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Summary: Background: All-cause and AIDS-mortality in Europe has been decreasing between 1996 and 2020. However, regional differences as well as their drivers remain unclear. This study investigates mortality differences and their drivers, including usage of and response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and active tuberculosis (TB), among people with HIV across Europe. Methods: People with HIV enrolled in EuroSIDA were followed from 2001 through 2020. Immunologic-virologic status (IVS) was categorized as poor (CD4-cell count ≤350 cells/mm3 and viral load (VL) > 200 copies/ml), good (CD4 ≥ 500 and VL

The introduction of protective vaccination against COVID-19 was a turning point in the fight against the pandemic. Expectations also concerned the effectiveness of vaccines in inducing a strong immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the length of post-vaccination immunity. This topic seems to be especially important in the case of immunocompromised people such as those living with HIV (PLWH). The aim of the study was to examine the concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the S1 subunit of the virus’spike protein as a marker of humoral response and the concentration of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) as an indicator of cellular response in PLWH undergoing combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and uninfected people (control group) several months after the COVID-19 booster. Concentrations of selected enzymes from the group of sirtuins (SIRT1,-3,-6) that participate in the course of HIV infection were also examined. Concentrations of IgG and IFN-γ were statistically significantly lower in PLWH compared to the control group. Correlations between IgG and IFN-γ concentrations were found both in PLWH and in the control group. Only the concentration of SIRT-6 was significantly lower in PLWH compared to the control group. Vaccination for COVID-19 enabled good long-term humoral and cellular immunity in both HIV positive and uninfected people. The CD4/CD8 ratio and T CD8+ T lymphocytes count played a role in the long-term immune response to booster vaccination. The introduction of optimal cART stabilized the immune status of PLWH and had a positive effect on the humoral and cellular response against infection SARS-CoV- 2.

Background/Objectives: A late HIV diagnosis represents a significant public health concern in Poland, with approximately 50% of patients being identified as late presenters (LPs), resulting in the delayed initiation of treatment. This study assesses the potential of HIV self-testing (HIVST) to enhance early detection, particularly among heterosexual individuals, and evaluates its advantages and limitations within the Polish context. Methods: This study examines the advantages and disadvantages of HIVST by analyzing data from various studies. It focuses on the acceptability, sensitivity, and specificity of HIVST, comparing blood-based and oral fluid-based tests. Moreover, the economic impact and potential public health benefits of HIVST in Poland are evaluated. Results: HIVST is well-accepted, especially among key populations; it can reduce stigma and enhance privacy. The results of studies conducted in Poland indicate that heterosexuals are more inclined to use self-testing methods than traditional diagnostic procedures. On the other hand, HIVST has the potential for false-negative results due to the serological window and the possibility of missed diagnoses of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Moreover, the cost of HIVST remains a significant barrier, as it is not publicly funded in Poland. Conclusions: Despite its limitations, HIVST offers a number of significant benefits, including increased rates of testing and earlier detection, which could prove vital in reducing the transmission of HIV in Poland. This study proposes that increased funding, the integration of HIVST into public health strategies, and further research to enhance its implementation, alongside education and support for its effective use, should be prioritized.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) has developed resistance to nearly all antibiotics used for its treatment. However, very limited data are available regarding the antimicrobial resistance of NG isolates among MSM in Poland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in this key population. We investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility of NG isolates to six antimicrobials (ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and benzylpenicillin). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs; mg/L) were determined using Etests on gonococcal isolates. One hundred high-risk MSM were included in the study (25 HIV-positive and 75 HIV-negative using pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV). The rate of NG infection was 28%. All NG isolates were susceptible to cefixime and ceftriaxone. Susceptibility to azithromycin was found in 69.2% (18/26) of the NG isolates and resistance in 30.8% (8/26) of NG isolates. Susceptibility to tetracycline was found in 50% (13/26) of the isolates and resistance in 50% (13/26) of the isolates. We observed gonorrhea to be more prevalent in patients with a higher number of oral sexual contacts. Increasing azithromycin resistance is especially concerning for future treatment options, especially if ceftriaxone/cefixime resistance starts to develop and for people with beta-lactam antibiotics allergies. Doxy-PEP might lose its partial efficacy for NG soon.

