Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Research Articles

Comparison of Mechanized and Automated Technologies in the Scope of Cumulative Energy in Sustainable Milk Production

The labor and energy inputs for milking and milk cooling, the preparation and distribution of feed, and manure removal were analyzed on eight farms in the Masovian, Podlaskie, Lower Silesian, and Kuyavian–Pomeranian voivodeships. In these facilities, milking was carried out using milking robots, which were also employed during feed preparation and discharge. The cleaning of manure channels and walking corridors were also automated. Based on labor, fuel, energy consumption, weight of machinery and equipment, and building area, the cumulative energy intensity of the farms was calculated, taking into account the average density of cow herds. The lowest energy input, 0.974 kWh∙LU−1∙day, and the lowest cumulative energy intensity, amounting to 19.601 MJ∙day−1∙LU−1 were observed in a farm with AF-AM5 technology, that is, an automated milking system (AMS) and an automated feeding system (AFS). The second lowest total energy intensity was measured in a farm utilizing the AF-AM7 technology and amounted to 22.505 MJ∙day−1∙LU−1. The highest cumulative energy intensity was measured in a farm practicing conventional milking in a fishbone milking parlor, with a traditional feeding wagon powered by an agricultural tractor. A high level of cumulative energy intensity, for the majority, was connected with a high energy and fuel consumption, especially during the preparation of feed and feed distribution.

Clinical relevance of cluster analysis in phenotyping allergic rhinitis in the paediatric population of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship, Poland.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic disease in the world, and additionally, its prevalence is successively increasing. Children with AR constitute a heterogeneous group of patients differing both in the course of AR and in the frequency of asthma coexistence. It is possible to identify children with AR at risk of a more severe course of the disease by analysing the potential family, environmental and clinical factors related to the development of the disease; the findings will help identify patients with a higher risk of developing asthma in the future, and who will benefit the most from early allergen-specific immunotherapy. Evaluation of clinical relevance of cluster analysis in phenotyping AR based on an analysis of selected clinical and environmental factors. The study sample was 80 children (7-17 y.o.) with AR, including 28 children with associated asthma. The effects of AR symptoms on the patients daily functioning, skin prick tests (Allergopharma), allergen-specific IgE for airborne allergens (Biocheck GmbH), total cholesterol, cholesterol high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride levels in the blood (ARCHITECTcSystem), FeNO and nNO concentrations (HypAir FeNO Medisoft) and results of methacholine challenge test (Lungtest 1000Ispa) were analysed. Four clusters of patients with AR were extracted, differing in the incidence and severity of AR symptoms and the coincidence of asthma. Most of the children from cluster 1 (n = 24; 85.71%) and cluster 2 (n = 15; 78.95%) had persistent AR, while most of the children from cluster 3 (n = 11; 73.33%) and cluster 4 (n = 14; 77.78%) had intermittent AR. The co-occurrence of asthma was significantly higher in cluster 1 than in other clusters (p = 0.0002). Children in clusters 3 and 4 reported a lower impact of AR symptoms on daily functioning (p = 0.0153). Children in cluster 1 had significantly more often an abnormally high total cholesterol level (p = 0.033) and in cluster 4 significantly more often abnormally high triglyceride levels (p = 0.009) were observed. Patients in cluster 2 were significantly less likely to have abnormal high LDL levels (p = 0.015). Children with AR from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship differing in the course of AR, the frequency of coexistence of asthma, and occurrence of lipid parameter abnormalities.

THE LATEST TRENDS IN THE NAMES OF RURAL STREETS (BASED ON THE EXAMPLE OF VICONYMS OF THE SICIENKO DISTRICT IN THE KUYAVIAN-POMERANIAN VOIVODESHIP)

