University Of Bialystok Research Articles

Long-term efficacy and safety of ab externo canaloplasty in the Polish Caucasian population with open-angle glaucoma: A 3-year retrospective study.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of ab externo canaloplasty over a 3-year follow-up period in Polish Caucasian patients with glaucoma. This retrospective study of a cases series was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. Primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure and medication burden. Secondary outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, visual field test results, endothelial cell density, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and additional glaucoma surgery. The study group consisted of 160 eyes diagnosed with early to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma and treated with ab externo canaloplasty from 2014 to 2020. The criteria for qualified and complete success were intraocular pressure < 18 mmHg or ≥ 20% reduction in intraocular pressure from baseline with or without antiglaucoma medications, respectively. After surgery, the mean intraocular pressure decreased from 19.23 ± 4.33 to 14.52 ± 3.79 mmHg, which constituted a 36.7 ± 7.8% reduction compared to the baseline value. The number of medications decreased by two at the end of the study period (from 2.69 ± 1.05 to 0.32 ± 0.75). Complete and qualified success were achieved in 58.7% and 68.7% of the patients, respectively, at the end of follow-up. An incomplete cannulation of Schlemm's canal was the most common intraoperative complication, occurring in 32 eyes (20%). The most frequent postoperative complications were hyphema, Descemet's membrane detachment, and a transient increase in intraocular pressure. Additional surgical procedure was required in seven cases (4.4%). In 16 patients (10%), medical treatment was re-administered. Overall, our findings suggest that ab externo canaloplasty is a good option for Polish Caucasian patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. It reduces intraocular pressure and has a low postoperative complication rate. Additional glaucoma surgery or re-administration of medications is required if the target intraocular pressure is unsatisfactory.

Minimally invasive bleb surgery versus minimally invasive glaucoma surgery: a 12-month retrospective study

This study aimed to compare the IOP-lowering effectiveness and safety of standalone Preserflo MicroShunt and iStent 1st generation implantation combined with phacoemulsification in Caucasian patients with a 12-month follow-up period. This retrospective study analyzed the medical histories of patients undergoing antiglaucoma surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Bialystok, between January 2019 and January 2022. The main outcome measures were success rates (complete: proportion of eyes with IOP < 18 mmHg (criterion A) and < 15 mmHg (criterion B) or 20% reduction in IOP without any glaucoma medication; qualified: proportion of eyes achieving IOPs < 18 mmHg and < 15 mmHg or 20% reduction in IOP from baseline with or without medications), mean reduction (%) in IOP, medication burden, number of complications and additional interventions. In both groups, a significant decrease in IOP and medication burden were observed at 6 and 12 months when compared with baseline. At 12 months, qualified surgical success in criterion A was recorded in 67.4% and 85.7% of patients in the Preserfo and iStent groups, respectively (p = 0.045). Complete surgical success in criterion B at 12 months accounted to 61.4% of patients from Prserflo group and 32.7% patients in iStent group (p = 0.04). Surgical failure at 12 months was documented in 30.2% and 6.3% of patients, respectively (p = 0.003). There was a significant difference between groups in %IOP reduction after 12 months. Greater reduction was observed in Preserflo group, MD = − 8.41 CI95 [− 15.88; − 0.95], p = 0.028, (− 33.49% ± 21.59 vs − 25.07% ± 14.15 in iStent group). Both procedures effectively reduced IOP and postoperative use of antiglaucoma medications in glaucoma patients.

Development and trends in metabolomics studies in psoriasis: A bibliometric analysis of related research from 2011 to 2024

BackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with autoimmune characteristics. Recent research has made significant progress in the field of psoriasis metabolomics. However, there is a lack of bibliometric analysis on metabolomics of psoriasis. The objective of this study is to utilize bibliometrics to present a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge structure and research hotspots in psoriasis within the field of metabolomics. MethodsWe conducted a bibliometric analysis by searching the Web of Science Core Collection database for publications on metabolomics in psoriasis from 2011 to 2024. To perform this analysis, we utilized tools such as VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix". ResultsA total of 307 articles from 47 countries, with the United States and China leading the way, were included in the analysis. The publications focusing on metabolomics in psoriasis have shown a steady year-on-year growth. The Medical University of Bialystok is the main research institution. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences emerges as the prominent journal in the field, while the Journal of Investigative Dermatology stands out as the highly co-cited publication. A total of 2029 authors contributed to these publications, with Skrzydlewska Elzbieta, Baran Anna, Flisiak Iwona, Murakami Makoto being the most prolific contributors. Notably, Armstrong April W. received the highest co-citation. Investigating the mechanisms of metabolomics in the onset and progression of psoriasis, as well as exploring therapeutic strategies, represents the primary focus of this research area. Emerging research hotspots encompass inflammation, lipid metabolism, biomarker, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and arthritis. ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that metabolism-related research is thriving in psoriasis, with a focus on the investigation of metabolic targets and interventions within the metabolic processes. Metabolism is expected to be a hot topic in future psoriasis research.