With the widespread use of integrase inhibitors and the expanding use of long-acting cabotegravir in both pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral treatment, molecular surveillance on the transmission of integrase resistance has regained clinical significance. This study aimed to determine the frequency of INSTI-transmitted drug resistance mutations (DRMs) among treatment-naïve individuals in Poland from 2016 to 2023. INSTI resistance was analyzed in 882 antiretroviral treatment-naïve individuals using Sanger sequencing. Integrase DRMs were defined based on the Stanford HIV drug resistance database scores. Phylogeny was used to investigate subtyping and clustering. For the analysis of time-trends, logistic regression was used. Major (E138K and R263K) integrase mutations were detected in 0.45% of cases with minor resistance observed in 14.85%, most commonly (13.95%) E157Q. Overall, no major clusters of transmitted drug resistance were identified, and the transmission of E157Q showed a decreasing trend (p < 0.001). While the frequency of sub-subtype A6 increased, it was predominantly found among migrants and associated with L74 mutations. The frequency of major integrase-transmitted DRMs remains low, despite the changes in subtype variability. Surveillance of changing HIV molecular variation patterns is vital from the perspective of the optimal use of integrase inhibitors, especially due to expanding long-acting cabotegravir implementation.

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

A large number of monkeypox (MPOX) cases have been reported in Europe and North America in 2022, and a new outbreak of this disease was declared. We describe a case of a patient with probable monkeypox during the height of this epidemic in Poland. The patient’s symptoms resolved within two weeks, but over the next two months, he developed community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization and, subsequently, non-specific pleuritis. The simultaneous occurrence of such severe infections in a previously healthy young man is not typical and suggests a potential underlying cause. We believe the potential association of these diseases with probable monkeypox virus infection is very likely. Cases of monkeypox pneumonia, both viral and secondary bacterial, have already been reported in the literature. Cases of viral pleuritis in the course of MPOX in animals have also been described; however, to our knowledge, no similar cases have been described in humans to date. Our case indicates that it is important to monitor patients after MPOX in order to respond promptly to potentially life-threatening but, as of yet, not fully understood complications.

The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) epidemic remains a significant public health issue, requiring ongoing access to preventive methods. This study aimed to analyze the evolution of the HIV epidemic in Lower Silesia from 2010 to 2020, focusing on the key populations. A retrospective analysis of the medical records from newly diagnosed HIV patients at a major HIV clinic in Wroclaw was conducted, examining demographic data, infection routes, and laboratory results. An 84% increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases was observed over the decade, with the most common route of infection being sex between men (70% among those with a known infection route). These patients were generally in better clinical condition compared to their heterosexual counterparts, as indicated by a higher median CD4+ T cell count (465/μL vs. 250/μL). The changes in clinical status and infection routes were statistically significant. The HIV epidemic in Lower Silesia has shifted, with a notable rise in new infections among men who have sex with men. Heterosexual patients were often diagnosed at more advanced stages. Prevention strategies should adapt to these changing trends, with education and testing accessibility remaining priorities nationwide.

Introduction Hospitals remain the cornerstone of health systems in European countries. Therefore, the financial sustainability of hospitals constitutes an important determinant of healthcare provision security. The fragmentary data available indicate that hospitals in many European countries are continuously facing financial deficits and/or insolvency problems. Yet a comparative analysis of hospital financial performance across European countries has been lacking. The proposed review will, therefore, fill in an important research gap and build a knowledge base on the topic of assessing and monitoring the financial sustainability of hospitals in Europe. The general objective is to identify, synthetise and map existing evidence on hospital financial performance across European countries.Methods and analysis This scoping review will follow six stages: (1) defining the research question, (2) identifying relevant literature, (3) studies selection, (4) data extraction, (5) collating, summarising and reporting of results and (6) consultation process and involvement of knowledge users. The following databases will be searched:(1) Medline via PubMed, (2) Web of Science Core Collection, (3) Scopus and (4) ProQuest Central. In addition, a Google Engine search will also be performed. Furthermore, reference lists of relevant papers will be visually scanned to identify further studies of interest. The review will include both quantitative and qualitative empirical studies as well as theoretical papers and technical reports. The PRISMA extension for a Scoping Review checklist will be used for reporting.Ethics and dissemination Formal ethical approval is not required because no primary data will be collected in this study. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings will also be disseminated through conference presentations and summaries to key stakeholders.

