Risk of transmission of blood-derived pathogens by transfusion in Poland

Blood transfusion in Poland is the safest in history. High virological level of safety has been achieved mainly by improving not only the qualification of donors and methods used for donor screening, but also applying leukoreduction, pathogen reduction technology and grace period for serum.In this article, we discuss the improvement of the epidemic situation among blood donors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the increasing trend for HIV. Preliminary results of residual risk calculation for these pathogens are presented.Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and Babesia microti were considered as new factors potentially relevant for the safety of blood transfusion in our country. Due to evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) circulation in the ecosystem in Poland, it is also necessary to monitor the infections with this pathogen.In this article, it was emphasized that the reporting of all possible complications associated with transfusion and meticulous implementation of the look-back procedure play a key role for monitoring the risk of transmission of infectious agents by blood. It is especially important in view of the increasing epidemiological problems associated with emerging infectious agents

Characteristics of basic indices for blood donation and treatment in Europe — current challenges and actions

W opracowaniu przedstawiono i omówiono podstawowe dane dotyczące krwiodawstwa i krwiolecznictwa w Europie w ostatnich latach wraz z odniesieniem do statystyk polskich. W przypadku niektórych danych powoływano się również na statystyki światowe. Zwrócono uwagę na zachodzące zmiany i pojawiające się tendencje, wskazując zjawiska, które mogą wpływać niekorzystnie na zasoby krwi i możliwości leczenia oparte na krwi i jej składnikach. Jednocześnie przedstawiono propozycje podejmowanych działań kompensacyjnych. Podkreślono rolę postępowania prowadzącego do racjonalizacji i optymalizacji leczenia krwią, w tym programu zarządzania krwią własną pacjenta (PBM). Zaprezentowano realizowane już nowe przedsięwzięcia, których celem jest zwiększenie bezpieczeństwa krwi, takie jak implementacja technik redukcji czynników chorobotwórczych w składnikach krwi oraz modyfikacja działań organizacyjnych (np. zmiany w procedurze kwalifikacji kandydata na dawcę krwi). Przedstawiono również założenia programu samowystarczalności w zakresie zaopatrzenia krew w świetle ostatnich rezolucji Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia (WHO), także w kontekście naszego kraju.We discuss the basic indices related to blood donation and treatment in Europe with reference to Polish statistics and for some data reference is also made to world statistics. Attention was drawn to ongoing changes and tendencies with special focus on phenomena that negatively affect blood supply and treatment based on blood and blood components. Compensative solutions and measures were presented with special emphasis on rationalization and optimization of blood-based treatment, the patients’ own blood included. Implementation status of blood safety- -strengthening initiatives is presented, i.e. implementation of pathogen reduction methods in blood components as well as organizational modifications (eg. changes in the donor-candidate qualification procedure). Principles of the blood-self sufficiency program are presented against the background of the recent WHO resolutions, also in relation to Poland

Psilocybin's Emerging Role in Combating Depressive Disorder

        In this review paper, we delve into the potential applicability of psilocybin - a naturally synthesized psychedelic substance found within select species of fungi, as a prospective avenue for depression treatment. Depression, a widespread psychological malady affecting countless individuals across the globe, often proves stubborn against existing treatment modalities, necessitating exploration into new options. The spotlight has increasingly been cast on psilocybin, thanks to its promising therapeutic capacities for a spectrum of mental health disorders, notably including depression. This article dissects the operational mechanisms of psilocybin, referencing germane clinical trials, and weighing the prospective risks and rewards related to its usage. Pooled findings from an array of clinical studies hint at the possibility of psilocybin furnishing swift and lasting advantages for managing depression and similar disorders. Trial participants who underwent a combined regimen of psilocybin and psychotherapy recorded enduring alleviation in their anxiety and depressive symptoms. Psilocybin has been observed to trigger modifications in neural activity, predominantly in the brain's default mode network (DMN) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These alterations have been correlated with a decrease in self-oriented cognitive processes, an uptick in positive emotional states, and the facilitation of neuroplasticity. When compared with standard antidepressant medications, the symptomatic improvements seen with psilocybin were largely equivalent. Preclinical investigations have also underlined psilocybin's potential in augmenting neural plasticity and neurogenesis, thus hinting at its possible utility in the fields of neurosurgery and neurooncology

