Medical science intends to study and understand the human body, health, disease, and treatment process through observation, experimentation, and analysis, and the results of these efforts are often communicated as research papers containing some kind of novel information. Basic science, also referred to as fundamental science, aims to increase the knowledge base and our understanding of core natural principles, without direct practical implications.1 However, its potential serves as the groundwork for applied science and innovation, solving practical issues.1 A good example is sequencing and analysis of the human genome,2 which led to the development of extensive diagnostic and treatment options as well as personalized medicine.3

Indeed, peer-reviewed scientific journals enable researchers to review existing knowledge and contextualize their investigations within a broader scope of the discipline. An original research article is widely regarded as the most essential means of conveying scientific discoveries and ideas. It should generally follow the Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion (IMRAD) structure, which is typical of most journals.4

Only the Discussion section allows for inclusion of authors’ own opinions, giving a high degree of autonomy.4 Writing facilitates clear thinking and constitutes the sole activity of true significance, being the most critical task for scientists.5 Without it, the advancement of ideas would be severely hindered.5 Przegląd Lekarski – Jagiellonian Medical Review welcomes all sizes of basic science and clinical research articles, including original papers, short communications, and reviews. But it also gladly accepts more practical contributions, such as clinical images, clinical practice questions and answers, and letters to the editor.

In the current issue, the authors of original papers focused on diagnostic tests. It has to be pointed out that laboratory tests play a central role in medicine, as they help make diagnoses, assess prognosis and risk of disease, and monitor therapies, thus contributing to about 70% of all medical decisions.6 In the era of multiomics, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, or metabolomics, single-assay approaches, often selected based on the multiomics approach, offer focused view and support mechanistic studies. As shown by Lizoń et al,7 anti–human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies are highly prevalent in blood donors with a history of pregnancy and / or transfusion of blood or its components, and further research is highly warranted to establish optimal cutoff points (sensitive but also specific enough to avoid false classification) and clinical significance of anti-HLA antibodies. Trojnarska and co-authors8 conducted a retrospective analysis of risk factors potentially associated with abnormal cervical cytology and / or positive high-risk human papillomavirus test result. The authors concluded that pregnancy provides an opportunity to identify abnormal cervical cytology in women who had little or no previous screening; however, they found no clear associations of abnormal cytology results with age, ever-smoking, or number of pregnancies.8 Postpartum follow-up examination did not reveal cervical cancer but identified various forms of cervical neoplasia. Notably, complete regression of lesions was observed in approximately one-fourth of patients.8 However, only about 40% of the cohort returned for re-evaluation.

On behalf of the editor-in-chief and the editorial board, I kindly invite you to read the current issue of Przegląd Lekarski – Jagiellonian Medical Review.