administration of non-occupational PEP, and Polish AIDS Society were reviewed. Results: the majority of cases of non-vertical exposure to blood-borne viruses in the pediatric population consist of sexual exposition and injection with unsterilized sharp objects (usually needlestick injuries). The risk HIV, HBV, and HCV transmission depend on several factors, and each exposure should be evaluated individually with consideration of the patient’s medical history. It is crucial to start antiretroviral therapy within 48 h from exposure. Treatment is continued for 28 days, and a 3-drugs regiment is recommended in the majority of cases. Decisions on hepatitis B and tetanus PEP are based on a history of vaccination. There is no PEP for hepatitis C infection, follow-up testing aims for early identification of disease and consideration of treatment options. Conclusion: all children after the non-vertical exposure to HIV, HBV, and HCV infection should be evaluated by the Infectious Disease specialist as soon as possible after the incident and qualified to post-exposure prophylaxis. Systematic diagnostic and follow-up on children after significant needlestick exposure should be maintained. Children after sexual exposure need a multidisciplinary approach. Response to reported event must be rapid and treatment must be comprehensive.

Background The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric populations varied between high-income countries (HICs) versus low-income to middle-income countries (LMICs). We sought to investigate differences in paediatric clinical outcomes and identify factors contributing to disparity between countries.Methods The International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium (ISARIC) COVID-19 database was queried to include children under 19 years of age admitted to hospital from January 2020 to April 2021 with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Univariate and multivariable analysis of contributing factors for mortality were assessed by country group (HICs vs LMICs) as defined by the World Bank criteria.Results A total of 12 860 children (3819 from 21 HICs and 9041 from 15 LMICs) participated in this study. Of these, 8961 were laboratory-confirmed and 3899 suspected COVID-19 cases. About 52% of LMICs children were black, and more than 40% were infants and adolescent. Overall in-hospital mortality rate (95% CI) was 3.3% [=(3.0% to 3.6%), higher in LMICs than HICs (4.0% (3.6% to 4.4%) and 1.7% (1.3% to 2.1%), respectively). There were significant differences between country income groups in intervention profile, with higher use of antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids, prone positioning, high flow nasal cannula, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation in HICs. Out of the 439 mechanically ventilated children, mortality occurred in 106 (24.1%) subjects, which was higher in LMICs than HICs (89 (43.6%) vs 17 (7.2%) respectively). Pre-existing infectious comorbidities (tuberculosis and HIV) and some complications (bacterial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and myocarditis) were significantly higher in LMICs compared with HICs. On multivariable analysis, LMIC as country income group was associated with increased risk of mortality (adjusted HR 4.73 (3.16 to 7.10)).Conclusion Mortality and morbidities were higher in LMICs than HICs, and it may be attributable to differences in patient demographics, complications and access to supportive and treatment modalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community, leading to the development, investigation, and authorization of vaccines and antivirals, ultimately reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being eradicated, continues to evolve, and causes substantial health and economic burdens. In this narrative review, we posit essential points on SARS-CoV-2 and its responsible management during the transition from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that its future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have to be milder. Antivirals and vaccines remain the essential elements in COVID-19 management. However, the former could benefit from further development and improvements in dosing, while the seasonal administration of the latter requires simplification to increase interest and tackle vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to ensure the accessibility of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines in low-income countries and improve the understanding of their use in the context of the long-term goals of SARS-CoV-2 management. Regardless of location, the primary role of COVID-19 awareness and education must be played by healthcare workers, who directly communicate with patients and serve as role models for healthy behaviors.