Studies on viconymy are becoming more and more popular in Poland. The analysis of the naming systems of more rural areas will allow for synthetic and comparative studies in the field of viconymy and urbanonymy in the future. This text is another in a series of articles devoted to the rural names (viconymy) of selected localities in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
 The subject of the article are the viconyms of the Sicienko disctrict. The research material was extracted from the list of street names obtained from the District Office in Sicienko in 2021, from the resolutions of the Sicienko District Council on naming streets, as well as from the interactive map of the municipality.
 Sicienko is a rural district located in Poland, in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, the second largest in Bydgoszcz County. The district includes 21 villages with 39 towns.
 222 viconyms were excerpted from nine towns in the district (Dąbrówka Nowa, Kruszyn, Kruszyniec, Mochle, Osówiec, Pawłówek, Sicienko, Szczutki, Zielonczyn). The semantic and structural street names has been carried out.
 The naming trends in all the mentioned villages are similar. Most of the names are appellative viconyms (in Dąbrówka Nowa there are 90.4% of them, in Kruszyn – 93.5%, in Kruszyniec – 80%, in Mochle – 83.3%, in Osówiec – 92.5%, in Pawłówek – 95, 8%, in Sicienko – 82.3%, in Szczutki – 90%, in Zielonczyn – 88.2%. As regards the most common types of appellative names, natural names predominate in Kruszyn (where they constitute 62% of all appellative names), Mochle (60%), Osówiec (51.3%), Pawłówek (56.5%) and Sicienko (64.2%). In Dąbrówka Nowa, the most productive type of appellative viconyms are cultural names (84.2%), in Szczutki – metaphorical names (66.6%), in Zielonczyn – topographic names (40%). Names commemorating people important to the district are rare.
 As regards formal and linguistic structure, names in the form of adjectives dominate. This is a tendency typical for rural names.

The Late Palaeolithic in Toruń Basin in the light of the latest research in Brzoza, Site 50

Abstract This paper The data from the article was presented by the author during 16th SKAM Lithic Workshop (“Fossil Directeur”. A Phenomenon over Time and Space), 21–23 October 2019, Nitra, Slovak Republic, presentation: The Late Palaeolithic in Toruń Basin in the light of the latest research in Brzoza, site 50 (poster session). presents the preliminary findings related to the excavations in Brzoza site 50, commune Wielka Nieszawka, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (Poland). The Late Palaeolithic site complex in Brzoza – until the end of 1990s known as Toruń-Rudak – is located it Toruń Basin (Poland), in the grounds of a military shooting range on the left bank of Vistula south of the city. According to the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Monuments Conservator the whole complex was defined as one, site no. 50. Rescue excavations in Brzoza in years 2015–2018 were conducted by the District Museum in Toruń. In total 276 m2 were excavated, resulting in documentation of over 11 000 flint products. The research was funded from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivode budget via the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Monuments Conservator and the District Museum in Toruń. The research consisted of archaeological exploration at the remains of the dune embankment, to locate and document undisturbed (in situ) cultural features (flint concentrations). In order to capture the stratigraphic situation in the vicinity of the planned research excavations and to locate the cultural layer with the flint materials linked to the Late Palaeolithic surveys were conducted by means of drillings. The following specialist examinations and consultations were carried out: geological and geomorphological documentation; analyzes of the geographical environment and pedostratigraphy of the research area; from selected profiles soil samples were taken for TL and OSL method analyses. Against the background of other well-known sites with tanged points in northern Poland, the area under study stands out both in terms of the number of flint products obtained and the documented flint concentrations. It must be emphasized that the context of new flint concentrations discovered in Brzoza in the years 2015–2018 is different than that of earlier investigations. Flint products were discovered in a preserved planigraphic and stratigraphic layout; not on a secondary deposit, as was the case, among others in the 1970s. New concentrations discovered in 2015–2018 are related to the Late Palaeolithic technocomplex with tanged points. Amongst flint tools there are elements typologically characteristic to Ahrensburg and Swiderian culture, and individual finds that can be associated with Bromme assemblages. At the present stage of research the acquired flint materials can be linked to the Late Palaeolithic communities present in the area presumably in the younger Dryas. Brzoza site complex occupies an important place in the research of the Late Palaeolithic of northern Poland.