Enhancing Angioinvasion Assessment in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Via a Biomarker Panel Involving TAC, 8-OHdG, and Sortilin.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) aggressiveness and metastatic potential are closely associated with angioinvasion. Identifying angioinvasion accurately is imperative for treatment planning and prognosis. This study explores serum biomarkers, including 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and oxidative status markers (total oxidative capacity, total antioxidant capacity [TAC], and sortilin), as potential indicators of angioinvasion in PTC. A cross-sectional study involving 50 angioinvasive patients with PTC (study group) and 30 patients with PTC with low-risk features (reference group). Serum levels of biomarkers were analyzed to determine their association with angioinvasion. Patients were recruited from Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland, ensuring representation from a diverse clinical context. Participants included patients with PTC, with 50 in the study group and 30 in the reference group. Selection criteria, matching characteristics, and participant completion rates were duly recorded. Serum biomarkers were measured to evaluate their association with PTC angioinvasion. Primary outcome measures included serum levels of 8-OHdG, total oxidative capacity, TAC, and sortilin. Serum levels of 8-OHdG and sortilin were significantly elevated in angioinvasive PTC, whereas TAC showed a notable decrease (all P < .01). A regression panel combining TAC, 8-OHdG, and sortilin demonstrated a high area under the curve value (0.963) for angioinvasion discernment. Measuring TAC, 8-OHdG, and sortilin levels may serve as potential biomarkers for identifying angioinvasion in PTC. The combined assessment of these biomarkers enhances angioinvasion discernment, aiding risk stratification and personalized treatment decisions. Further validation studies are required before integrating these biomarkers into routine clinical practice. The study adheres to the provided structure, providing concise and supported conclusions based on the results.

Support for children and families, including those arriving in the face of the war from Ukraine, offered in specialist day care facilities in Bialystok

Abstract Day care centres provide families with assistance in the care and upbringing of their children. Various forms of classes, from pedagogy of play to specialist therapeutic help, planned in the annual calendar of the institutions constitute a great support for families. Classes, free time activities, trips are free of charge, which is important in the case of families struggling with life and financial difficulties. Specialist day-care centres are a bridge between educational institutions and the family house. Such places constituted a mainstay for children coming to Białystok from a war-torn country, from Ukraine. This article is a summary of methodological activities that took place in specialized day care facilities with the participation and great commitment of students of the Faculty of Education of the University of Bialystok. The article presents good practices that can also be promoted in other institutions in the country.

Quality of Life in HIV-Positive People in Poland Treated in the City of Bialystok: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The quality of life is one of the key factors in assessing the health status of HIV-positive individuals, with its improvement considered an important goal of treatment. Assessment of the quality of life helps accurately evaluate the impact of diseases and treatment on the patient's life. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of HIV-positive people in Poland using the example of patients treated in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients of the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok, based on the evaluation of HIV-positive status acceptance in HIV patients as well as sociometric variables such as age, gender and marital status. A total of 147 patients participated in this study, including 104 men (70.7%) and 43 women (29.3%). This study was conducted between May 2019 and January 2020 in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients with the Consultation and Diagnostic Centre at the Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Bialystok. This study used a diagnostic survey method with a modified questionnaire "Psychosocial Situation of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Poland" by Dr. Magdalena Ankiersztejn-Bartczak and the following standardised psychometric tools: the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The majority of respondents (60%) reported no significant changes in their lives as a result of HIV infection. Gender was not a differentiating factor in the quality of life of people living with HIV. The variation in psychometric measures within the female and male groups was far greater than the difference between them. Marital status clearly differentiated the quality of life. The following conclusions were drawn from this study: The surveyed HIV patients presented a moderate level of quality of life, which was mainly determined by marital status. Higher quality of life was presented by married persons. Duration of infection was not correlated with quality of life. The level of acceptance of HIV infection was relatively high among respondents. A higher level of HIV acceptance was associated with a higher quality of life. The respondents presented a relatively poor level of satisfaction with life. Changing jobs, going on disability, relationship breakdown, not having a family of their own and losing friends were the key HIV-related changes in the lives of the respondents.