Diagnostyka molekularna SARS-CoV-2

Zakażenia nowym koronawirusem — SARS-CoV-2 — stały się w ostatnich miesiącachgłównym problemem epidemiologicznym oraz klinicznym na świecie, w tym Polsce w zakresiechorób zakaźnych. Niniejszy artykuł powstał na podstawie wystąpienia zaprezentowanegow trakcie webinaru zatytułowanego „Hematologia i transfuzjologia a COVID-19”, który odbyłsię w maju 2020 roku. Praca ma na celu przybliżenie procedury diagnostyki zakażenia nowymkoronawirusem. Zwrócono w niej uwagę na krytyczne dla jakości wykonywanych badańaspekty fazy przedanalitycznej oraz analitycznej, na które ma wpływ zarówno osoba zlecająca,jak i personel wykonujący badanie. Na podstawie aktualnego piśmiennictwa przedstawionotakże dalsze kierunki doskonalenia diagnostyki molekularnej SARS-CoV-2

Measurement of Molding Sand Elasticity

The progressive mechanization and automation of industrial equipment is the driving force of progress, not only in the field ofproduction but also in the measuring and control equipment. In mold production, the automation of processes such as formingmolds and cores along with their assembly has led to increases in serial production, reductions in defects, and the shorteningof molding times, among others. Thanks to automation in mold and core departments and the use of all sorts of manipulators,mold production in foundries has gained momentum.Unfortunately, in addition to the mentioned advantages, there are also new challenges as to the quality and properties of themolding and core sands used in highly automated foundries.This article presents recent research on molding sand elasticity.The topic was introduced as an attempt to answer the new needs of highly mechanized foundries.The article discusses a new method of measuring the resistance of molding materials to undergoing mechanical deformation(molding sand elasticity), with an additional analysis of the bending strengths of the tested samples. Precise measurements,test sample preparation, and interpretation of the received results are presented in the article

Effect of the SARS COV-2 virus on diabetes symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment

Because COVID-19 has been recognised as one of the most important pandemics in the history of humankind, in recent years many scientists have investigated the effect of the disease on various aspects of mental and physical human health. This article presents a literature review regarding the effect of SARS CoV-2 infection on the symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment of diabetes. It discusses the effect of infection with virus SARS-CoV-2 on the course of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as the frequency of occurrence of the disease in patients affected by COVID-19. Moreover, it presents information on the pharmacotherapy and way of providing services by doctors during the pandemic. According to the literature, infection with virus SARS CoV-2 causes a general inflammation of the organisms and numerous metabolic and hormonal disturbances, and therefore affects the course of diabetes. It may lead not only to serious metabolic complications in the course of early diabetes, but also to the development of the disease. It was determined that infection with COVID-19 in diabetes patients (mainly type 2) increases the risk of complications (such as acute respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and death).  &nbsp

The Use of Botulinum Toxin in Medicine: Safety and Efficacy Based on the Latest Research

Introduction and aim of the study: Botulinum toxin, produced by anaerobic bacteria of the Clostridium botulinum family, is one of the most potent organic compounds known to man. Despite its toxicity, it has found widespread use in medicine. From applications in aesthetic medicine, through the treatment of various disease entities, botulinum toxin has become an extremely valuable tool in the hands of doctors. The aim of this study is to review the latest research on the use of botulinum in medicine, with an emphasis on its safety and effectiveness.   Methodology: The review work is mainly based on articles searched in the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases in the years 2016-2023. The study was conducted by reviewing keywords such as "botulin", "botulin toxin", "botulin treatment", "botulin aesthetic". Current state of knowledge: Botulinum is used in the treatment of such disease entities as hyperhidrosis, cervical dystonia, migraines, neurogenic bladder, as well as in the treatment of scars and wrinkles. The use of botulinum in medicine is safe, provided that it is used by qualified specialists and in appropriate doses. An area that requires further research is the impact of long-term botulinum therapy on the antibodies produced against the toxin. Additionally, an important area for further research is patient monitoring, appropriate dose adjustment and frequency of administration, which in turn can increase the effectiveness of treatment. Summary: Botulinum toxin is an effective tool in medicine, which has many applications. However, as with any drug, it requires appropriate use and understanding of potential side effects. Further research and education are key to fully exploiting its potential and assessing the risk associated with long-term use