EVALUATION OF LOSSES AT THE PRIMARY PRODUCTION STAGE OF EDIBLE CARROTS

The aim of the article is to present the magnitude of losses at the stage of primary edible carrot production and to indicate directions for redistributing production waste. The study included producers of edible carrots located in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, whose average yield size in the years 2019-2021 corresponded to 15% of the total yield collected in the voivodeship and approximately 2.4% in the country. Based on expert interviews and commercial documentation analysis, it was found that, due to high customer demands regarding the appearance of carrots (cosmetic standards), on average, only about 44% of the weight of calibrated carrots intended for sale constituted the mass of the harvested raw material. Approximately 7% was allocated to processing plants, and around 26% of the raw material mass was used for animal feed. The remaining portion of the harvest represented production losses (19%) and fuel for biogas plants (4%). In order to reduce production losses, primarily resulting from the depreciation of items solely based on their appearance, recipients (e.g., retail chains) should enable producers to deliver less visually appealing raw materials with corresponding price discounts. It is also crucial to raise awareness among customers through educational and promotional efforts, emphasizing the equal nutritional value of raw materials regardless of their appearance (straight, curved, thicker, thinner). This will increase both the product’s availability to the public and production efficiency for the producer.

Niekompetentni kompetentni: o kompetencjach diagnostycznych nauczycieli edukacji wczesnoszkolnej/przedszkolnej

The article outlines research conducted as part of a doctoral thesis and addresses the issue of insufficient diagnostic competencies among elementary education teachers. Based on the feedback from teachers who verbalized difficulties related to the diagnostic process during self-assessment, reflection was undertaken on diagnostic skills and directions for changing the current reality. The research was divided into three parts: two stages of quantitative research and a stage of qualitative research. The participants in the study were preschool and school teachers working in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.

Educational specificity of Salesian institutions in the Polish catholic school system

Catholic education occupies a special place in the country of religious education. Education at the Catholic School is based on Christian personalism, which recognizes the existential specificity of the human being, and therefore a personal dimension of human being, a material and spiritual element of its nature, reason and freedom as significant attributes, sensitivity to higher values. This personalistic concept of a man recognizing his spiritual dimension, significantly shed on the entire course of education. Among the Catholic schools operating in Poland, special position occupies schools conducted by the Salesian Assembly, founded by Saint. John Bosko, who devoted his entire life to the creation of an educational community for the most needy and lost youth. He also became famous as the creator of an extraordinary preventive system leading to an integral human development. The paper presents the basic principles of teaching and upbringing in Salesian schools, conducted in accordance with the ideals appointed by their spiritual guide. Participants in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship were particularly exposed, subject to the Pilska Province.

The dual nature of cooperation and its influence on SME's innovativeness

In this paper, the external and internal cooperation determinants of the four types of innovation – product, process, organisational and marketing – are studied from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From a theoretical standpoint, taking into account the dual nature of cooperation, cooperation determinants can be divided into two groups: external - comprising triple helix entities: universities, governments and industry, and internal – comprising employee personality traits: decision-making autonomy, creativity, willingness to cooperate, openness to changes, risk-taking and social empathy. Additionally, three control variables were considered: age, size and sector of economic activity. The data examined comes from an empirical study of a randomly selected representative sample of 1286 SMEs in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship, a region in central-northern Poland. The empirical research was carried out between June and September 2019 using the CAPI method. The multivariate probit regression model was used to analyse the obtained data. The results indicate that only two factors directly connected with the triple helix are common and significant determinants explaining all SME innovations. These are cooperation with public administration in the field of financial support, and cooperation with clients. In turn, significant variation was observed in terms of personality traits being an essential element of internal cooperation that may influence SME innovations. A positive impact on the probability of implementing three of the four types of innovation was observed for two personality traits, namely creativity and social empathy.