Bir İletişim Aracı Olarak Kentsel Ses Manzarası

The article highlights selected themes related to the urban soundscape as a meaningful system of messages. It serves to introduce the topic of the urban soundscape (audiosphere) and its research, primarily from a social science perspective referring to so-called sensuous urbanism and some classic researchers such as R. Murray Schafer and Kevin Lynch. Than it refers to the pilot study of social aspects of the urban audiosphere of Bialystok (Poland), conducted by researchers from the Institute of Sociology at the University of Bialystok in years 2022-2023. The aforementioned research tested the possibilities of using sound walks as a method. The article elaborates on advantages and disadvantages of such method combined with more or less structured ways of evaluation of soundscape. Finally, the article focuses on significant differences in individual interpretations of the urban soundscape among the participants of the sound walks and elaborates on the role of silence and noise as meaningful categories.

O naukowej pasji i wrażliwości poetyckiej. Wokół działalności naukowo-badawczej i twórczości lirycznej Haliny Twaranowicz

The article describes nearly forty years of professional work, and the academic and literary career of one of the most prominent Belarusian and Polish poets, a long-time researcher at the Janka Kupala Institute of Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Department of Belarusian Philology of the Institute of East Slavonic Philology of the University of Bialystok – Halina Twaranowicz, Ph.D., professor of UwB. The text describes her significant research achievements, publications, and editorial output. Also presented is a discussion of her organizational activities as Head of the Department of Belarusian Philology at UwB, which, also with her significant contribution, has become a vital center of Belarusian literary studies. One of the most important centers of Polish Belarusian studies next to the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. The final part of the article contains reflections on the specificity of Halina Twaranowicz’s lyrical works.

Risk factors of colorectal cancer: the comparison of selected nutritional behaviors of medical and non-medical students

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to compare the diet of medical and non-medical students in relation to colorectal cancer risk factors.Material and methodsThe study included 239 students of various universities in Bialystok, Poland. Respondents were divided into four groups: students of dietetics at the Medical University (SD), students of other fields of study at the Medical University (SMUB), students of the University of Technology (SBUT) and students of the University of Bialystok (SUB). The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire in an electronic form, designed by the authors of this paper.ResultsOverweight was the least common among students of dietetics. Products that may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer were most frequently consumed by students of non-medical universities. Everyday consumption of processed meat products was declared by 2.08% of SD, 24.00% of SMUB, 16.13% of SBUT and 25.93% of SUB. Red meat was consumed several times a week or every day by 25% of SD, 25.33% of SMUB, 48.39% of SBUT and 35.19% of SUB. Fast-food meals consumption once or several times a week was confirmed by 4.17% of SD, 18.67% of SMUB, 27.42% of SBUT and 38.89% of SUB.ConclusionThe study conducted shows that students expose themselves to colorectal cancer risk factors through their diet.

Extent of interocular (a)symmetry based on the metabolomic profile of human aqueous humor.

Aims: Interocular comparison of the metabolomic signature of aqueous humor (AH) was performed. The aim of the study was to quantitatively evaluate the symmetry in concentrations of various metabolites belonging to different categories. Methods: The study included AH samples from 23 patients, 74.17 ± 11.52years old, undergoing simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery at the Ophthalmology Department of the Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based targeted metabolomics and lipidomics analyses of AH samples were performed using the AbsoluteIDQ® p180 kit. Out of 188 metabolites available in the kit, 67 were measured in the majority (>70%) of the samples: 21/21 amino acids, 10/22 biogenic amines, 9/40 acylcarnitines, 0/14 lysophosphatidylcholines, 21/76 phosphatidylcholines, 5/15 sphingolipids, and 1/1sum of hexoses. Results: The comparison of both eyes revealed that the concentrations of metabolites did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) except for taurine (p = 0.037). There was moderate-to-strong positive interocular correlation (r > 0.5) between most metabolites regarding concentration. This was confirmed by the high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of different levels, which varied for the different metabolites. However, there were exceptions. Correlations were not significant for 2 acylcarnitines (tiglylcarnitine and decadienylcarnitine) and 3 glycerophospholipids (PC aa C32:3, PC aa C40:2, and PC aa C40:5). Conclusion: With a few exceptions, a single eye was found to be representative of the fellow eye in terms of the concentration of most of the analyzed metabolites. The degree of intraindividual variability in the AH of fellow eyes differs for particular metabolites/metabolite categories.

Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S and N proteins in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with disease-modifying therapies.

The course of COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) has been described, while the serological status after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, especially in patients treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMT), is still under investigation. This is a significant clinical problem, as certain DMTs may predispose to a severe course of viral infections. We analyzed the presence of antibodies against spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in relapsing-remitting PwMS treated with DMT, especially dimethyl fumarate, interferon beta, and glatiramer acetate, in a single multiple sclerosis (MS) centre in north-eastern Poland (the Department of Neurology, Medical University of Bialystok). The presence of antibodies against S and N proteins in PwMS was assessed twice: on visit one (between May and June 2020) (n = 186) and on visit two (between May and June 2021) (n = 88). Samples were taken from 68 individuals on both visits. Demographic and clinical data was collected: duration of MS, Expanded Disability Status Scale Score (EDSS), type of DMT, history of COVID-19 (positive PCR or antigen test in the past), vaccination status, and the type of vaccine. It was shown that on visit one: 3.7% (n = 7) PwMS were positive for IgA against S protein (IgA-S), 3.2% (n = 6) for IgG against S (IgG-S) protein, and none of those examined was positive for IgG against N protein (IgG-N). On visit two, the most common detected antibodies were IgG-S (71.3%; n = 62), then IgA-S (65.1%; n = 55), and the least common was IgG-N (18.2%; n = 16). On visit two: 20.45% of PwMS had a history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR or antigen test during the last year. By the time of visit two, 42.05% (n = 37) of patients who participated in visit two had been full-course vaccinated against COVID-19. It was demonstrated that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 significantly induces the production of IgG-S and IgA-S (p < 0.0001), while no difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients was shown in the detection of IgG-N. There was no correlation between COVID-19 infection and antibodies against proteins S and N in the study group. Moreover, the presented study did not show any relationship between the ability to produce antibodies against the S protein with any of the used DMTs. According to our study, PwMS treated with dimethyl fumarate, interferon beta, or glatiramer acetate can efficiently produce antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 both after infection and after vaccination.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND COPING WITH STRESS AMONG OF STUDENTS OF SELECTED MEDICAL FACULTIES – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Aim: Assessment of the relationship between emotional intelligence and coping with stress among students of selected medical faculties. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 730 people who were students of the Medical University of Bialystok. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire, the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (INTE) and The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Results: In stressful situations, future nurses present the least of the task-oriented coping style, students of emergency medicine react least emotionally to stressful situations, and future doctors have the lowest rating for the avoidance-oriented coping style. Conclusions: Half of the surveyed students are characterized by a high level of emotional intelligence, slightly fewer subjects have an average level. Women are characterized by higher emotional intelligence; the highest level of emotional intelligence is found in students of emergency medicine and medical analytics. In stressful situations, women present mainly an emotional attitude, while men present a task-oriented coping style. Stress management training is recommended, especially in the female population.

Amorphous and Crystalline Vanadium Orthophosphate and Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites as Anode Materials in Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractInvited for this issue's Front Cover is the group of Prof. Krzysztof Winkler from the Department of Chemistry, University of Bialystok (Poland). The cover picture schematically illustrates the electrode process that runs during reduction of a composite consisting of the vanadium phosphate and multiwalled carbon nanotubes for a sodium‐ion battery. Such material exhibits promising capacitance properties, good rate performance and long lifetime. It can be used as anode material in sodium‐ion batteries. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202200174.

Indywidualny kapitał społeczny i jego znaczenie dla dobrostanu emocjonalnego studentów w czasie pandemii COVID-19

The article presents the results of the research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 among students of the University of Bialystok. The aim of the study was to determine the meaning of individual social capital for the emotional well-being of students. Emotional well-being has been defined as an overall assessment of an individual’s quality of life. Individual social capital is a potential resource of personal and social networks of individuals, which they “use” in various life situations. The study showed an interdependence between the individual social capital of students and their emotional well-being.

A Newly Defined CHA2DS2-VA Score for Predicting Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation-A Cross-Sectional Study of Older Persons Referred for Elective Coronary Angiography.

Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be a valuable indicator of non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) among older patients indicated for elective coronary angiography (CAG). Appropriate stratification of AF patients is crucial for avoiding unnecessary complications. The objective of this study was to identify independent predictors that can allow diagnosing obstructive CAD in AF patients over 65 years who were indicated to undergo elective CAG. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 452 (23.9%) AF patients over 65 years old who were directed to the Department of Invasive Cardiology at the Medical University of Bialystok for elective CAG during 2014–2016. The participants had CAD and were receiving optimal therapy (median age: 73 years, interquartile range: 69–77 years; 54.6% men). The prevalence and health correlates of obstructive CAD were determined, and a multivariate logistic regression model was generated with predictors (p < 0.1). Predictive performance was analyzed using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Stenosis (affecting ≥ 50% of the diameter of the left coronary artery stem or ≥70% of that of the other important epicardial vessels) was significant in 184 (40.7%) cases. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that only the male sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–2.84, p = 0.01) and the newly created CHA2DS2-VA score (OR: 3.96, 95% CI: 2.96–5.31, p < 0.001) significantly increased the chance of obstructive CAD, while controlling for chronic kidney disease and anemia. The ROC curve analysis indicated that the CHA2DS2-VA scale may be a useful screening tool for the diagnosis of obstructive CAD (area under the ROC curve: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.75–0.84, p < 0.001), with ≥4 being the optimal cutoff value. Conclusions: Our study has proven that several older AF patients who are advised to undergo elective CAG have nonobstructive CAD. The CHA2DS2-VA score can contribute to improving the selection of patients for invasive diagnosis of CAD, but further investigation is required.

MID-REGIONAL PROADRENOMEDULLIN (MR-PROADM) AS A BIOMARKER IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND HYPERTENSION - STUDY CONTINUATION

Objective: Assessment of MR-proADM serum concentration as a biomarker in patients with CKD and arterial hypertension. Design and method: Our study included a single-center cohort of 160 patients admitted to the Second Department of Nephrology and Hypertension with Dialysis Unit Medical University of Bialystok with CKD treated conservatively. The concentration of MR-proADM were measured in the serum of patients and the control group (27 healthy volunteers). The statistical analysis included past medical history, the stages of CKD, the presence and degree of control of arterial hypertension, and the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Results: Patients with CKD had higher serum MR-proADM concentrations compared to the control group (62,61 [45,67–81,39] vs 224 [143,95–293,35] pg/mL, p &lt; 0,0001). The median MR-proADM concentration in each stage was not statistically different. There was a significant positive correlation between MR-proADM and the dimension of the left ventricle (R = 0,25; p = 0,009) with glucose concentration (R = 0,19; p = 0,017) and a negative correlation with serum iron concentration (R = -0,20; p = 0,03). There were no significant differences in the plasma concentration of MR-proADM depending on the degree of hypertension control. Conclusions: In larger group of CKD patients, an increased serum concentration of MR-proADM was confirmed. Left ventricular hypertrophy found in echocardiography was associated with higher serum concentrations of MR-proADM. To assess the usefulness of this hormone as a prognostic biomarker of CKD or cardiovascular risk, further studies in larger groups still are required.

Ocena potencjalnego wpływu wdrożenia badań serologicznych w kierunku kleszczowego zapalenia mózgu na wykrywalność tej choroby na obszarach uważanych za nieendemiczne w Polsce – doniesienie wstępne

In Poland, the number of reported cases of tick-borne encephalitis, and thus the designation of the regions of TBE occurrence, seems to be underestimated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of TBE virus infection tests in the routine diagnostics of patients with neuroinfections of undetermined viral etiology on the identification of TBE virus infections in areas considered non-endemic and finding new areas of TBE occurrence. Twenty-nine departments in which patients with suspected neuroinfections are hospitalized participated in the study. The criterion for selecting the center was the location in an area considered non-endemic for TBE, where reporting is low or absent, and intermediate data indicate the possibility of undiagnosed disease (TBE). Diagnostics were performed in the Immunoserology Laboratory at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections of the Medical University of Bialystok using the ELISA method. The cooperation was undertaken with infectious wards or patients with suspected neuroinfection who are hospitalized and diagnosed (e.g., neurology ward). The supervising unit is the Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections of the Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Żurawia 14, 15-540 Białystok. For testing the submitted serum and CSF samples by ELISA method were used commercial kits from Virotech (Germany). A total of 577 samples from 417 patients were tested, including 290 serum samples and 287 CSF samples. Serum antibodies against TBE were detected: IgM class in 27 samples, IgG class in 22 samples; in CSF: IgM class in 39 samples, IgG in 21 samples. The etiology of TBE was confirmed in 55 cases, i.e. in 13.19% of all tested people. 1. Detection of the presence of antibodies against TBE in samples of patients with meningitis reported as other neuroinfections indicates the etiology of TBE. 2. The number of TBE cases may be undiagnosed, and thus underestimated due to the failure to perform serological tests for TBE in areas considered non-endemic. 3. The diagnosis and reporting of neuroinfections caused by the TBE virus is essential for a proper risk assessment and in promoting prophylaxis in the form of vaccinations. 4. Preliminary results of the research indicate the need for their continuation in all voivodeships.

