Folia medica Cracoviensia最新文献

{"title":"Total Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma as an independent caries risk marker in pregnant women with diabetes.","authors":"Joanna Waligóra, Beata Kuśnierz-Cabala, Dorota Pawlica-Gosiewska, Katarzyna Gawlik, Jolanta Pytko-Polończyk","doi":"10.24425/fmc.2026.158981","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24425/fmc.2026.158981","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pregnancy and diabetes increase the risk of developing pathologies in the oral cavity. Saliva biomarkers can be used as diagnostic markers in the monitoring of dental diseases. The study aimed to evaluate hard dental tissue health in pregnant women with two forms of diabetes and salivary antioxidant activity to identify optimal non-invasive caries risk factors. The study involved 104 pregnant women: 35 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), 30 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and 39 pregnant patients without diabetes mellitus (control group). Physical examination included caries assessment using the dental DMFT index, caries frequency, SiC index, and dental treatment index. Oral hygiene was also assessed using the Approximal Plaque Index (API). The study of unstimulated saliva measured the total Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). In the analyzed patient population, caries frequency totalled 100%, with active tooth decay observed in 72.12% of patients, whereas caries intensity was similar in the studied groups. In all groups, oral hygiene (API) was average. In T1D group, higher values of the API index (p = 0.001) were observed vs. the control group. Antioxidant activity was similar in the study groups. The independent determinants of caries occurrence included API (p = 0.002) and FRAP concentration (p = 0.02). The health of dental hard tissues in the examined patients was unsatisfactory and similar in the studied groups. FRAP concentration and oral hygiene (API) functioned as determinants of caries.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"5-19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CAR-Tography of modeling approaches and opportunities in cellular therapy of cancer.","authors":"Monika Jesionek","doi":"10.24425/fmc.2026.158984","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24425/fmc.2026.158984","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chimeric Antigen Receptor CAR-T therapy represents a potent adoptive cell immunotherapy for cancer, yet its clinical application remains constrained by pronounced interindividual variability, severe adverse events, and restricted efficacy in solid tumors. Computational modeling has emerged as a critical framework for analyzing and characterizing CAR-T cell behavior to mitigate these clinical limitations. This systematic review synthesizes 20 computational models identified through targeted bibliographic search that were developed using human clinical datasets. The reviewed studies employ a range of mathematical frameworks, including cellular kinetics and population pharmacometrics models, tumor-immune interaction models, quantitative systems pharmacology approaches, and multiscale mechanistic models. Across these frameworks, CAR-T cells are represented as dynamic populations undergoing expansion, contraction, persistence, and functional exhaustion. Many models further incorporate phenotypic stratification into functional subsets, most commonly effector and memory cells, to capture the multiphasic kinetics observed in clinical settings. Additional variables frequently include tumor burden, antigen expression, host immune cells, cytokines, and CAR-target complexes, reflecting different levels of biological detail and modeling objectives. Based on this analysis, I propose a unified set of core variables that captures the key biological processes represented across existing models while providing a consistent structure for future modeling efforts. Together, these studies demonstrate that the choice and structure of variables used to describe CAR-T cell populations and their interactions are key determinants of model interpretability and translational relevance. Improved access to longitudinal clinical datasets and phenotype-resolved measurements will be essential for developing more predictive and clinically applicable computational models of CAR-T therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"43-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of the dentist in the diagnosis and early detection of neoplastic lesions based on the example of Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, classified as an OPMD.","authors":"Magdalena Stawarz-Janeczek, Katarzyna Łazarz-Bartyzel, Andrzej Kiencało, Jolanta Pytko-Polończyk","doi":"10.24425/ fmc.2026.158995","DOIUrl":"10.24425/ fmc.2026.158995","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) was first described by Hansen, Olson, and Silverman in 1985 as a form of hyperkeratosis, remained resistant to treatment and was further distinguished by the aggressive nature of the lesions and a high rate of malignant transformation (MT). The OPMDs classification developed in 2020 recognized PVL as a distinct form of multifocal oral leukoplakia, characterized by a progressive clinical course and with changing clinical and histopathological features. According to WHO, the risk of malignant transformation of PVL among OPMDs is approximately 50%. This frequent MT of PVL involves transformation into VC or OSCC, which, according to various sources in the literature, occurs in between 43.87% and 65.8% of cases, and according to some in up to 70% of cases. Some reports even suggest a possible malignant transformation rate of around 100%. PVL usually occurs in multiple areas of the oral cavity simultaneously and is characterized by slow but continuous progression. The aetiology of PVL and the factors influencing its progression to cancer are unknown. Close monitoring of patients is recommended and, if necessary, biopsies should be performed to assess changes in the appearance, colour, and size of observed lesions, as well as the appearance of subsequent lesions. Early diagnosis, surgical removal, and patient observation are crucial in the treatment of PVL.