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia – a new perspective on prevention and treatment

Introduction   Premature birth is one of the most common problems in neonatal care and affects from 6 to 14% of pregnancies (frequency depends on geographical factors) [1].  Prematurity is the cause of almost half of deaths of children younger than 5 years old [3].  The most frequent and one of the most severe risks of preterm births is bronchopulmonary dysplasia (also called a chronic lung disease in some sources).   Aim of the study   The aim of this study is to collect data on both new and traditional ways of prevention and treatment of chronic lung disease in a population of infants born preterm (<37 weeks of gestational age).  Materials and methods  The work was created based on the articles available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases and available scientific literature. Publications were searched in English and Polish  using the following keywords: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung disease of the newborns, pulmonary hypertension in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, stem cells in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.  Results  Although bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a common problem among children born preterm, there is still a limited amount of possibilities of prevention and treatment of this condition. Despite efforts of scientists, many children with this condition suffer from both short-term and long-term consequences, such as frequent infections, asthma and impaired growth and neurodevelopment.    Summary  In the last twenty years the survival rate of children born preterm rapidly increased thank to the development of neonatal care. Up to 20% of children born with body weight less than 1500g will develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia. That is why there is a need for further research on the topic of bronchopulmonary dysplasia management, especially when it comes to biomarkers, use of mesenchymal stem cells and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.  &nbsp

The Role of high flow nasal therapy in Intensive Care Units

Introduction and purpose: High Flow Nasal Therapy is quite new respiratory support method, although recently it became more popular – especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Physiological mechanisms as well as main applications were observed and described in several randomized controlled trias and metaanalisys. The purpose of this review is to present fundamental studies and indicate applications of this method. Brief description of the state of knowladge: Breathing mixture with a maximum flow 60l/min needs to be heated and humidified to protect the airways from dryness. Optimal humidity improves mucocilary clearance, reduces inflammation of the airways and energy expenditure, especially in acute respiratory failure. High flow nasal therapy may imrpove the mechanics of breathing also by washout of nasopharyngeal dead space and generating positive airway pressure during exhalation, which keeps airways open and prevents the alveoli from collapsing. High flow therapy can be use in many different applications but at Intensive Care Unit the most important are: acute hypoxemia, during extubation or rest breaks from NIV. It is important to monitor the patient and predict the need for intubation on time. There are physiological states that we shoud focus on: respiratory rate, dyspnea or work of breathing, but it is good to know ROX index which can be helpful to assess the success of the therapy. Summary (conlcusions): High flow nasal therapy is a simple and safety respiratory support method that can be applicable at Intensive Care Units. It can lower the intubation numbers and help during NIV rest breaks. High flow nasal therapy is a very promising method for all patients with respiratory failure but it is important to monitor the patient and not delay the intubation

The Influence of obesity and overweight on the incidence of gastrointestinal tumors - a systematic review of the literature

Introduction: The percentage of the population struggling with the problem of obesity has been steadily increasing in recent years, both among adults and children. Obesity is a chronic disease resulting from a positive energy balance, which does not tend to disappear spontaneously. The etiology of obesity is multidimensional, it is caused by genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. As a result, excessive amounts of adipose tissue are deposited in the body, which leads to an increased risk of various systemic diseases, including cancers of the digestive system. Aim of the study: This review aims to show the relationship between overweight and obesity and the increased incidence of gastrointestinal cancers. Materials and methods: An analysis of previous works present in the PubMed database was performed, using the following keywords: obesity, overweight, obesity and cancer, cancer. Results: The results of the presented publications show the presence of a positive correlation between overweight and obesity, especially abdominal and the occurrence of gastrointestinal cancers