Pomoc polskich miast na prawach powiatu udzielana ukraińskim partnerom współpracy międzynarodowej w okresie rosyjskiej agresji. Przykład województwa kujawsko-pomorskiego

The aim of the research is to verify the admissibility of granting financial and material aid to territorial units from Ukraine by Polish cities with poviat rights. Consideration was also given to the state and scale of cooperation between cities with county rights (i.e. Bydgoszcz, Toruń and Włocławek) from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship and their partners from Ukraine during the period of Russian aggression. The paper uses the method of content analysis, in addition, own research was carried out involving local governments from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and the results are presented. The results of the research in this paper proved that there is a legal possibility on the basis of the Act on local self-government (at the same time bearing in mind the provisions of the Act on public finances) to provide financial support from one’s own budget in the form of financial aid and in-kind support in the form of aid in kind to “local and regional communities” in Ukraine, including during the period of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In addition, the article found that all surveyed Polish local governments implemented international cooperation focused on humanitarian aid to Ukrainian partners. The article is original in nature and was devoted entirely to the issue of international cooperation during the period of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Pomoc polskich miast na prawach powiatu udzielana ukraińskim partnerom współpracy międzynarodowej w okresie rosyjskiej agresji. Przykład województwa kujawsko-pomorskiego

The aim of the research is to verify the admissibility of granting financial and material aid to territorial units from Ukraine by Polish cities with poviat rights. Consideration was also given to the state and scale of cooperation between cities with county rights (i.e. Bydgoszcz, Toruń and Włocławek) from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship and their partners from Ukraine during the period of Russian aggression. The paper uses the method of content analysis, in addition, own research was carried out involving local governments from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and the results are presented. The results of the research in this paper proved that there is a legal possibility on the basis of the Act on local self-government (at the same time bearing in mind the provisions of the Act on public finances) to provide financial support from one’s own budget in the form of financial aid and in-kind support in the form of aid in kind to “local and regional communities” in Ukraine, including during the period of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In addition, the article found that all surveyed Polish local governments implemented international cooperation focused on humanitarian aid to Ukrainian partners. The article is original in nature and was devoted entirely to the issue of international cooperation during the period of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Integrated territorial investments as an example of measures for sustainable territorial development

Purpose: The aim of the study is to present the principles of Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) functioning on the example of the Bydgoszcz and Toruń Functional Area (BTFA). An attempt has also been as made to identify the barriers and limitations, including the areas requiring additional support, in the implementation of projects. The study shows that the ITI instrument is effectively implemented under the current financial perspective 2014-2020 and should be maintained in the financial perspective 2021-2027. Design/methodology/approach: The survey was conducted among employees of the Integrated Territorial Investments Office, with a specific purpose of an attempted assessment of whether the ITI instrument has been programmed well at the national level, including evaluation of the ways in which it has been managed and implemented by the Integrated Territorial Investments for the Bydgoszcz and Toruń Functional Area (ITI BTFA) partnership. The subject of the study entailed the Integrated Territorial Investments instrument, as a tool for territorial development in Poland. The object of the study was the ITI BTFA partnership, comprising two core cities: the City of Bydgoszcz and the City of Toruń, as well as 23 municipalities in the functional area. Findings: Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) is an important instrument of territorial development, constituting a well-utilized tool of local government cooperation, co-financed by the European Union. The instrument strengthens the impact of jointly implemented projects, through an approach extending beyond the administrative boundaries of a given local government. Integrated Territorial Investments are an important tool allowing implementation of the territorial strategies of the 2014-2020 programming period, primarily in the area of integrated actions for sustainable urban development. Originality/value: The article presents the research results arising from the survey conducted at the organization analyzed. The study indicated that the ITI partnership management system is effective, as it has allowed improvement in the efficiency of the activities undertaken as well as increased trust among the partners involved. The main factors which affected the effectiveness of the projects implemented by the ITI BTFA included: good rapport with the beneficiary, cooperation of the ITI Intermediate Body with the Managing Authority of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Regional Operational Program, and ongoing monitoring.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital functioning and mortality among non-COVID-19 patients

Introduction: The pandemic resulted in significant changes in the work organization within medical facilities, mainly hospitals, which were handling the largest numbers of people infected with SARS-CoV-2. The objective of the study was to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the functioning of Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz as a whole, as well as consider individual departments. Material and methods: The data were acquired from the database of Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz and included: the average length of hospitalization, number of hospitalizations, and number of deaths, as well as COVID-19 status. Information was collected for each month in the 2020–2021 period with a distinction between specific departments. Results: The highest percentage of COVID-19 hospitalizations as well as the highest percentage of COVID-19 deaths were noted from October 2020 to May/June 2020 and in November and December 2021. Correlations between new monthly COVID-19 cases in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and several parameters (average length of hospitalization, total number of hospitalizations, mortality among non-COVID-19 patients) have been established for selected departments. Conclusions: The analysis of the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, found in selected departments a significantly increased in-hospital mortality, decreased number of hospitalizations, and decreased length of stay. Departments exhibiting an opposite impact of the pandemic on the average length of hospitalization were identified.

