The aim of the present study was to identify the reasons behind the delayed diagnosis of testicular cancer in a group of Polish males diagnosed with this malignancy in 2015–2016. The study included data from 72 patients aged between 18 and 69 years. Based on the median time elapsed to the testicular cancer diagnosis, the study patients were divided into the timely diagnosis group (diagnosis within 10 weeks from initial manifestation, n = 40) and the delayed diagnosis group (diagnosis > 10 weeks from initial manifestation, n = 32). Diagnosis of testicular cancer > 10 weeks after its initial manifestation was associated with less favorable survival (5-year overall survival: 78.1% [95% CI: 59.5–88.9%] vs. 92.5% [95% CI: 78.5–97.5%], p = 0.087). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified two independent predictors of the delayed diagnosis, age > 33 years (OR = 6.65, p = 0.020) and residence in the countryside (OR = 7.21, p = 0.012), with another two parameters, the lack of a regular intimate partner (OR = 3.32, p = 0.098) and the feeling of shame (OR = 8.13, p = 0.056), being at the verge of statistical significance. All the factors mentioned above should be considered during planning social campaigns aimed at the early detection of testicular malignancies, along with improving the quality and trustfulness of Internet-based information resources.

The aim of the present study was to verify whether the baseline circulating tumor cell (CTC) count might serve as a predictor of overall survival (OS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) during a follow-up period of at least 5 years. CTCs were enumerated using three different assay formats in 104 patients: the CellSearch^® system, EPISPOT assay and GILUPI CellCollector. A total of 57 (55%) patients survived until the end of the follow-up period, with a 5 year OS of 66% (95% CI: 56–74%). The analysis of univariate Cox proportional hazard models identified a baseline CTC count ≥ 1, which was determined with the CellSearch^® system, a Gleason sum ≥ 8, cT ≥ 2c and metastases at initial diagnosis as significant predictors of a worse OS in the entire cohort. The CTC count ≥ 1 was also the only significant predictor of a worse OS in a subset of 85 patients who presented with localized PCa at the baseline. The baseline CTC number did not affect the MFS. In conclusion, the baseline CTC count can be considered a determinant of survival in high-risk PCa and also in patients with a localized disease. However, determining the prognostic value of the CTC count in patients with localized PCa would optimally require longitudinal monitoring of this parameter.

Introduction. Oxygen, reacting with organic compounds in living organisms, oxidizes them without being completely reduced due to numerous exogenous as well as endogenous factors. As a consequence, free radicals or reactive oxygen species are formed. Health resort-based balneophysiotherapy is a comprehensive therapeutic intervention that triggers positive therapeutic effects within the entire system. Material and Methods. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of health resort-based balneophysiotherapy on the levels of nonenzymatic endogenous antioxidants in patients with degenerative motor organ diseases, as well as to determine potential correlation of these changes with free radical-mediated processes. Observation was carried out in patients undergoing health resort therapy as part of 21-day stay periods. The study population consisted of n=110 patients with articular and spinal pains due to degenerative diseases or discopathies. Results. Reduced bilirubin and albumin levels as well as increased uric acid levels were observed in the study group following the health resort treatment. Conclusions. Bilirubin and albumin levels were reduced while uric acid levels were increased as the result of health resort therapy in patients with degenerative motor organ diseases. The observed changes in the levels of nonenzymatic endogenous antioxidants depend on free radical-mediated systemic transformations. The trial is registered with NCT03405350.

Introduction: Epidemiological data indicate an increased incidence of testicular cancer (TC), making it the most common malignant tumor in men from aged 15–45. Oncological and urological associations recommend that men with specific TC risk factors should regularly perform a testicular self-exam (TSE). The aim of the study was to discover the attitudes among Polish males regarding TSE and factors (environmental, social, educational) that affect intention to perform TSE. Methods: An original survey containing 21 questions was used to conduct a study among the Polish branch of VW (Volkswagen Poland) employees. Results: A total of 522 fully completed questionnaires were collected. The mean age of the surveyed respondents was 32 years. Information about TC and how to perform TSE was obtained by 34.4% (n = 185) of the men. It was shown that the following factors increase men’s intention to perform TSE: TC in their family member (p < 0.05; HR = 5.9; 95% CI: 1.5–23.0), GP’s(General Practitioner) recommendations (p < 0.001; HR = 6.8; 95% CI: 3.2–14.3), concern expressed by their partner (p < 0.001; HR = 3.3; 95% CI: 2.1–5.3), and social campaigns (p < 0.001; HR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5–4.6). Conclusions: Approximately half of young polish males do not perform TSE. Access to information on TC prevention is limited. Further action is needed to improve men’s awareness of TC and TSE.

Introduction. The sources of Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS) in the organism are the respiratory processes occurring in cells catalyzed by different enzymes. Operation of ROS is balanced by antioxidants, the compounds; although present in low concentrations, they significantly inhibit the degree of oxidation of particular molecules. The Aim of the Study. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the integrated antioxidant system under the influence of radon therapy in osteoarthritis patients. Material and Methods. Observation included 35 patients suffering from degenerative joints and disc disease (mean age 56.5 years) undergoing radon water therapy and control group that consisted of 15 osteoarthritis patients (mean age 54.2) without contact with radon water. Before therapy and after 18 days of treatment, serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was assessed with the use of standard colorimetric assay. Results. In the study group, we observed trends to increase TAS concentration, whereas, in the control group, TAS concentration was decreasing. Conclusions. (1) Radon waters treatment influenced the level of TAS of osteoarthritis patients treated with the radon water. (2) The change in TAS concentrations in the study group may be the result of low doses of ionizing radiation, but further studies on larger patient’s groups are demanded. This study is registered with number NCT03274128.

Introduction. High levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and, connected with them, lipoprotein fractions may result in atherosclerosis. There are various forms of therapy used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as balneophysiotherapy, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by numerous scientific publications. Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of balneophysiotherapeutic procedures on the systemic metabolism of lipids in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the motor organ. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in the Health Resort Świeradów-Zdrój. Observation included patients undergoing radon water therapy. Before therapy and after 21 days of treatment, lipid profile was assessed with the use of standard colorimetric assay. Study group consisted of n=34 patients with degenerative joints and disc disease. The mean age of patients was 56.5l. The control group consisted of 17 people selected among the employees of the spa also suffering from osteoarthritis. The mean age was 54.2 years. Results. The results of the study are based on a single, 21-day health resort stay period in April/May. A statistically significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels was observed in female patients having undergone health resort treatment (P<0.01). Statistically significant drops in LDL cholesterol and TG levels were observed in the control group (P<0.01). An increase in HDL levels was observed in the male and female control subjects, with P<0.05. Conclusions. (1) After the end of therapy, there were no changes in lipid metabolism in men, while in the group of women an increase in HDL level was observed. (2) In the control group, statistically significant changes in the field of lipid metabolism may be related to lifestyle changes as a result of educational activities conducted prior to the research. (3) Due to the divergent results, it is advisable to conduct randomized studies in a larger population. This trial is registered with NCT03274128.