Introduction and Aim Air pollution is a major public health concern, adversely affecting both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The main pollutants include particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO2), tropospheric ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other toxic compounds. Numerous studies confirm an association between exposure to these pollutants and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, arrhythmias, and heart failure. This paper aims to summarise current knowledge on the effects of air pollution on the cardiovascular system and to discuss underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. State of Knowledge Air pollution is one of the leading environmental risk factors for premature mortality worldwide. The most harmful components include fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). In 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revised its air quality guidelines, lowering the recommended annual PM2.5 limit to 5 µg/m3. Pollutants induce oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and autonomic imbalance, contributing to cardiovascular disease development and progression. Short-term exposure increases the risk of acute events such as myocardial infarction and arrhythmias, while long-term exposure promotes atherosclerosis and chronic heart failure. The elderly, children, and individuals with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable. This issue remains a major public health challenge globally. Summary Air pollution is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reducing exposure through continuous air quality monitoring and effective preventive measures is essential for protecting public health.

Background Older adults constitute a particularly vulnerable demographic regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection. Effective protective measures can substantially lower the risk of transmission. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines among the elderly in Poland, as well as their reported preventive practices before and after receiving their first dose of a vaccine. Material and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 among consecutive patients aged >=60 from four randomly selected vaccination centers in Zielona Góra, Poland. Knowledge and preventive practices were assessed through an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Results The response rate was 83%, yielding 444 participants (mean age 70.2±4.7 years; 61.0% female), of whom 83.6% reported having underlying health conditions. The average knowledge score regarding COVID-19 vaccines was 3.50±1.72 (on a scale of 0 to 7 points), with 50.7% achieving scores above 50%. Females demonstrated higher levels of knowledge (p=0.008). The mean score for adherence to preventive practices was 5.79±0.66 (on a scale of 0 to 6 points), with 98.9% scoring above 50%. Before vaccination, the vast majority of respondents (93.7%) reported wearing masks, and 89.6% intended to continue this practice after receiving the first dose (p=0.045). Additionally, 66.7% indicated that they would practice social distancing before vaccination. They declared they would continue this practice, rising to 72.8% following immunization (p=0.23). Conclusions The study suggests implementing national educational campaigns to enhance knowledge of COVID-19, particularly targeting older males and addressing misconceptions regarding vaccine protection to encourage sustained preventive practices.

Joseph Goldberger (1874-1929) was a physician and epidemiologist conducting research in the United States in the first half of the 20th century. His greatest achievements include proving that the cause of pellagra are nutritional deficiencies. Pellagra is a serious disorder manifesting through diverse skin lesions and damage to internal organs – without proper treatment leading to death. The results of Joseph Goldberger's research enabled effective treatment of this disease and contained its epidemic in the United States. The aim of the work is to present the most crucial aspects of the life and activities of Joseph Goldberger.

Background Food and waterborne diseases are a significant Public Health problem. In recent years, their epidemiology has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing burden of <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infections (CDI). Objective Assessment of epidemiological situation of foodborne infections and intoxications in Poland in 2021-2023. Material and methods Routine surveillance data collected by the District Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations (PSSE) through the Registry of Epidemic Outbreaks and data from the bulletins “Infectious Diseases and Poisonings in Poland” (2021-2023) were analyzed. Incidence, etiology, outbreak settings and hospitalization rates were assessed. Results In 2021-2023, an increase in the number of cases of bacterial infections and intoxications was registered (over 90,000 cases, incidence 80.2/100,000) related to an increase in <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infections (56.4/100,000 in 2023 vs. median 29.5/100,000 in 2015-2019). Also, there was an increase in listeriosis incidence. Among viral infections most prevalent were rotaviral infections, with an increase in 2022 and a decrease in 2023 and incidence between 15.7-20.1/100,000. Between 2021 and 2023, 2,722 foodborne outbreaks were reported, in which 20,102 cases occurred (compared to 2,767 outbreaks and 22,681 cases between 2017 and 2019). Majority of outbreaks were of bacterial etiology (53%), among which the most prevalent were salmonellosis outbreaks, and in this category 80% were S. Enteritidis outbreaks. Proportion of <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> outbreaks was 21.5% (16.5% of all outbreak cases), in medical facilities, outbreaks of this aetiology accounted for 78% of outbreaks. Overall, 27.9% of outbreak cases were hospitalized, most frequently in CDI and hepatitis A outbreaks. Outbreaks occurred mainly in household settings; however, most cases occurred in food-serving facilities and medical facilities. Conclusions In 2021-2023, the number of foodborne infections and intoxications outbreaks was comparable with the pre-pandemic period, but its aetiology-related structure changed (increases in CDI and viral etiology outbreaks. Those results may confirm the need of ongoing surveillance enhancement and laboratory diagnostic capacity development.