Analysis of environmental consequences occurring in the life cycle of a retail facility

The increasing importance of environmental protection issues has recently forced a low–emission approach to investment processes. To accomplish the European Union's climate, energy and environmental goals, action is needed to achieve high levels of energy efficiency and low environmental damage. Among the energy–intensive sectors, construction deserves a distinction due to its leading share in gross energy consumption in developed countries. Therefore, it is necessary, and at the same time more and more popular, to analyse the environmental loads generated in individual phases and throughout the life cycle of building objects. This subject is also gaining importance in the context of the recent increases in the prices of energy carriers, which forces the search for new construction and exploitation solutions in line with the philosophy of sustainable development and the circular economy. The aim of the analysis was to assess the environmental consequences in the life cycle of a real commercial building located in Janikowo (Kuyavian–Pomeranian Voivodeship), which was carried out using the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodology. The obtained results indicated the dominance of the facility exploitation phase in the level of cumulative environmental loads.

The Use of Clinimetrics in the Practice of a Neurosurgical Nurse. Preliminary Reports

Introduction. Clinimetrics is a field of medical knowledge aimed at developing and using measuring tools (scales) to assess the condition of a patient. Using clinimetric scales, a nurse, based on her/his knowledge, skills and experience, is able to determine the patient’s condition, potential health problems and establish a care plan based on a nursing diagnosis.
 Aim. The main aim of the research was to analyse the use of measurement tools in the practice of a neurosurgical nurse.
 Material and Methods. The study was conducted on a group of 93 nurses employed in 6 neurosurgical centres located in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship. The study used the diagnostic survey method, using the survey technique. In order to obtain an answer to the main objective of the research, a questionnaire was constructed consisting of a general part (demographic data) and a detailed part (data concerning measurement tools).
 Results. It was found that 68 (73%) neurosurgical nurses use measuring tools (scales) to assess the condition of the patient in their professional practice. The most popular scales are: Glasgow Coma Scale — GCS (93 — 100% of responses), Barthel Index — BI (56 — 60% of responses), Kurtzke Extended Disability Status Scale (43 — 46% of responses) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) (38 — 40% of responses). A statistically significant relationship was found between the use of measuring tools (scales) and education (< 0.0001) and specialization by nurses (< 0.0001). There was no dependence on age (p < 0.05) and seniority (p < 0.05) of nurses.
 Conclusions. More than half of the surveyed neurosurgical nurses use measuring tools (scales) in their professional practice to assess the patient’s condition. The most popular measuring tool (scale) is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). A relationship was observed between education and specialization and the use of measuring tools (scales) to assess the condition of a patient in professional practice. (JNNN 2022;11(3):124–129)

To know is to accept. Uncovering the perception of renewables as a behavioural trigger of rural energy transition

Abstract Our research aims to reflect on rural communities’ awareness and perceptions of various energy sources, particularly focusing on renewable energies. We argue that there is an urgent need to expand the knowledge base on the perspectives of rural communities directly and indirectly affected by renewable energy installations. From an empirical point of view, our study focuses on the Lipno county in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (Poland), where a relatively unique constellation of renewable energy and local community is emerging. Our findings indicate a wide awareness about renewable energies in the community, but a rather shallow, imbalanced, and outdated knowledge on potentials, advantages and disadvantages of individual locally available renewable energy sources was detected. To break deeply rooted carbon dependency and lock-in and to trigger mechanisms of change leading to more sustainable futures, practical, contextual, and place-based knowledge is essentially needed to shape responsive attitudes. We claim that personal experience of the effects of renewable energy installation (especially small-scale ones) can be a proxy for the change and scaling up. This is a key because it proves the leading role of an inclusive approach to developing renewable energy in rural areas. Locals undertake new energy investments, which is the basis of spatial (territorial) distribution justice – they not only bear the costs of operating new energy installations but also derive tangible benefits from renewables.