Background: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in early 2022 resulted in a large migration of refugees to many countries, including Poland. Vaccination coverage for some infectious diseases in Ukraine is lower than in Poland; consequently, the incidence of infectious diseases—including measles, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, and COVID-19—is higher. We aimed to investigate whether the migration of Ukrainians had influenced decisions of Polish parents on having their children vaccinated and to examine their attitudes towards vaccinations. Material and methods: A cross-sectional online survey study was designed. Data on parents’ demographics, attitudes toward vaccination, and knowledge of the current epidemiological situation in Poland were collected. Parents participating in the study were divided into two subgroups for further analysis according to their decisions to have their children vaccinated. Results: A total of 568 questionnaires were collected, of which 21 did not meet the inclusion criteria for the analysis (respondents were not parents). The Ukrainian immigrants’ influx affected 54 (9.87%) participants in their decision of having their children vaccinated. Respondents in this group were more likely to have a positive attitude toward recommended vaccinations (p = 0.0428); in addition, they more often had their children vaccinated with recommended vaccinations (p = 0.0063), believed the vaccination coverage with mandatory vaccinations was higher in Poland than in Ukraine (p = 0.0014), and believed the incidence of diseases covered by mandatory (p = 0.0472) and recommended (p = 0.0097) vaccinations was higher in Ukraine. In addition, parents who declared that the migration had affected their decision regarding their children’s vaccinations had more often been vaccinated due to the influx of Ukrainian immigrants (p < 0.00001) and were more likely to be aware of how migration had impacted the current epidemiological situation in Poland (p = 0.0021). Moreover, the survey more often made these participants think about getting additional vaccinations for themselves (p < 0.0001) and their children (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The Ukrainian immigrants’ influx affected nearly one tenth of surveyed parents in their decision of having their children vaccinated. This group was more aware of the differences between infectious diseases’ epidemiology in Poland and Ukraine. In addition, they also had a more positive attitude toward vaccinations.

In this case report, we present a 16-year-old Ukrainian boy with acute hepatitis B. He had not been previously vaccinated against hepatitis B. Possible sources of infection included: a tattoo made at home, a finger cut made with hairdresser scissors during work, and unprotected sexual encounters. The clinical course of the disease was typical with jaundice and elevated aminotransferases levels without liver failure. During the follow-up visit 16 months after the onset of the disease, chronic hepatitis b was excluded but an ulcer around his anus was found. Additional tests for sexually transmitted diseases were ordered and they were positive for syphilis. The extended interview revealed that the patient had several unprotected bisexual encounters, which may have indicated a potential source of infections including the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The reported case shows that despite the significant decrease in the hepatitis B prevalence in Poland, the infection is still possible. It is necessary to conduct epidemiological interviews regarding sexually transmitted diseases in teenagers, especially when a blood-borne disease has been diagnosed.

Air pollution, to which children are more susceptible than adults, can promote airway inflammation, potentially exaggerating the effects of respiratory viral infection. This study examined the association between the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 in unvaccinated pediatric patients hospitalized in Poland (n = 766) and levels of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) within a week before hospitalization. Children aged ≤ 12 years exposed to mean and max 24 h B(a)P levels > 1 ng/m3 revealed higher odds of cough, dyspnea, fever, and increased concentrations of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, white blood cell count). In older patients (13–17 years), elevated mean 24 h B(a)P levels increased odds of dyspnea, fever, and diarrhea, and higher concentrations of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Exposure to max 24 h PM2.5 levels > 20 µg/m3 was associated with higher odds of cough, increased concentrations of C-reactive protein (group ≤12 years), and increased procalcitonin concentration (groups ≤12 years and 13–17 years). In both age groups, length of stay was extended in patients exposed to elevated levels of max 24 h PM2.5, mean and max 24 h B(a)P. This study suggests that worse air quality, particularly reflected in increased B(a)P levels, might affect the clinical course of COVID-19 in pediatric patients and adds to the disease burden during a pandemic.

The present study aimed to characterize pediatric patients diagnosed with hepatitis associated with primary Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection. We described the changes in liver aminotransferases activity during the disease, and we analyzed the results of abdominal ultrasonography. A retrospective study was performed by analyzing the medical records of 166 immunocompetent children diagnosed with primary EBV hepatitis hospitalized at the Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Regional Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, between August 2017 and March 2023. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was noted in the first three weeks of the disease. In 46.3% of patients, ALT values exceeded five times the upper limit of the laboratory norm in the first week of illness. Aspartate aminotransferase activity increased from the first to fourth week from the onset of symptoms and showed two peaks in the first and third weeks. The changes over time of mean AST activity demonstrated significance. Transient cholestatic liver disease was the predominant type of hepatic involvement in 10.8% of children; 66.6% of them were older than 15 years. Clinical and ultrasound criteria of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) were met in three female patients over 16 years of age. Hepatitis associated with primary EBV infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition. Significantly elevated values of liver enzymes with features of cholestatic liver disease may occur in patients with a more severe course of the infection.