Background In 2023 there was a significant increase in the number of syphilis cases in Poland, more than 50% new cases were reported compare to previous year. There is still a problem with the clinical differentiation of reported cases, i.e. new infections, reinfections, and residual positive serological tests confirming the presence of antibodies against <i>Treponema pallidum</i> in previously successfully treated individuals. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of syphilis cases in Poland in 2023 in comparison to previous years. Material and methods Analysis of the epidemiological situation was based on case-based data from reports of newly detected syphilis cases received from doctors and laboratories and registered in 2023 year. Additionally aggregated data from MZ-56 reports on infectious diseases, infections and poisoning from 2017 to 2019 sent from Sanitary Inspections to NIPH NIH – NRI was used. Also, data about treatment patients in dermatology/venereology clinics in 2020-2023 reported on MZ-14 forms and published in the NIPH NIH – NRI bulletins were used. Results In 2023, in Poland, 2,968 syphilis cases were reported (diagnosis rate was 7.89 per 100,000 population), including 130 cases among non-Polish citizens. The most often syphilis cases were detected among people below 30 years old (37.1%) and among men (88.1%). In 2023, early syphilis (ICD-10 code: A51) consisted 36.0% of all cases reported to surveillance (1,068 cases) and other syphilis and undetermined (ICD-10 code: A53) consisted 60.6% (1,799 cases). Conclusions In 2023, the number of reported syphilis cases increased more than by half compared to the previous year. The percentage of cases of early syphilis (the most infectious), which probably occurred in a short period of time, also remains high, what can influence on transmission this infection in population and lead to increase in the number of new cases.

Background In 2023, new national policies expanded access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for people who use drugs and for incarcerated individuals. Objective To assess the epidemiological situation of HCV infection in Poland in 2023. Material and methods National surveillance data for 2023 were analyzed and compared with 2022 and pre-pandemic trends (2015-2019). Data on deaths were obtained from Statistics Poland. Results In 2023, a total of 3,267 confirmed HCV cases were reported in Poland, corresponding to a diagnosis rate of 8.65/100,000 population, representing a 29% increase compared with 2,528 cases in 2022 (6.7/100,000). Despite the overall rise in detection, the proportion of people who inject drugs among diagnosed infections remained stable at 3.2% level. Infections identified in penitentiary facilities accounted for 1.3% diagnosed cases, continuing a declining trend observed in previous years. In 2023, individuals of Polish nationality represented 81.9% of all reported HCV cases (2,677 cases), while people from Ukraine accounted for 4.0% (131/3,267) - an increase from 2.7% in 2022. The majority of hepatitis C cases among individuals originating from Ukraine were classified as imported infections, and the distribution of age groups and gender in this group was similar to that observed in the overall population of HCV diagnoses in 2023 Conclusions HCV detection in Poland has improved following the pandemic COVID-19; however, it remains below pre-2020 levels. The removal of abstinence requirements for people who use drugs and the inclusion of DAA therapy for incarcerated individuals represent an important step toward equitable access to HCV treatment, although these changes were not yet reflected in the epidemiological situation in 2023.

Background Recent advancements in orthodontics demands to shape post graduate students to acquire critical thinking skills and abilities so as to perceive high order intellectual capabilities and excellent clinical competencies. However, a very demanding top-down teaching method might not be beneficial. Hence, there is a need to bridge this research gap by conceptualizing academic curriculum with innovative teaching strategies such as the “Buddy System” aiming at creating a stress-free collaborative learning environment with attainable graduate attributes and competencies. Objective To evaluate and assess the feasibility and acceptance of the innovative ‘Buddy System” peer-teaching methodology for post-graduate course programme in orthodontic education. Material and methods A mixed-method pilot study was conducted among thirty postgraduate students (n=30) in two phases. In Phase I, a structured questionnaire comprising 29 items was developed and validated by senior academic faculty, categorized into theoretical, practical, performance-based assessment, and interpersonal skills (Categories I to IV respectively). Phase II employed completion of the questionnaire and semi-structured interviews following a peer-teaching group activity. In the questionnaire attitudes and perceptions were evaluated using a Likert scale. We measured agreement between fellow teachers and fellow learners with kappa statistic, and data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0. Results The study findings inferred good agreement with a Kappa value of 0.694, 0.683, 0.751 & 0.705 in Category I, Category II, Category III and Category IV respectively in terms of sharing of study materials in the form of books and research projects. The cumulative Kappa value obtained was 0.996 which indicated excellent agreement between fellow teachers and fellow learners (p value< 0.001). Conclusions Buddy system could facilitate active learning, collaborative environment and interpersonal support amongst post graduate students, thereby aiding as a desirable integrated peer-teaching model for dental curriculum.