Use of convalescent plasma in patients with COVID-19

Introducton: We wished to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of convalescent plasma (CP) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients treated in hospitals in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, including the impact of treatment duration and CP antibody titer on the course of hospitalization and patient survival in relation to other risk factors. Material and methods: This was a retrospective analysis of clinical data of CP use in hospitals in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. Results: A total of 3,596 patients had available clinical data. In 59% of patients, CP was administered during the initial 24 hours of hospitalization (median: 1 day, range 1–49). In cured patients, hospital length of stay correlated with time of CP administration ( p <0.001), i.e. the sooner the COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) was administered, the shorter the hospitalization. Overall survival in analyzed COVID-19 patients was 78.3%, and it was better when CP was administered during the first day of hospitalization (79.9% vs. 86.8%, p = 0.057), in younger patients (91.0% vs. 76.2% for patients <50 years and older, respectively; p <0.001); in patients not requiring invasive ventilation (78.7% vs. 26.9%, p <0.001), in good performance status patients (92.5% vs. 81.0% and 68.6% in patients in moderate and poor performance status, respectively; p <0.001); and in patients without comorbidities (88.6% vs. 75.9%, p <0.001). In turn, blood group and titers of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in CP had no impact on survival. In multivariate analysis, the following factors increased the risk of death from COVID-19: general clinical status at admission (poor > moderate > good), comorbidities, mechanical ventilation required. Risk of death was decreased in younger patients (continuous variable), while administration of CP within the first day of hospitalization had borderline significance ( p = 0.077). The use of CP was a safe therapeutic approach. Mild reactions were reported after just 5/9,356 (0.05%) transfusions. Conclusions: The early administration of CP had a beneficial effect on the clinical course of treatment in COVID-19 patients.

Receiving of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 convalescent plasma in 2020–2021 in context of activity of Regional Center of Blood Donation and Blood Treatment in Bydgoszcz, Poland

Introduction: We analyzed SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) production in the process of qualifying donors-convalescents, plasma collection and dispensing from the Regional Center of Blood Donation and Blood Treatment (RCKiK, Regionalne Centrum Krwiodawstwa i Krwiolecznictwa ) in Bydgoszcz in the light of Polish national data. Material and methods: This retrospective analysis based on the RCKiK documentation covers the first year of convalescent plasma production and use, i.e. from 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021. Evaluations of the qualifying process for convalescent donors, plasma collection, and dispensing to hospitals were carried out. The data was analyzed in relation to data from all over Poland provided by the National Blood Center. Results: In the 12 months ending on 30 April, 2021, 121,896.2 CCP units were acquired in total in 21 Regional Blood Donation and Treatment Centers. Of these, 14,683 units (12%) were acquired in Bydgoszcz, which places RCKiK Bydgoszcz in first place in Poland. The majority of donors were men, and most men were multiple donors, but most women were first-time donors. Most donors donated blood once, but 28.8% of donors donated at least twice. Most donations took place between December 2020 and March 2021, i.e. after the peak of the second and during the third wave of the pandemic. Nearly all the CCP preparations were dispensed to 29 hospitals in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, and about 0.4% to other voivodeships. Conclusions: In the period from 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021, the RCKiK in Bydgoszcz was the most active center in Poland for obtaining, producing and distributing plasma from people who were convalescing. In the plasma collection process, a very high level of commitment among of RBC personnel and donors was found, expressed in an increased number of donations. A relatively high proportion of donors were first-time and repeat multiple donors, although most donors gave only one donation. The mean anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies titer remained at a comparable level up to 150 days after disease.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in people at an increased risk of HIV infection – a pilot study

