Fulltext search in archive

A unique model of primary cancer cell lines isolated from primary colon cancer and respective lymph node metastasis was prepared and tested for basic phenotype properties. Histological and genetic examination of tumour tissue was carried out. The rates of isolation success with histopathological features of the tumour were compared.

A survey questionnaire study of neonates with gastroschisis gives unique feedback on their somatic growth and quality of life.

Circulating tumor cells are confirmed as a promising prognostic marker in metastatic cancer patients. A predictive potential of matrix metalloproteinase 2 serum level for brain metastases development in HER2 positive breast cancer patients was also found.

Hepatorenal syndrome is relatively common and potentially fatal complication of advanced cirrhosis. Identification of patients at risk is key as there are effective but costly, means of prevention and treatment. Serum sodium is an accessible, reliable and cheap test that could, in conjunction with liver function, provide very important information on the hepatorenal syndrome.

Aims: To analyze the paced QRS duration in various septal positions of the right ventricular leads and with different paced QRS vectors. To use the results to assess parameters suggesting the optimal site for right ventricular pacing. Methods and Results: A total of 609 patients with leads implanted in the right ventricular septum were classified using fluoroscopy in the lateral view (the primary pacing site), and in the anteroposterior view (the secondary pacing site), according to the QRS vector in leads I and III. Significantly shortened paced QRS was found in the primary pacing site with the true septal compared with the anteroseptal site, with the vector being negative or isoelectric in lead I plus positive in lead III. In secondary pacing sites, no significant difference in pacing QRS duration was found between RVOT-HS, RVOT-LS, mid-septum and inferior-septum. Conclusions: For optimization of the pacing site in the ventricular septum, the following are significant: the primary site based on the lateral view, and the paced QRS vector in leads I and III.

The use of specific inhibitors to prevent DNA repair in tumour cells, is a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment but the insufficient serum half-life and poor solubility of these inhibitors are factors limiting their use in clinical practice. This review summarizes recent studies on novel small-molecule inhibitors of pivotal DNA repair kinases and underlines the importance of clinical trials needed to assess their efficacy in vivo.

It has been reported that monozygotic twinning is increased in association with assisted reproductive techniques. The purpose of this article was to critically review the current state of knowledge in this area.

Pediatric patients with erythrocyte membrane defect and thalassemia trait show disturbed balance between erythropoiesis and iron metabolism. The (hepcidin/ferritin)/sTfR ratio distinguishes patients with erythrocyte membrane defect and the thalassemia trait from healthy populations. These patients should be followed up for possible alterations in erythropoietic activity and potential risk of excessive iron accumulation.

The authors newly describe the presence of Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) in the respiratory tract of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They document 3 cases of acute exacerbations of COPD, where (i) SMG were present in the respiratory tract, (ii) no other bacterial pathogen was detected, (iii) increased CRP levels indicated bacterial infection and (iv) patients recovered during empirical antibiotic treatment. The data indicate that SMG may act as an opportunist respiratory pathogens capable of exacerbating COPD.

This is an investigation on the development of a multilocus calibration material for analysis of somatostatin (SSTR1-5), estrogen (ER1), and dopamine (D2R) receptors in pituitary adenomas. Using this calibrator the authors were able to align all calibration functions, including assays for the transcripts whose expression in the pituitary was very low (SSTR4 and SSTR5). As a result the authors investigated a large group of 206 pituitary tumors with various histo-pathological classification, and defined individual expression profile for postoperative pharmacological treatment with somatostatin analogues and dopamine agonists. The numbers of D2R, ER1, and SSTR1 transcripts were highest in patients with Cushing disease and prolactinomas. SSTR2 expression was significantly higher in acromegaly and thyrotroph adenomas. Significantly more SSTR3 transcripts were found in clinically non-functioning adenomas and acromegaly, and higher levels of SSTR5 were found in patients with acromegaly and prolactinomas.

Glycoprotein asporin has unique functions that affect tumor microenvironments and cancer progression. Current contradictory results on tumour promoting and suppressive effects of asporin require further investigation, in particular with respect to aspartic acid repeat polymorphism.

The authors describe their experience with conversion of stable patients after kidney transplantation from cyclosporine to tacrolimus prolonged-release (ADVAGRAF®). While there are many references to conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus immediate-release, there is only one clinical study describing similar conversion to tacrolimus prolonged-release and so far no reference to such conversion in routine clinical practice. The data show that this conversion is safe, well tolerated and results in substantial decrease in side-effects linked to cyclosporine treatment and more importantly to better kidney graft function.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the outcomes of the anti-VEGF treatment in patients with the wet form of AMD in real clinical practise in Czech Republic. A comparison of the results with clinical trials was surprising. A sub analysis of the results identified parameters that could predict treatment success.

Dysfunction of renal mitochondria can be observed in the pathogenesis of a number of renal disorders. Proteomic methods are used for analysis of mitochondrial proteins and protein complexes in animal kidney models and humans in the course of various pathological states. Proteomics of renal mitochondria are useful for understanding pathology and discovering potential targets for therapy.

The multidisciplinary management of secondary brain tumors is a real challenge for neuro-oncological teams. This review provides a summary of the literature on treatment approaches and modalities in this setting in order to simplify decision-making by treating physicians.

The authors found significantly higher levels of carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus than healthy controls. This is a first study on CML levels in connection with persisting glucose abnormality postpartum.

Conventional linear accelerator stereotactic radiotherapy is safe and feasible for the treatment of brain metastases.