Background Lyme disease is a vector-borne disease transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus, caused by a heterogeneous group of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Human infection occurs through a tick bite and its feeding on the skin. Due to the diverse symptoms, diagnosing Lyme disease is challenging and usually involves a two-step serological approach. Currently, there is still no vaccine against Lyme disease, but in 2024, data on the immunogenicity and safety of the VLA15-221 vaccine, which is in the second phase of clinical trials, was announced. Objective The aim of the study is to discuss the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2023 compared to previous years. Material and methods To assess the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland, data sent to NIPH NIH – NRI by the district Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations and published in the annual bulletin: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2023" were used. Results In 2023, there were 25 285 reported cases of Lyme disease and 1 155 hospitalizations. This represents a significant increase in cases by 45.58% compared to the previous year. Seasonal variations in case occurrences are evident in distinct quarters, with the number rising from 2 466 in Q1 to 11 626 in Q3, and then declining in Q4 to 5 945. The highest incidence was recorded in the Małopolskie voivodeship (122.9 per 100,000), Podlaskie voivodeship (96 per 100,000), and Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodeship (95.2 per 100,000). Conclusions The number of borreliosis cases returned to pre-pandemic levels but also increased by 22.57% compared to 2019 (20 630 cases), and doubled (95.49%) compared to 2020 (12 934 cases). Seasonality has remained unchanged for years. Usually, eastern Poland (most often the Podlaskie voivodeship) is characterised by the highest incidence, however, in 2023, the highest incidence was recorded in the Małopolskie voivodeship at 122.9 per 100,000.

Diet plays a significant role in shaping climate change, as food production accounts for a large proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Animal farming, particularly beef farming, generates a high carbon and water footprint, requiring large amounts of feed, energy, and water. In contrast, a diet based on plant-based products - such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains - is much less burdensome on the environment. In response to these challenges, experts from EAT-Lancet have proposed a so-called planetary diet that combines health and climate goals. It involves reducing meat and sugar consumption by half and increasing the share of plant-based products in the daily menu. The latest available literature in this field was analyzed and a standard diet was compared with a planetary diet in order to estimate the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from changes in dietary patterns. Climate change undoubtedly affects food production, availability, nutritional quality, and microbiological safety. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events lead to reduced yields and contribute to more frequent malnutrition among humans. An integrated approach to food and climate policy is needed, based on sound scientific evidence, supporting both human health and the ecological stability of the planet.

The acronym TORCH designates a group of pathogens that can lead to serious pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, and congenital infections. This review summarizes current insights into these infections, offering practical guidance primarily for obstetricians, infectious disease specialists, and general practitioners involved in prenatal care. The TORCH complex includes Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV). The definition may be extended to encompass additional (other) pathogens such as Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Parvovirus B19, and Zika virus. Screening practices for TORCH infections during pregnancy vary significantly across countries. Despite widespread access to medical care and increasing awareness among women planning pregnancy, routine screening for TORCH pathogens is not universally implemented. In Poland, diagnostic procedures during pregnancy are defined by the Standard of Perinatal Care established by the Ministry of Health. This regulation- which replaced earlier recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians- does not distinguish between ,,mandatory” and ,,recommended” tests but specifies a unified set of investigations to be performed at defined stages of pregnancy. Screening conducted during pregnancy plays a crucial role in detecting previously unrecognized infections. In Poland , a substantial proportion of new diagnoses of HIV, HBV and HCV among young women are made during routine antenatal testing, underscoring the importance of standardized serological screening in prenatal care rather than relying on diagnosis before conception. However, due to their distinct epidemiological and clinical profiles, HIV, HBV, and HCV infections are not discussed in detail in this review.