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":" 1","pages":"173-181"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Infectious screening and vaccination coverage in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a single-center observational study.","authors":"Estera Banasik, Agnieszka Dobrowolska, Magdalena Roszak, Piotr Eder","doi":"10.24425/fmc.2026.158990","DOIUrl":"10.24425/fmc.2026.158990","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of infections due to immune dysfunction and use of immunosuppressive and biologic therapies. Therefore, proper screening for latent infections and vaccinations are important to improve treatment safety. The aim of the study was to assess serological screening for hepatitis B and C virus (HBV, HCV) infections and to evaluate vaccination coverage in patients with IBD in routine clinical practice in a tertiary center.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 105 patients with IBD were included (Crohn's disease, n = 56; ulcerative colitis, n = 48; IBD unclassified, n = 1). Data were collected using an original questionnaire and laboratory assessment of HBV and HCV markers. A subgroup analysis evaluated COVID-19 vaccination and adverse events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All patients reported a negative history of HBV and HCV infection. Anti-HBc total antibodies were detected in 5 patients, while none were HBsAg-positive and none tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Among 82 patients vaccinated against HBV, 31 (38%) had nonprotective anti-HBs titers. Current IBD treatment was not associated with impaired vaccine response. Vaccination rates for influenza, pneumococci, and meningococci were low. Only 15% of patients reported receiving information about vaccination from the physicians. In the COVID-19 subgroup, 74.7% of patients were vaccinated, with mostly mild adverse events.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite existing recommendations, screening and vaccination coverage in patients with IBD remain insufficient, indicating the need for implementation of immunoprophylaxis in routine clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"111-121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Positive effects of probiotics in people living with HIV: a narrative review.","authors":"Wiktoria Sobocińska, Gabriela Kubicka, Łukasz Kołodyński","doi":"10.24425/ fmc.2026.158992","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24425/ fmc.2026.158992","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), no clear guidelines exist on microbiome-targetednadjuncts for people living with HIV (PLWH). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection damages the gastrointestinal tract by altering the mucosal surface and prompting dysbiosis. Gut microbial imbalance, characterized by the predominance of opportunistic bacteria, leads to increased microbial translocation, which, in turn, results in chronic inflammation, digestive tract symptoms, and reduced quality of life. PLWH have substantial dysbiosis compared to healthy controls. In addition, gastrointestinal complications occur as a side effect of ART treatment. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) harbors the majority of CD4+ lymphocytes, and this population is significantly depleted during HIV-1 infection. Antiretroviral therapy does not facilitate CD4+ lymphocyte restoration in GALT tissue. Even if the general CD4+ lymphocyte count increases, the GALT CD4+ count, despite therapy, remains stable and low due to unknown causes. Research assessing probiotics in PLWH on ART has yielded mixed results. Some studies report that probiotics may increase CD4+ T cell counts, improve gut barrier integrity, and reduce the incidence of diarrhea in HIV-positive patients. These benefits may be linked to specific probiotic strains that possibly enhance immune function by promoting regulatory T cell populations, thus decreasing microbial translocation. On the other hand, multiple studies did not show any consistent or significant benefits from probiotic supplementation for PLWH. This article assesses critical clinical trials and systematic reviews on this topic, based on limited existing research data. More data from large clinical trials on this topic is needed to assess whether this is or is not a justified new clinical approach for HIV-1-positive patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"133-144"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elevated mycophenolic acid levels after kidney transplantation: avoiding unnecessary dose reduction through team-based TDM interpretation.","authors":"Angelika Śmiertka, Agnieszka Cios, Łukasz Hońdo, Agnieszka Supernak, Anna Grzywa, Katarzyna Sobczyńska, Katarzyna Krzanowska, Anna Wesołowska","doi":"10.24425/ fmc.2026.158991","DOIUrl":"10.24425/ fmc.2026.158991","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a cornerstone immunosuppressive