The antimicrobial resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is an increasing public health concern, highlighted by the fact that gonococcus is considered as a ‘high’-priority pathogen by the WHO for research and development of new therapeutic options. According to the data of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in 2022, the rate of NG infections is the highest recorded since European surveillance of sexually transmitted infections began in 2009. We report a brief description of a patient infected with two different isolates of drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae. N. gonorrhoeae cultures were positive from oropharyngeal and urethral swabs and isolates had different antimicrobial susceptibility. We investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates to six antimicrobials (ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and benzylpenicillin), and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs; mg/L) were determined using Etest on gonococcal isolates. Oropharyngeal isolate was resistant to azithromycin while urethral was resistant to penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. Two different and phylogenetically distinct sequence types of NG isolates were identified. Understanding the dynamics and drivers of resistance spread can provide an improved rationale for antibiotic management, and the level of NG resistance should be monitored closely.

Background Improving the quality of hospital care is an important policy objective. Hospitals operate under pressure to contain costs and might face challenges related to financial deficits. The objective of this paper was to identify and map the available evidence on the association between hospital financial performance (FP) and quality of care (Q).Methods A scoping review was performed. Searches were conducted in 7 databases: Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, EconLit, ABI/INFORM, and Business Source Complete. The search strategy combined multiple terms from 3 topics: hospital AND FP AND Q. The collected data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative methods.Results 10 503 records were screened and 151 full text papers analysed. A total of 69 papers were included (60 empirical, 2 theoretical, 5 literature reviews, and 2 dissertations). The majority of identified studies were published within the last decade (2010-2021). Most empirical studies had been conducted in the United States (55/60), used cross-sectional approaches (32/60) and applied diverse regression models with FP measures as dependent variables, thus measuring the impact of Q on hospitals FP (34/60). The comparability of the studies’ results is limited due to differences in applied methods and settings. Yet, the general overview shows that in almost half of the cases the association between hospital FP and Q was positive, while no study showed a clear negative association.Conclusion This scoping review provides an overview of the available literature on the association between hospital FP and Q. The results highlight numerous research gaps: (1) systematic reviews and meta-analyses of existing studies with similar measures of FP and Q are unavailable, (2) further methodological/conceptual work is needed on the metrics measuring hospital FP and Q, and (3) more empirical studies should analyse the association between FP and Q in non-US healthcare settings.