Abstract Data on the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children are limited, and studies from Europe are scarce. We analyzed the clinical severity and epidemiologic aspects of COVID-19 in consecutive children aged 0–18 years, referred with a suspicion of COVID-19 between February 1, and April 15, 2020. RT-PCR on a nasopharyngeal swab was used to confirm COVID-19. 319 children met the criteria of a suspected case. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 15/319 (4.7%) patients (8 male; mean age 10.5 years). All of them had household contact with an infected relative. Five (33.3%) patients were asymptomatic. In 9/15 (60.0%) children, the course of the disease was mild, and in 1/15 (6.7%), it was moderate, with the following symptoms: fever (46.7%), cough (40%), diarrhea (20%), vomiting (13.3%), rhinitis (6.7%), and shortness of breath (6.7%). In the COVID-19-negative patients, other infections were confirmed, including influenza in 32/319 (10%). The clinical course of COVID-19 and influenza differed significantly based on the clinical presentation. In conclusion, the clinical course of COVID-19 in children is usually mild or asymptomatic. In children suspected of having COVID-19, other infections should not be overlooked. The main risk factor for COVID-19 in children is household contact with an infected relative.

Abstract Background 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite that interferes with DNA synthesis and has been widely used as a chemotherapeutic drug in various types of cancers. However, the development of drug resistance greatly limits its application. Overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in many types of cancer is responsible for the reduction of the cellular uptake of various anticancer drugs causing multidrug resistance (MDR), the major obstacle in cancer chemotherapy. Recently, we have obtained a novel synthetic 5-FU analog, U-332 [(R)-3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-ethyl-5-methylidene-6-phenyldihydrouracil], combining a uracil skeleton with an exo-cyclic methylidene group. U-332 was highly cytotoxic for HL-60 cells and showed similar cytotoxicity in the 5-FU resistant subclone (HL-60/5FU), in which this analog almost completely abolished expression of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, multidrug resistance associate protein 1 (ABCC1). The expression of ABC transporters is usually correlated with NF-κB activation. The aim of this study was to determine the level of NF-κB subunits in the resistant HL-60/5-FU cells and to evaluate the potential of U-332 to inhibit activation of NF-κB family members in this cell line. Methods Anti-proliferative activity of compound U-332 was assessed by the MTT assay. In order to disclose the mechanism of U-332 cytotoxicity, quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the NF-κB family genes, c-Rel, RelA, RelB, NF-κB1, and NF-κB2, was investigated. The ability of U-332 to reduce the activity of NF-κB members was studied by ELISA test. Results In this report it was demonstrated, using RT-PCR and ELISA assay, that members of the NF-κB family c-Rel, RelA, RelB, NF-κB1, and NF-κB2 were all overexpressed in the 5-FU-resistant HL-60/5FU cells and that U-332 potently reduced the activity of c-Rel, RelA and NF-κB1 subunits in this cell line. Conclusions This finding indicates that c-Rel, RelA and NF-κB1 subunits are responsible for the resistance of HL-60/5FU cells to 5-FU and that U-332 is able to reverse this resistance. U-332 can be viewed as an important lead compound in the search for novel drug candidates that would not cause multidrug resistance in cancer cells.

This report presents first case of severe multi-organ trauma, complicated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The child suffered from trauma resulting from falling out of the window. Imaging revealed head trauma, areas of lung contusion and abdominal organ trauma. Co-existence of multi-organ trauma, affecting chest and lungs, obscured the characteristic for COVID-19 pneumonia appe arance.

