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Simple Summary: Our purpose was to assess the impact of urine-sample HPV (human papillomavirus) testing on the effectiveness of screening for cervical cancer. We also assessed the acceptability of the self-collection of urine samples for HPV screening tests. Our analysis took into account research results published in systematic reviews of the available literature on the topic under study. Of the 1869 articles found in this area, we included 5 studies that met the criteria we assessed. We discovered that the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of any HPV in first-void urine samples were 87% [95% CI: (0.74; 0.94)] and 89% [95% CI: (0.81; 0.93)]. Moreover, participants in the analyzed studies had indicated that they felt comfortable with urine testing. We therefore conclude that the detection of HPV infection in first-void urine samples may have great diagnostic significance. The use of this method in commonly available screening tests could significantly increase patients' willingness to participate in research. Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of urine-sample HPV (human papillomavirus) testing on the effectiveness of screening for cervical cancer. Methods: The analysis was based on the results of a systematic review. Secondary studies were searched in the following medical databases: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The results of the statistical tests presented in the article originate from research conducted by the authors of the included articles. Results: From a total of 1869 citations, 5 studies were included in this review. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of any HPV from first-void urine samples were 87% [95% CI: (0.74; 0.94)] and 89% [95% CI: (0.81; 0.93)], respectively. Moreover, participants in the analyzed studies had indicated that they felt comfortable with urine testing. Conclusions: The development of methods to detect HPV infection in first-void urine samples and the application of this sampling method in widely available screening tests could significantly increase patients' willingness to participate in testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Results are presented for 137Cs, 90Sr and plutonium activity concentrations in more than 20 samples of terrestrial invertebrates, including species of beetles, ants, spiders and millipedes, collected in the highly contaminated area of the Chernobyl exclusion zone. The majority of samples were collected in Belarus, with some also collected in the Ukraine. Three other samples were collected in an area of lower contamination. Results show that seven samples exceed an activity concentration of 100kBq/kg (ash weight – a.w.) for 137Cs. The maximum activity concentration for this isotope was 1.52±0.08MBq/kg (a.w.) determined in ants (Formica cynerea). Seven results for 90Sr exceeded 100kBq/kg (a.w.), mostly for millipedes. Relatively high plutonium activity concentrations were found in some ants and earth-boring dung beetles. Analyses of activity ratios showed differences in transfer of radionuclides between species. To reveal the correlation structure of the multivariate data set, the Partial Least-Squares method (PLS) was used. Results of the PLS model suggest that high radiocesium activity concentrations in animal bodies can be expected mainly for relatively small creatures living on the litter surface. In contrast, high strontium activity concentrations can be expected for creatures which conduct their lives within litter, having mixed trophic habits and a moderate lifespan. No clear conclusions could be made for plutonium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to find out whether the medical staff in the emergency units in all Pomeranian Region hospitals were prepared for possible chemical weapon attack. Key medical personnel, senior doctors and nurses, in 24 hospitals were interviewed by the authors. None of the medical staff have received training in self-protection and management of mass casualties after accidental or terroristic chemical release. There were only four hospitals which had adequate space and special chambers for decontamination. None of the emergency units had special equipment needed for self-protection. The majority of the staff did not know their tasks and individual roles in the case of chemical contamination. None of the personnel had information about antidotes and place of their storage. Only 16.7% of the staff knew the source of quick information about specific treatment of casualties., Conclusions: The emergency departments in Pomeranian Region hospitals are not prepared for a possible terroristic chemical attack. There is an urgent need for training the medical staff in self-protection and management of mass casualties after accidental or terroristic chemical release. It is important to make bank of antidotes which could be placed in the regional poison control centres. All these procedures could be carried out without too much expenditure.

76 patients with chest pain including 27 men and 49 women from 25 to 75 (mean 49.96 +/- 11.36) years old, were examined by means of the psychological test. All the patients showed positive exercise test and no changes in coronary arteries. Psychological test was done by the use of personality--MMPI--2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) test and depression was diagnosed by GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale) by J. Yesavage--15 questions version. The highest mean values in MMPI--2 were obtained in neurotic scales. It indicates that emotional disorders in these patients emerge as hypochondriacal and hysterical neurosis. In 37 patients (48.7%) neurotic scales showed typical "conversion valley" and these who show such a change in MMPI--2 talk mainly about somatic complains (not psychological) during long-term stress situation. In 25 (32.9%) patients single psychological symptoms of depression could be seen and depression episodes were diagnosed in 17 patients (22.4%).