Toxocariasis is the parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Toxocara roundworms species: Toxocara canis from dogs and, less frequently, Toxocara cati from cats. The high proportion of asymptomatic cases of toxocariasis and the uncharacteristic clinical manifestations mimicking other medical conditions make diagnosis challenging. The main clinical presentations of toxocariasis are visceral and ocular larva migrans. Migration to the central nervous system (neurotoxocariasis) is rare and can cause meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, cerebral vasculitis, seizures, headache or asymptomatic CNS infection. Neurotoxocariasis is an uncommon diagnosis and it is probably underdiagnosed due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations, low awareness of physicians as well as the lack of standardized diagnostic exams. To date, no causality has been proven between neurotoxocariasis and aneurysms, but due to the character of immune response elicited by the parasites, it remains an important possibility for further research. We present a case report of a woman infected with Toxocara canis highlighting the diagnostic difficulties. We aim to raise the awareness of the clinical symptomatology of neurotoxocariasis.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emerged recently as an anti-oxidative signaling molecule that contributes to gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal defense and repair. Indomethacin belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used as an effective intervention in the treatment of gout- or osteoarthritis-related inflammation. However, its clinical use is strongly limited since indomethacin inhibits gastric mucosal prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis, predisposing to or even inducing ulcerogenesis. The H2S moiety was shown to decrease the GI toxicity of some NSAIDs. However, the GI safety and anti-oxidative effect of a novel H2S-releasing indomethacin derivative (ATB-344) remain unexplored. Thus, we aimed here to compare the impact of ATB-344 and classic indomethacin on gastric mucosal integrity and their ability to counteract the development of oxidative gastric mucosal injuries. Wistar rats were pretreated intragastrically (i.g.) with vehicle, ATB-344 (7–28 mg/kg i.g.), or indomethacin (5–20 mg/kg i.g.). Next, animals were exposed to microsurgical gastric ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Gastric damage was assessed micro- and macroscopically. The volatile H2S level was assessed in the gastric mucosa using the modified methylene blue method. Serum and gastric mucosal PGE2 and 8-hydroxyguanozine (8-OHG) concentrations were evaluated by ELISA. Molecular alterations for gastric mucosal barrier-specific targets such as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX)-1, COX-2, heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX)-1, HMOX-2, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD)-1, SOD-2, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, xanthine oxidase (XDH), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), annexin A1 (ANXA1), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 1 receptor type I (IL-1R1), interleukin 1 receptor type II (IL-1R2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), or H2S-producing enzymes, cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase (MPST), were assessed at the mRNA level by real-time PCR. ATB-344 (7 mg/kg i.g.) reduced the area of gastric I/R injuries in contrast to an equimolar dose of indomethacin. ATB-344 increased gastric H2S production, did not affect gastric mucosal PGE2 content, prevented RNA oxidation, and maintained or enhanced the expression of oxidation-sensitive HMOX-1 and SOD-2 in line with decreased IL-1β and XDH. We conclude that due to the H2S-releasing ability, i.g., treatment with ATB-344 not only exerts dose-dependent GI safety but even enhances gastric mucosal barrier capacity to counteract acute oxidative injury development when applied at a low dose of 7 mg/kg, in contrast to classic indomethacin. ATB-344 (7 mg/kg) inhibited COX activity on a systemic level but did not affect cytoprotective PGE2 content in the gastric mucosa and, as a result, evoked gastroprotection against oxidative damage.

This study analyzes the relationship between renewable energy and CO2 emissions in top natural resource depending countries over the period 2000–2015. An important contribution of this study is to assess the role of governance. The Ordinary Least Squares Fixed effects Generalized Least Squares methods and two-step GMM estimators are used for panel data. The empirical results show that renewable energy has significant negative impact on per capita CO2 emissions. The estimates show that 1 percentage point increase in renewable energy consumption leads to 1.25% decrease in CO2 emissions per capita. We also find that renewable energy consumption decreases CO2 emissions faster in countries with higher rule of law and voice and accountability. gross domestic product per capita has inverted U-shaped relationship with CO2 emissions.

The European Union obliged the member states to introduce monitoring and control tools in order to improve the quality of provided transmission services and to guarantee the contracted amount of energy to end users. However, the EU has left the member states the freedom to create and implement compensation tools, enabling customers to claim their rights arising from non-compliance by transmission companies with the provisions of distribution agreements. The introduction of quantitative energy monitoring and an appropriate compensation mechanism is of great importance not only for end users but also for distribution companies. For end users, this would be a tool to enforce their rights against transmission companies, while transmission companies would gain a tool to control and manage both legal and financial risks. The aim of this study is to analyze discount as an example of a guarantee instrument in the field of the consumer’s right to energy of an adequate quality based on the Polish example supported by a systematic legal review. In the EU, discount is not regulated directly at the EU level; hence, it is impossible to base it on acquis and analyze it through the prism of EU regulation. In Poland, the possibility for recipients to apply for a discount for poor-quality electricity was introduced into the first version of the Energy Law in 1998, long before the adoption of Directive 2019/944 by the EU. The fundamental issues that were addressed and discussed in this paper were as follows: (1) Is the discount compensatory in nature? (2) Should it be included in the compensation due to the consumer? (3) Is it possible to reduce it when the power supply interruption results from circumstances beyond the control of the energy company (e.g., unforeseen weather conditions)?