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a secreted protein, produced e.g. by neutrophils – the main group of cells involved in inflammatory conditions caused by pathogenic bacteria. So far, no studies have been carried out on the genetic variability of the LCN2 gene in cattle in terms of immunity/susceptibility to mastitis in cows. This study concerns the analysis of polymorphisms within the LCN2 gene in cattle and their impact on the production traits and the incidence of mastitis in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. Using the PCR-RFLP method, two polymorphisms – g.98784892C > T and g.98784893T > G – were identified in intron 5 of the LCN2 gene, which represent two haplotypes (CT and TG, respectively). The CT haplotype was shown to have a significant impact on the average somatic cell score of milk, however, the CT and TG haplotypes were found to have no impact on the milk yield, protein, fat and lactose levels, or the incidence of mastitis in cows. An analysis of polymorphisms in the bovine LCN2 gene could be employed in future to support selection in dairy cattle breeding programmes focused towards the somatic cell count in milk, and the LCN2 gene itself could become a molecular marker of cows’ immunity to mastitis.

Study aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Shantala massage during the classes conducted using the Developmental Movement method in improving the “with” relationship in healthy children aged 3 to 4 years.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are groups of chemical substances commonly found in the environment. Because of large differences in the concentrations of PAHs and PCBs in the materials tested, separate analytical methods specific to each group of compounds are usually used. The aim of this study was to compare methods for the determination of PAHs and PCBs that permit the simultaneous determination of these compounds from one solvent extract. The analysis of the content of 15 PCB congeners and 16 PAHs was conducted using dried fruits. The analyses were performed with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. PAHs and PCBs were determined separately in each fruit sample using specific extraction and cleanup procedures for the respective groups of compounds. Analyses were also performed with two methods that permitted the simultaneous analysis of PAHs and PCBs in one solvent extract. The integrated methods did not provide adequate extract cleanup of interfering substances; consequently, the results of determinations of PAHs and PCBs using these methods were significantly different from the values obtained with proven determination methods for PAHs and PCBs.

Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections are the major causes of chronic liver disease and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality [...]

Dynamic urban development and lifestyle changes, as well as increased awareness of the negative impact of transport on the environment, result in continuous growth and changing transport needs. Changes in transport behaviour are closely related to congestion, traffic accidents, emissions of exhaust fumes and noise, which in turn affects the quality of life. Therefore, a sustainable approach to urban mobility and transport planning is becoming more and more common in all EU countries. The concept of sustainable urban mobility assumes the modelling of the urban transport system according to the principles of sustainable development. The recommendations for urban mobility, as set out in the European Union documents, require many actions, including those related to the promotion of the desired transport behaviour of urban residents. Promotional activities are an indispensable tool for building social acceptance of the introduced changes and engaging and encouraging inhabitants to co-create urban transport system compliant with the concept of sustainable mobility. The aim of the article was to analyze selected marketing activities in the context of urban mobility. The author made a critical analysis of the literature on sustainable urban mobility, and also created her own definition of it, showing the way to its creation. In the next part of the article, she reviewed selected marketing activities aimed at balancing urban mobility, showing the progress made over the years. The conclusion of the analysis is that city dwellers are increasingly aware of the negative impact of transport on the environment and their quality of life and are therefore willing to use sustainable urban mobility tools through appropriate marketing measures. An overview of sustainable urban mobility with the marketing activities selected by the author and their analysis has been not carried out until now, which gives added value to the work.

