Background: The importance of ACF is not fully explained, however, their number may be a good predictor of synchronous and metachronic adenoma or other polyps whose removal reduces the risk of CRC. Due to the epidemiological and genetic association of ACF with pre-cancer lesions, they may be a potential CRC biomarker. The aim of our study was to show that the number and type of rectal ACF may be a good predictive factor for the presence of polyps located proximally from the splenic flexure and that the type and number of ACF can correlate with the number and specific types of polyps in the large intestine. Methods: The study included 131 patients who underwent colonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue. The number of rectal ACF was determined and bioptats were sampled for histopathological examination to assess the type of ACF. Endoscopic ACF assessment criteria given by L. Roncucci were used. The obtained material was subjected to statistical analysis using probability distribution, U-test, t-student test, and chi 2 as well as the Statistica 7.1 software package. Results: The study population was divided into three subgroups according to the number of ACF observed, i.e. ACF < 5, 5-10 and > 10. ACF < 5 were found in 35 patients (29.41%), 5-10 ACF in 70 (58.82%) and ACF > 10 in 14 individuals (11.76%). The study revealed the presence of normal ACF (p = 0.49), hyperplastic ACF (p = 0.34), dysplastic ACF (p = 0.11), and mixed ACF (p = 0.06). A single type of ACF was most commonly observed (n = 88, p = 0.74). In the researched group a larger number of ACF is concurrent with adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. The number of ACF clearly correlates with the dysplasia advancement in the adenoma and the number of polyps found. Conclusions: Rectal ACF are a useful marker for the presence of cancerous lesions in the proximal and distal sections of the large intestine.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on lung aeration on an animal experimental model and compare the obtained results with the anticipated scope of damage to pulmonary parenchyma in humans under the same exposure conditions. The research was carried out on Black Hood rats that were kept in a hyperbaric chamber designed for animals in an atmosphere of pure oxygen and at overpressures of 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 MPa for 1, 2 or 4 h. After sacrificing the animals, histopathological specimens were obtained encompassing cross-sections of entire lungs, which were subjected to qualitative and quantitative examination with the use of the 121-point Haug grid. A statistically significant decrease in pulmonary parenchyma was observed as a result of an increasing oxygen partial pressure as well as with prolonged exposure time. The intensification of changes observed was much higher than expected on the basis of calculations performed with the use of tables.

Purpose: This study evaluated the influence of hyperbaric exposure chambers on selected parameters of oxidative stress in divers’ blood. Methods: 25 healthy men (non-smoking experienced divers) ages 18-40 took part in the experiment. Subjects were exposed to hyperbaric conditions similar to those at 30 meters of depth while diving. A control group consisted of 20 healthy men who have never dived or been exposed to hyperbaric conditions. Blood was drawn from the cubital vein after overnight fasting. Superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were marked in red blood cells (RBCs), carbonyl group concentration marked in serum proteins, and nitrate/nitrite concentrations were estimated in plasma. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the divers and the control group in MDA concentration in erythrocytes and carbonyl group concentration in serumproteins. Nitrite/nitrate concentrations in plasma plus SOD-1 activity in RBCs decreased significantly in the diver group compared with the control group. After hyperbaric exposure MDA concentration in erythrocytes increased considerably in the test group and a significant increase in SOD-1 activity was observed. A significant increase of nitrite/nitrate concentration was noted in plasma as well as an increase in the carbonyl group in serum proteins. Conclusion: Considerably weak enzymatic antioxidative defense was observed in the RBCs of individuals exposed to hyperbaric pressures versus those in normobary. This issue indicates that a diver’s system has a larger susceptibility for negative effects from oxidative stress. The results also indicate that hyperbaric conditions can intensify reactions via free radicals.

The aim of the article is a review of psychological literature relating to the problem of anxiety in divers, where an emphasis is placed on the degree of mental adaptation of the individual to the underwater environment, primarily highlighting the trait of anxiety and the neuroticism of a person involved in a specific type of diving. The article presents selected reports from all over the world regarding research on anxiety in divers. Treating a high level of the indicator of anxiety as a predictor of panic anxiety reveals the importance of this trait in predicting the risk of an occurrence of diving accidents during the operation under water. In the own research presented in the article, the results on the levels of anxiety as a trait and a state in divers taking part in hyperbaric exposures indicate the fact that the majority of the examined divers have low levels of anxiety both as a trait and a state, which most probably indicates the good psychological condition of the examined divers.