agent used in combination with calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids to prevent acute allograft rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. Long-term transplant outcomes depend not only on the pharmacological efficacy of immunosuppressive regimens but also on individualized dosing strategies and sustained medication adherence. Owing to the complex and highly variable pharmacokinetics of MMF's active metabolite, mycophenolic acid (MPA), therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has become an important tool for optimizing treatment safety and efficacy. We report a case of a kidney transplant recipient with unexpectedly elevated MPA exposure in the absence of clinical toxicity. A detailed pharmacokinetic assessment combined with a comprehensive clinical pharmacist-led medication review indicated that the increased MPA concentrations and elevated AUC0-12h were most likely related to impaired renal elimination of mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG). Reduced MPAG clearance may enhance enterohepatic recirculation (EHR) of MPA, resulting in increased systemic exposure. This case highlights the importance of interpreting elevated MPA concentrations within a broader clinical context and underscores the critical role of clinical pharmacists, as members of an interdisciplinary team, in integrating TDM with comprehensive pharmacokinetic assessment to ensure safe and effective long-term immunosuppressive therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"123-131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High-fat diet-induced obesity affects sulfurtransferases activity in mice hearts.","authors":"Dominika Szlęzak, Anna Misterka-Kozaka, Monika Majewska-Szczepanik, Patrycja Bronowicka-Adamska","doi":"10.24425/fmc.2026.158986","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24425/fmc.2026.158986","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Obesity is a chronic disease with complex etiology, characterized by excessive accumulation of fat tissue, which poses a health hazard and increases, among others, risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gaseous transmitter, plays an important role in the cardio- vascular system, affecting blood pressure and heart function.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to determine the effect of high-fat diet-induced (HFD-induced) obesity to hydrogen sulfide metabolism in mice hearts.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The research material consisted of hearts collected from male wild-type C57BL/6 mice fed for 8 weeks with a normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet. Ex vivo analyses included testing the activity of selected sulfur enzymes (cystathionine gamma-lyase - CGL, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase - MPST, and thiosulfate sulfurtransferase - TST), determining the sulfane sulfur level, and examining the ability of tissues to produce hydrogen sulfide.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Tissues collected from HFD-fed mice were characterized by a lack of CGL activity, increased TST activity, and higher levels of sulfane sulfur compared to group of ND mice. Additionally, the capacity to produce H2S was higher in the hearts of HFD mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study shows that HFD-induced obesity affects hydrogen sulfide levels and sulfur enzyme activity in mice hearts. It can be speculated that the increased ability of HFD mice tissues to produce H2S is a compensatory mechanism for obesity-induced changes. The conducted research indicates the key importance of sulfurtransferases, MPST and TST, in sulfur metabolism in the heart and indicates a new area for further analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"69-79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does newest immunomodulative treatment in patients with psoriasis impact growth and transformation of melanocytic nevi in patients with psoriasis? Preliminary results from a prospective cohort study.","authors":"Marta Kacprzyk, Magdalena Masajda, Aleksandra Kulbat, Karolina Richter, Paweł Brzewski, Wojciech M Wysocki","doi":"10.24425/fmc.2026.158985","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24425/fmc.2026.158985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Patients with psoriasis treated with biologic therapy are considered to have increased risk of developing skin neoplasms. The impact of novel therapies on the development and biology of melanocytic lesions is not completely known. The aim of the study was assess if the treatment with biologics exerts effects on the melanocytic nevi.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Dermoscopy and videodermoscopic imaging of 276 melanocytic lesions were performed at the initial visit and after one year in 13 patients with psoriasis treated with IL-12/23 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The nevi size significantly increased at the one-year follow-up in the whole study group and in patients treated either with IL-23 inhibitors or IL-12/23 inhibitor. 