Background: Mastitis is one of the most serious diseases of dairy cattle, causing substantial financial losses. While predisposition to reduced somatic cell count in milk has been considered for in cattle breeding programs as the key indicator of udder health status, scientists are seeking genetic markers of innate immune response, which could be helpful in selecting cows with improved immunity to mastitis. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a protein involved in the response of the immune system by eliminating iron ions which are necessary for the growth of pathogenic bacteria, so LCN2 may be considered as a natural bacteriostatic agent and could become a marker of infection. Results: A total of five SNPs were identified in LCN2 gene (one in the promoter, three in exon 1, and one in intron 1). A single haplotype block was identified. The locus g.98793763G>C was found to have a significant impact on protein levels in milk, and alleles of this locus were identified to have a significant positive dominance effect on this trait. None of the four analysed loci had a statistically significant impact on the milk yield, fat levels in milk or the somatic cell score. LCN-2 gene had no significant impact on the incidence of mastitis in the cows. Conclusions: Although the identified SNPs were not found to have any impact on the somatic cell count or the incidence of mastitis in cows, it seems that further research is necessary, covering a larger population of cattle, to confirm the association between lipocalin-2 and milk production traits and mastitis.How to cite: Pokorska J, Piestrzyńska-Kajtoch A, Kułaj D, et al. Polymorphism of bovine lipocalin-2 gene and its impact on milk production traits and mastitis in Holstein Friesian cattle. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.04.004 Keywords: Alleles, Breeding, Cattle, Gene polymorphism, Haplotype, Lipocalin-2, Mastitis, Milk, SNP, Somatic cell score, Udder

Studies into the polymorphism of the bovine osteopontin (OPN) gene have so far been focussed on the association between milk production and milk composition, lactation persistency and the rate of growth and weight gain in young cattle. Results obtained by some authors have shown different associations for various milk parameters. Even though osteopontin is an essential component of immunological response, the relationship between the polymorphism of the osteopontin gene and the incidence of diseases in cows has not been researched as yet. The purpose of this study was to analyse the c.8514 C > T polymorphism and its association with milk parameters such as: average daily yield, average protein and fat percentage and average somatic cell count in Holstein-Friesian cattle. The study also included an analysis of the impact of polymorphism on the incidence of the most frequent cattle diseases such as: clinical mastitis (CM), ovarian cysts (OC), clinical hypocalcaemia (CH) and pyometra (P). The study population of cows was found to have two alleles in the analysed locus of the osteopontin gene: C (0.529) and T (0.471), and three genotypes: CC, CT and TT (0.288, 0.482 and 0.230, respectively). Although the study showed no significant association between the polymorphism of the OPN gene and the incidence of diseases or milk parameters, it is an important contribution to research aimed at identifying the most essential SNPs which could be used for marker-assisted selection in dairy cattle herds. Highlights The study population was found to have two alleles in the locus of the osteopontin gene (c.8514C>T ): C and T, and three genotypes: CC, CT and TT. CT was the most frequent genotype of the osteopontin gene (c.8514C>T ), identified in about 48% of the study population of cows. No significant differences were focused between the genotypes in the c.8514C>T locus and the milk parameters and the incidence of cattle diseases.

Potassium helps to maintain the water–electrolyte and acid–base balance. There is little research on the relationship between plasma fatty acids (FAs), inflammatory mediators and red blood cell potassium levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study included 38 Caucasian women with PCOS. Potassium in the erythrocytes was determined by inductively coupled atomic plasma emission spectrometry. The FAs were analysed with gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography was used to separate the eicosanoids. The relationships between the potassium content and the amounts of fatty acids, as well as potassium and arachidonic acid (AAs) derivatives, were analysed. Significant negative correlations were found with, among others, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and arachidic acid, whereas a positive correlation was found with neuronic acid. Positive correlations were observed with 9, 13 HODE (derivatives synthetized from linolenic acid) and 5 oxo ETE and 5 HETE (from 5 LOX pathway). Saturated fatty acids reduce the influx of potassium into the cell by destabilizing the pH of the cytosol, and thus exacerbating the inflammatory response through the activation of the AA cascade. Therefore, improving the flow of potassium inside the cell is important in the treatment of patients.