Anti-TBE Intrathecal Synthesis as a Prediction Marker in TBE Patients.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an emerging vector-borne disease in Europe caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which belongs to Flaviviridae. Although most of the patients quickly recover from TBE, some require further neurological and psychiatric treatment due to persistent symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of an antibodies index for predicting the course of the disease and potential persistent sequalae. Sixty-six patients (49 males and 17 females, mean age 45.97 ± 13.69 years) with TBE hospitalized in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland, in years 2016–2019 were included to the study. TBE antibodies titer in serum and CSF samples were measured with an Anti-TBEV ELISA (IgM, IgG) EUROIMMUN test. Patients who developed persistent sequelae after TBE had significantly lower IgG intrathecal index at admission. Additionally, IgG2/IgG1was significantly higher in patients who developed sequelae. IgG intrathecal index might be a useful tool for the prediction of TBE sequelae development.

Severe tick-borne encephalitis in a patient recovered from COVID 19

North-eastern Poland is an endemic region for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The COVID-19 pandemic overlapped with the activity period of ticks that are the main vectors for TBE. As we know from short observation worldwide, SARS-CoV-2 virus affects significantly the immune system and can lead to serious complications of other infections even in previously healthy patients.A 24-year-old female patient, who lived close to the forest, was admitted to the Department of Neurology at Medical University of Bialystok with fever, dizziness, and progressive left-sided hemiparesis for three days. She had no medical history of chronic disease and was not vaccinated against TBE. The patient had SARS-CoV-2 infection three weeks prior to admission to the hospital (positive IgG against SARS-CoV-2). During COVID-19 infection she had fever, myalgia, a mild dyspnoea without indications for oxygen therapy and recovered after one week. During hospitalisation in the Department of Neurology the patient presented neck stiffness, progressing tetraparesis, dysarthria and weakness of the neck muscles. The magnetic resonance of the head revealed numerous lesions, mainly in both thalamus, longitudinal lesion was found in the cervical spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicated lymphocytic inflammation. A high level of TBE antibodies in both serum and CSF was found. After immunoglobulin and symptomatic treatment her condition gradually improved. The recovery after SARS-CoV-2 infection overlapping with TBE might have influenced the course of tick-borne disease in a bad manner. The correct diagnosis can be a challenge as COVID-19 can lead to further complications, also neurological. The co-incidence we observed is very rare, however during the pandemic it is pivotal to remember about possible occurrence of other infections and their atypical course.

Periodontitis-Related Knowledge and Its Relationship with Oral Health Behavior among Adult Patients Seeking Professional Periodontal Care.

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that not only damages the stomatognathic system, but may also adversely influence other systems and organs. Patients with low oral health literacy levels are more prone to gingivitis/periodontitis and have a more severe disease course. Methods: A written questionnaire was carried out to assess the knowledge of patients of the Outpatient Clinic of Department of Periodontal and Oral Mucosa Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. The questions concerned knowledge regarding the causes of periodontal disease, its risk factors, and the connection between periodontal disease and general health status. To analyze the population, patients were divided according to gender, age and if they were first-time or regular outpatients. Results: Written questionnaires were completed by a total of 302 patients. In the studied population, we noted knowledge deficits, particularly related to weaker periodontal disease risk factors (stress, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity) and the genetic factor, which is the determinant of periodontitis. The patients’ awareness of the role of plaque bacteria and the effect of smoking on the periodontium was at a relatively high level. The respondents were also aware of the impact of periodontal disease on general health as well as the role of oral hygiene in preventing the disease. At the same time, few of them (26%) used interdental brushes or an irrigator (8%). Conclusions: We demonstrated that patients have an insufficient level of knowledge related to risk factors as well as the prevention of periodontal disease. Awareness of the extent of oral health literacy among patients will help to identify key issues connected with health education interventions