2% of melanocytic nevi showed an increase in any of the scores (ABCD score, 7-Point Checklist score, CASH score) or at least 1-mm change in the diameter at the one-year follow-up; however, these changes were not statistically significant between the different therapy groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although treatment with novel groups of biologics leads to an increase in nevi size, it does not contribute to significant structural or color changes in melanocytic nevi or to the development of dysplastic nevi or melanoma at the one-year follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"59-68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current evidence of gut microbiota dysbiosis and its role in atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular diseases.","authors":"Maria Szwarkowska, Kamil A Sobieszek, Krzysztof Bartus, Jerzy Sadowski","doi":"10.24425/ fmc.2026.158994","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.24425/ fmc.2026.158994","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The human gut microbiota has emerged recently as an important regulator of cardiovascular physiology through its effects on metabolism, immune signaling, and systemic inflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in intestinal microbial composition (dysbiosis) may contribute to the development and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). This review summarizes current evidence on gut microbiota alterations, microbiota-derived metabolites, and their mechanistic links to atrial fibrillation pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies. Patients with AF demonstrate reduced microbial diversity and characteristic shifts in bacterial taxa, including depletion of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and enrichment of potentially pro-inflammatory microorganisms. Gut microbiota-derived metabolites appear to play a key role in mediating these effects. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) promote oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and activation of inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to atrial fibrosis, electrical remodeling, and increased arrhythmogenic susceptibility. In contrast, short-chain fatty acids exert anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects that may stabilize cardiac electrophysiology. Importantly, the relationship between gut microbiota and atrial fibrillation appears to be bidirectional, as cardiovascular disease itself may influence intestinal barrier integrity and microbial composition. Understanding the gut-heart axis may open new perspectives for risk stratification and therapeutic strategies, including dietary interventions and microbiome-targeted therapies. Further clinical studies are required to determine whether modulation of the gut microbiota can effectively prevent or modify the course of atrial fibrillation.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"155-171"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary clinical association between the Nerve-Sparing Quality (NSQ) Score and early functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.","authors":"Jakub Kempisty, Krzysztof Balawander, Oskar Dąbrowski, Karol Burdziak","doi":"10.24425/ fmc.2026.158993","DOIUrl":"10.24425/ fmc.2026.158993","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Nerve-sparing during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) plays a critical role in postoperative functional recovery, particularly urinary continence and erectile function. Although several tools exist for assessing surgical performance in robotic surgery, objective intraoperative evaluation of nerve-sparing quality remains limited. The Nerve-Sparing Quality (NSQ) Score was recently introduced as a structured intraoperative scoring system designed to evaluate the technical quality of neurovascular bundle preservation. The aim of the present study was to explore the preliminary clinical correlation between NSQ Score and early functional outcomes following RARP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study included 20 patients who underwent RARP and had available intraoperative NSQ Score assessment together with 6-month postoperative functional follow-up. The NSQ Score is a 10-point intraoperative scoring system based on five domains: dissection plane, bleeding control, bundle manipulation, continuity of dissection, and symmetry. Functional outcomes were assessed at 6 months using data obtained from routine postoperative follow-up records, using pad use (pads per day) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Associations between NSQ Score and functional outcomes were evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. Exploratory subgroup comparisons were performed using an NSQ Score threshold of ≥8.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean NSQ Score was 7.95 ± 1.61. Mean pad use at 6 months was 0.75 ± 0.91 pads/day, and mean IIEF-5 score was 18.05 ± 6.60. Higher NSQ Score correlated with lower pad use (Spearman ρ = -0.56, p = 0.011) and higher IIEF-5 (ρ = 0.87, p < 0.001). Patients with NSQ Score ≥8 demonstrated significantly better erectile function compared with those with lower scores (21.38 ± 4.46 vs 11.86 ± 5.40, p = 0.001) and lower pad use (0.38 ± 0.51 vs 1.43 ± 1.13 pads/day, p = 0.035).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Higher NSQ Score was associated with improved early functional outcomes after RARP, particularly regarding erectile function and postoperative pad use. These findings provide preliminary clinical support for the construct validity of the NSQ Score as a structured intraoperative measure of nerve-sparing quality. Larger prospective studies incorporating baseline functional parameters are required to determine the independent predictive value of the NSQ Score.</p>","PeriodicalId":523880,"journal":{"name":"Folia medica Cracoviensia","volume":"66 1","pages":"145-153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148255445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}