Introduction: Infectious diseases during pregnancy may pose a threat to both mother and the developing fetus. It also creates an opportunity to screen for diseases being widely underdiagnosed among women in Poland, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infections (STI). Therefore, we aimed to assess the number of pregnant women that had not been tested for HIV despite the recommendations. In addition, a comparison of clinical evaluation between HIV-tested and non-tested pregnant women was also performed. Material and methods: Medical records of all consecutive pregnant women, referred to our Infectious Diseases Hospital between September 2019 and March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Implementation of recommended screening testing towards infectious diseases during pregnancy including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), syphilis, and rubella, were also analyzed. Results: Medical records of 273 women were included in the analysis. The median age was 32 years (interquartile range: 26–33 years). In total 243/273 (89.0%) had been tested for HIV as recommended, and the remaining 30/273 (11.0%) had not been tested. HIV infection was not confirmed in any of the participants. Only one woman within the HIV non-tested group had been correctly tested towards other infections during her pregnancy. The recommended full testing was more likely to be correctly implemented in women who had also been tested for HIV (171/243, 70.4% vs. 1/30, 3.3%, OR 68.9; 95% CI 9.2–515.3, p < 0.00001). Moreover, the correct fetal ultrasound result was more likely to be obtained in women who had been tested for HIV as recommended (234/243, 96.3% vs. 11/30, 36.7%, OR 44.9; 95% CI 16.6–121.8, p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Despite the law regulations, 11% of pregnant women referred to consultations to the infectious diseases center had not been tested for HIV. At the same time, correct fetal ultrasound results are more likely to occur in women tested for HIV according to recommendations. This suggests that a holistic approach to screening, both for communicable and non-communicable diseases, among pregnant women may translate to better pregnancy outcomes.

Drinking water is the essential medium for food production, and is also needed for direct consumption; while it must be free of harmful substances, it also must have a composition that is beneficial to health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of water and wastewater treatment on reducing the concentrations of zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in the Western Pomerania Voivodeship in Poland. The research was carried out in 2017–2019. The analysis was performed with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The concentrations of trace elements in drinking water were below maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs). Reductions in the most dangerous elements during water treatment fluctuated from 48.5% (As) to 97% (Pb). Wastewater treatment reduced the concentrations of analyzed elements by a range of 28.6 to 60.8%, and the most toxic elements (Pb and As) by over 50%. Trace element concentrations in treated wastewater were below MAC values, and ranged from 1.15% (Pb) to 6.23% (As) of MACs for toxic elements. The concentrations of both essential elements (Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu) and toxic elements (Pb, As) in drinking water were below the MACs. Water treatment had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on decreasing trace element concentrations.

Background: There are limited data available on the influence of direct-acting antivirals used to treat chronic hepatitis C (CHC) on growth in children. In this study, we aimed to analyze the growth parameters in children treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF). Methods: We included 38 patients (16 girls and 22 boys) aged 10–17 years treated with LDV/SOF for CHC (33 infected with genotype 1 and 5 with genotype 4; 36 were treated for 12 weeks, and 2 for 24 weeks according to the current guidelines). Patient weight and height were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment, at the end of the treatment (EOT), and 12 weeks and one year after the EOT. Body mass index (BMI), BMI z and height-for-age (HA) z scores were calculated according to the WHO Child Growth Standards and Growth reference data using the WHO anthropometric calculator AnthroPlus v. 1.0.4. In addition, correlations between BMI z scores and liver fibrosis (liver stiffness measurement, LSM), the aspartate transaminase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and liver steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter, CAP) were analyzed. Results: At baseline, 5/38 (13%) patients were obese (BMI z score >2 SD), 4/38 (11%) were overweight, and 29 (76%) were normal. A significant increase was observed in mean weight, height and BMI both 12 weeks and one year after the treatment compared to the baseline, whereas no differences were observed for BMI z scores and HA z scores. Baseline BMI z scores correlated with alanine aminotransferase levels (r = 0.33, 95% CI 0.01–0.58, p = 0.04), LSM (r = 0.40, 95% CI 0.09–0.65, p = 0.01), the APRI (r = 0.33, 95% CI 0.02–0.59, p = 0.03), and the CAP (r = 0.40, 95% CI 0.08–0.64, p = 0.01). No similar correlations were reported at 12 weeks posttreatment. Conclusions: Treatment with LDV/SOF in children with CHC (genotypes 1 and 4) did not negatively influence the patients’ growth. However, higher baseline BMI z scores correlated with more advanced liver fibrosis and steatosis in children with CHC.