University of Białystok

Clinical trials are conducted under rigorous ethical and regulatory frameworks to protect participants, including ethics committee approval, informed consent, oversight, and personal data protection. However, public awareness of these safeguards in Poland remains insufficiently studied. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey via computer-assisted web interviews with 1200 adults in Poland (January 2023). Awareness was defined as agreement with statements reflecting ethical and regulatory safeguards; "high awareness" indicated endorsement of at least 7 out of 9 items. A questionnaire covered nine core principles of clinical trials, including ethical review, informed consent, participant rights, and data protection. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression identified factors associated with high awareness (≥ 7/9 endorsed items). Awareness was generally high: 88.1% recognised the need for trials to introduce new drugs and 83.7% knew that informed consent was required. However, gaps in knowledge regarding regulatory oversight and data protection were identified. In the final multivariable logistic regression model, lower education was associated with reduced odds of high awareness (secondary vs. higher: aOR = 0.56; post-secondary vs. higher: aOR = 0.54), as was uncertainty about prior clinical trial participation ("do not know" vs. no: aOR = 0.55). Model discrimination was limited (AUC = 0.59). Awareness of core ethical safeguards, such as informed consent, was high, but gaps remained in regulatory oversight and data protection. Education was the strongest correlate, indicating a need for targeted communication.

The purpose of this article is to analyse the picture of late antique Rome and the papacy as outlined in the ninth century in the pages of the Chronicle of George the Monk. As a result, it can be concluded that the Byzantine chronicler's interest in Rome drastically declines as Emperor Constantine begins to reside in Constantinople. With the return of Emperor Theodosius I from Italy to the Bosporus, George the Monk pays little attention to events in the West, the only exception being the emphasised leading role of the Bishop of Rome within the pentarchy system, especially during the subsequent Councils. However, this applies only to the version of the so-called vulgata, while the version known from the manuscript Coislinianus 305 ignores almost completely the role of the pope in the ecclesial system of the empire.

Ischaemic heart disease shows important differences between men and women, requiring an understanding of sex and gender dissimilarities to improve outcomes. This Scientific Statement provides an updated review of the current knowledge from risk factors to prognosis. It discusses the unequal impact of certain traditional risk factors between men and women, along with additional factors, such as hormonal changes and treatments (including those for transgender people and cancer), pregnancy-related complications, and autoimmune diseases, which contribute to the sex-specific risk profiles. Moreover, it outlines functional and structural sex differences in the pathophysiology (e.g. coronary atheroma plaques and burden, coronary dissection, vasospasm, and microvascular disease) with women being more prone to microvascular disease and endothelial dysfunction, while paradoxically experiencing less severe myocardial ischaemia at similar levels of coronary stenosis. The document further addresses the evaluation of diagnostic tools, which often have a male-centric bias, resulting in underdiagnosis in women who also tend to receive less guideline-recommended treatment. Additionally, women can have different responses and side effects to various preventive and therapeutic treatments, potentially contributing to the worse prognosis documented in acute coronary syndromes with obstructive coronary artery disease, particularly at a young age. Considering all these sex and gender differences and the low enrolment of women in randomized controlled trials, questions arise regarding the optimal treatment for women. Addressing sex differences requires conducting sex-specific research to close the knowledge gap. Overall, the Scientific Statement highlights all relevant sex- and gender-specific dissimilarities to advance clinical practice and identify directions for future research to improve guideline recommendations for equitable care.

The aim of the paper is a legal-dogmatic analysis of prohibited acts committed using drones in the context of selected legal regulations in aviation law, contained in the Act of 3 July 2002 - Aviation Law, as well as certain international laws. The research employs the dogmatic method, literature analysis, and a review of current case law. The paper attempts to address terminological dilemmas concerning drones and examines prohibited acts defined in the Aviation Law from the perspective of the still ongoing interpretative challenges. The conducted research has led to conclusions and the formulation of de lege ferenda postulates, outlined in the summary, whose incorporation into the current legislation should be considered.

Biometric techniques can be used in the workplace to protect the interests of both employers and employees. They can help to adapt working conditions to employees' needs. Conversely, employers can use the processing of biometric data to implement workplace controls, particularly with regard to access to important information or sensitive areas. However, using biometric techniques can involve significant interference with privacy and other personal rights, posing a threat to the dignity of those concerned. This study aims to identify the privacy risks associated with processing employee biometric data. The discussion will focus on understanding what biometric data are and the current legal regulations on processing biometric data in an employment context.

IntroductionCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, with prevalence rising in aging populations. Ramadan fasting, practiced by over a billion Muslims annually, may influence cardiovascular health through changes in metabolism and lifestyle. Aim of the StudyThis study aims to assess the effects of Ramadan fasting on the cardiovascular system, with emphasis on the risk of myocardial infarction. Materials and MethodsThis is a narrative literature review of current studies examining the impact of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular parameters such as glucose metabolism, lipid profile, blood pressure, and incidence of cardiovascular events. ResultsMost studies suggest that Ramadan fasting leads to favorable changes: improved lipid profile, lower blood pressure, and reduced inflammation. Fasting appears safe for individuals with stable cardiovascular disease under medical supervision. However, a slight increase in myocardial infarction cases has been noted after Ramadan in some subgroups, especially older adults and those with comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension. ConclusionRamadan fasting may benefit cardiovascular health, but safety depends on individual risk factors. It should be avoided by patients with unstable heart conditions. Personalized assessment and increased awareness are key to safe fasting practices.