The article attempts to describe the ways of translating the names of weapons into Russian, which were used by the Polish writer Henryk Sienkiewicz in his historical novel “Pan Wołodyjowski”. The variety of Polish names of cold weapons, which the characters of the novel used, had to receive a corresponding translation into Russian. In the article by comparing fragments of Polish and Russian texts featuring such units, it is shown how the terms of the given thematic group were translated into Russian. It is noted that these units are able to reflect the colouring of the author`s language and the region the action takes place in. In many cases these borrowings as well as other foreign-language inclusions are the findings of a translator, and often have the character of innovation in Russian language text.

The concept of the dialogical soul proposed by Joseph Ratzinger is a contemporary attempt to describe the anthropology of humanity in terms of basic, fundamental theological concepts. Epistemological approach of the dialogic soul is not about the division, but co-existence in the concept of humanity significantly different anthropological concepts. Modern neuroscience, although following completely different paths of knowing is currently concerning an important issue "of the embodied mind". Such a holistic effort to discover the truth about the man, though carried out on completely different epistemological platforms, however, have some points in common. The difficulty in finding a common language for the dialogue in this field can be overcome and lead to dialogue, which is extremely difficult but doable. We must, however, at the beginning formulate certain fundamental axioms that define class concepts used in different areas of scientific activity. The concept of dialogical soul of Ratzinger’s now exceeds the barrier of scientific paradigms axioms. It does not stop on the vision of human oneself, but recognition of one in the area of relationships and makes room for a substantial dialogue with the world of modern science.

This article reviews various decontamination methods of herbal raw materials in Poland. These are the physical and chemical treatments of plant raw materials that remove mineral and microbiological impurities to ensure food safety. There is increasing use of herbal raw materials, and it is important to understand various methods that can be used for hygienization. Techniques used ensure the removal of mechanical impurities and elimination of microorganisms in a plant material. Depending on the method of choice, certain microorganisms are removed to a varying degree, and at the same time, there is a partial loss of the health-promoting properties of the plants subjected to the hygienization. Therefore, there is need to decide on optimal methods for hygienization of herbs that both reduce microbial contamination to the maximum extent and minimize the decrease in valuable ingredients contained in the herbs. Ozonization of plant raw materials is an effective method of removing microbiological contamination from most herbs. A good solution is also to use hybrid methods. In our literature review, ozone is very often mentioned as an effective disinfectant for herbs and spices. However, there is no information about the effect of ozone use on the substances contained in herbs and spices.

INTRODUCTION:Reconstruction of HIV transmission links allows to trace the spread and dynamics of infection and guide epidemiological interventions. The aim of this study was to characterize transmission networks among subtype B infected patients from Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Maximum likelihood phylogenenetic trees were inferred from 966 HIV-1 subtype B protease/reverse transcriptase sequences from patients followed up in nine Polish HIV centers. Monophyletic clusters were identified using 3% within-cluster distance and 0.9 bootstrap values. Interregional links for the clusters were investigated and time from infection to onward transmission estimated using Bayesian dated MCMC phylogeny. RESULTS:Three hundred twenty one (33.2%) sequences formed 109 clusters, including ten clusters of ≥5 sequences (n = 81, 8.4%). Transmission networks were more common among MSM (234 sequences, 68.6%) compared to other infection routes (injection drug use: 28 (8.2%) and heterosexual transmissions: 59 (17.3%) cases, respectively [OR:3.5 (95%CI:2.6-4.6),p

Book Review of The ABC's of Socialism by Bhaskar Sunkara

Niniejsze opracowanie zostało poświęcone analizie współczesnych narzędzi zarządzania jakością w placówkach ochrony zdrowia – normie ISO 9001:2008, będącej podstawą certyfikacji systemów zarządzania jakością (SZJ) oraz standardom akredytacyjnym opracowanym przez Centrum Monitorowania Jakości w Ochronie Zdrowia (CMJ), na podstawie których podmioty lecznicze funkcjonujące w trybie stacjonarnym, jak i ambulatoryjnym mogą się ubiegać o tzw. certyfikat akredytacyjny. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie zewnętrznych systemów oceny jakości w ochronie zdrowia oraz dokonanie ich analizy porównawczej (genezy, celów, podstawowych założeń ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem wymagań normy ISO 9001:2008 oraz standardów akredytacyjnych Centrum Monitorowania Jakości w Ochronie Zdrowia.