<br><b>Introduction:</b> The observation of the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis may prevent the development of a severe form of the disease in HIV patients.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> The aim of the study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> in the population of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship at high risk of contracting HIV.</br> <br><b>Material and methods:</b> Blood serum samples of 43 patients of the Consulting and Diagnostic AIDS Center were tested for the presence of anti-HIV-1/HIV-2 antibodies and p24 antigen, and for the presence of anti-toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> Anti-toxoplasma IgG antibody prevalence of 53.5% (23/43) was found in the study population, while the examination of specific IgM antibodies was negative. A high IgG antibody avidity index was obtained in 18 (94.7%) seropositive samples. Thirty (69.77%) of the samples were female, and 13 (30.23%) were male. Among men, HIV was detected in 1 (7.69%), and IgG antibodies against <i>T. gondii</i> in 7 (53.85%) samples. IgG antibodies against <i>T. gondii</i> were found in 16 (53.33%) women. The HIV-positive individual was 24 years old. The presence of antibodies against <i>T. gondii</i> in the IgG class was found in people of different ages (in women aged 38.44 ±13.00 years old and in men aged 29.29 ±10.86 years old). The risky situation that could cause HIV infection is in most cases sexual contacts (79.07%).</br> <br><b>Conclusions:</b> High seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> was found among the studied subjects at a high risk of HIV infection. Further research is required on a larger study group.</br>

The Influence of Bacteria Causing Subclinical Mastitis on the Structure of the Cow’s Milk Microbiome

Mastitis is the most expensive disease of dairy cattle across the world and is the main reason for the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiome of raw milk obtained from a semi-subsistence farm located in the Kuyavian–Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. Milk from healthy cows and from cows with subclinical mastitis was analyzed. The following pathogenic bacteria were found in milk from individuals with subclinical mastitis: Escherichia coli or Streptococcus agalactiae. The composition of drinking milk was assessed on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Ion Torrent platform. Based on the conducted research, significant changes in the composition of the milk microbiome were found depending on the physiological state of the cows. The microbiome of milk from healthy cows differed significantly from the milk from cows with subclinical mastitis. Two phyla dominated in the milk from healthy cows: Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, in equal amounts. On the contrary, in the milk from cows with diagnosed subclinical mastitis, one of the types dominated: either Firmicutes or Proteobacteria, and was largely predominant. Moreover, the milk microflora from the ill animals were characterized by lower values of the determined biodiversity indicators than the milk from healthy cows. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in the milk resulted in a significant reduction in the share of lactic acid bacteria in the structure of the population of microorganisms, which are of great importance in the production technology of regional products.

Chronic hemodialysis patients at Fresenius Dialysis Centers from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship as primary health care and outpatient specialist care recipients – pilot study

Abstract Introduction. Depending on the stage and progression of the disease, patients with chronic kidney disease (Przewlekła Choroba Nerek) – CKD receive care at various levels of the Polish healthcare system, including primary care (Podstawowa Opieka Zdrowotna) – PHC teams, specialist clinics (Ambulatoryjna Opieka Specjalistyczna) – AOS, hospitals, as well as dialysis and transplant centers. The study aimed at analyzing the use of PHC and AOS services by hemodialysis patients treated in Fresenius Dialysis Centers from Poland. Material and methods. The study was based on a questionnaire survey and the Acceptance of Illness Scale questionnaire (Skala Akceptacji Choroby) – AIS. The total number of 159 patients participated in the study. The data was obtained from the Voivodeship Department of the National Health Fund on the use of PHC services in 2015, 2016 and 2017 by hemodialysis patients. Results. The mean age of the respondents was 67.1±13.1 years. Almost all hemodialysis patients (98.7%) required additional treatment for CKD comorbidities. Over the last year before the survey, 5.7% of the respondents used PHC nursing services and no woman used PHC midwifery services. Participation in “Leki 75+” PHC program was indicated by 37.3% of those eligible. In the said period, AOS services were used by 66.7% of the respondents, including a greater percentage of urban rather than rural inhabitants (71.1% vs 58%; p<0.05). Conclusions. Multiple morbidity and a high percentage of patients receiving AOS services in the analyzed period indicate the need to provide hemodialysis patients with coordinated care supervised by a dialysis center physician. Fulfilling PHC tasks by such physicians suggests the need to increase their numbers and to improve the financing of renal replacement therapy.