Provides some examples of mathematics problems that have solutions involving triangular numbers. Illustrates the observation of number patterns from which conjectures and generalizations can be made. Suggests other extensions for further investigation. (ASK)

Effective assessment of mathematical problem solving requires more than an examination of student answers. Students tend to make calculations without explanations. Teachers need to analyze their processes and get students to communicate their thinking. This article suggests ways to understand students' thinking, their conceptions, their weaknesses, and their strengths. (six references) (MLH)

An example of real-world data is used to introduce comprehensible and visual images of the data and their attributes and relationships. Stem-and-leaf plots, box-and-whisker plots, and scattergrams are used to encourage prompt recognition of data characteristics and to effect appropriate interpretations and inferences. (JJK)

Described and compared are two approaches for evaluating student problem solving skills at the elementary school level. One model was developed by Charles and Lester; the other model was developed by Woods. (RH)

For an entire school year, 24 seventh-grade classes were taught problem-solving strategies; in 14 of these classes the instruction was supplemented by calculators. Mixed findings resulted for both problem solving and calculator use. (MNS)

Eleven students out of 94 selected a hexagonal container as larger than a triangular container having the same surface area, although the capacity of the former was 50% greater than the latter. When presented with hexagons and triangles of the same perimeter but different areas, 40 students selected the hexagon as the larger area. When the hexagonal and triangular containers were reconsidered, 51 chose the hexagonal container, 45 of whom used analogy with the area problem. Similar results were obtained using another transfer problem. (MP)

Specially designed materials were used for teaching trigonometric ratios to 131 ninth- and tenth-grade students, one group using calculators and one not. Results on achievement were mixed. (MP)

The results of this study indicate no significant differences on two achievement tests and one aptitude test between calculator and non groups. Nevertheless, the investigator notes several advantages of using the calculator. (MK)

A study done with seventh and eighth graders to determine aspects of their knowledge about surface area and volume is described. Results indicate analogy in problem solving may be an appropriate strategy for seventh- and eighth-grade students. (MK)

This report is based upon three weeks of intensive observations of Polish classrooms from primary to university mathematics. A high level of mathematics content compared to North American schools, a high level of teacher dominance, and the use of specialists in grades 5-12 were among the points noted. (MP)

Two separate and simultaneous studies took place in middle socioeconomic schools. A considerable degree of consistency of results in problem-solving performance with and without calculators was found in the two investigations. Calculator-using groups performed significantly higher than non-calculator groups where differences occurred. (MP)

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains an important health problem despite the fact that combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) prolongs life and protects against acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Chronic kidney disease is an important cause of mortality among HIV patients, co-monitoring of renal function and modifying factors such as cART require constant analysis. The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of renal function among HIVinfected and cART-treated patients by measuring urine concentrations of chosen low molecular weight proteins (LMWP) as biomarkers of kidney dysfunction: retinol-binding protein (RBP), β2-microglobulin (β2M), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). The results were compared with those obtained seven years earlier (in 2011) in the same patients. Material and methods: Urine samples from 34 patients of Wroclaw outpatient HIV Clinic and from 30 HIV-negative individuals with no renal or any other disease were examined. Concentrations of LMWP were measured by immunoenzymatic ELISA tests. Results: Compared to 2011, reduction in the concentration of excreted LMWP was observed. No deleterious renal effect of tenofovir could be shown; however, most patients were receiving the new prodrug (TAF) of reduced nephrotoxicity. Positive correlation between serum creatinine and urine β2M was shown and negative correlation between eGFR and urine RBP. Coexistence of HCV infection and the number of T CD4(+) cells also correlated with the concentration of the biomarkers. Conclusions: This retrospective analysis shows a need for long-term renal function monitoring as well as other factors that may influence renal function among HIV patients. RBP, NGAL, and β2M have been confirmed to be useful biomarkers for early detection of renal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]