Small non-coding RNA molecules (miRs) regulate immune cell function and their role in both innate immunity reactions and, T and B cell activities, underlies susceptibility to autoimmunity. Deregulated miRs influence crucial immunopathological events in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis. Up- and down-regulated miRs modify gene expression, immune cell maturation, differentiation and function. This subsequently leads to typical features of SLE such as auto antibody production.

The global incidence of renal cell cancer is increasing . Knowledge of renal carcinogenesis is one way of improving of treatment options and cancer prevention.

This study was designed to evaluate the results of hybrid treatment of arteriovenous graft thrombosis associated with venous anastomotic stenosis. Treatment of AVG thrombosis by hybrid procedure proved to be effective and improved secondary patency.

This paper describes the results of an analysis of the molecular-genetics of the COL1A1 gene in Czech patients diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta type I-IV. Possible effects of DNA changes on phenotype are discussed.

Interaction of RAGE with its many ligands in patients with different types of cancer has been the subject of several recent reviews always related to either specific tumours, or specific RAGE ligand. This article attempts to cover the whole area and should be of general interest to oncologists.

A number of genes associated with the development and function of synapses play significant roles in autism. This review focuses on deficits in synaptic proteins associated with autism and animal genetic models of autism with respect to alterations in selected synaptic proteins such as neuroligins, neurexins and shank proteins.

This study contributes to quantification of the genotoxic risk of therapeutic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and UV-radiation (Goeckerman therapy of psoriasis). To assess the level of genotoxic effects, Comet assays and chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes were used. Significantly elevated levels of DNA double strand breaks (DNA-DSBs) and chromosomal aberrations (total number of aberrated chromosomes and structurally aberrated chromosomes) indicated the presence of genotoxic hazard. However, the elevated level of chromosomal abnormalities was below the upper limit of the reference range for healthy Czech adults. In summary, the level of genotoxic risk appears to be low. On the other hand, it is evident that Goeckerman therapy contributes to the lifetime load of genotoxic factors.

The originality of this work is the diversity of free flap procedures available for reconstructing defects in head and neck regions, including in the case of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. The authors emphasise the use of intensive reconstruction surgery for tumors at lower stages of malignancy than in cases of virtually inoperable tumors.

Aims: Polymorphisms in the genes that code for metabolic enzymes involved in either the activation (Phase I) or detoxication (Phase II) of chemical carcinogens in tobacco, may alter expression or function of carcinogenic compounds and hence alter risk of oral cancer. The present study investigates whether polymorphisms at CYP1A1 and GSTM1 gene loci act as risk factors for oral precancerous lesions and cancer. Methods: For the present study, histopathologically confirmed cases of 90 oral precancerous lesions, 150 oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 150 control subjects were selected. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were performed using DNA from blood samples to determine the polymorphic genotypes at CYP1A1 and GSTM1 loci. Results: CYP1A1 C (m2/m2) genotype conferred a 12.0 fold-increased risk (OR=12.0; 95% CI, 2.40-60.05) to oral SCC. GSTM1 null showed no significant association but the frequency was higher in oral SCC cases. Patients with genotype C and/or GSTM1 deficiency developed carcinoma after less tobacco consumption than those of other genotypes though the difference was not statistically significant. The frequency of the combined genotypes C and GSTM1 null was found to be 14% among oral SCC patients. On comparing the susceptibility of intraoral sites it was found that in the majority of cases (64%) in the study groups they were the buccal mucosa. Conclusion: Hence it was concluded that metabolic enzymes reported in the present study: CYP1A1 significantly alter oral cancer risk. GSTM1 null and CYP1A1 C (m2m2) show a predisposition to premalignant lesions and cancer of the buccal mucosa than other sites.

Aims: The i-gel^TM and the AuraOnce^TM laryngeal mask are supraglottic airway devices used for airway management during general anaesthesia. Both devices are cheap, disposable and widely used. They may be used with both spontaneous and controlled ventilation. This study compared differences in the seal and peak pressures, and postoperative complications in these devices when used in paralyzed patients under controlled ventilation. Methods: A prospective randomized trial was designed to compare the i-gel^TM and the AuraOnce^TM in paralyzed adult patients under conditions of controlled ventilation. Two hundred and four patients (ASA class 1-3, age 18-89, weight 46-115 kg) were enrolled in the study. Standardized anaesthesia (fentanyl, propofol and sevoflurane in air-oxygen) was administered including neuromuscular blockade. The primary outcome measure was the difference in seal airway pressures between the two devices. Secondary outcome measures included peak airway pressures, insertion data and postoperative profiles - the incidence of sore throat, swallowing difficulties, numb tongue, hearing difficulties, neck pain, nausea and vomiting. Results: First time insertions were 85.6% (i-gel) and 82% (AuraOnce) with overall success rates 96.3% (i-gel) and 94.2% (AuraOnce) (p=0.54). Average insertion times were 11.0 s (i-gel) and 11.6 s (AuraOnce) (p=0.19). Seal pressures were 30.4 cmH₂O (i-gel) and 27.8 cmH₂O (AuraOnce) (p=0.007). Peak pressures were 15.3 cmH₂O (i-gel) and 15.6 cmH₂O (AuraOnce) (p=0.57). Traumatic insertion occurred in 5.8% of i-gel^TM and 2% of AuraOnce^TM insertions. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was low, with the i-gel^TM causing less sore throat and difficulty swallowing at 24h. Conclusion: Both devices provided effective seals for ventilation under positive pressure. I-gel^TM may be a better alternative for the procedures with controlled ventilation because of higher seal pressures and lower incidence of sore throat postoperatively.

This study on a large cohort of patients showed that the B-scan ultrasonographic measurement of horizontal eye muscles thickness in patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy moderately correlates with values obtained using magnetic resonance imaging. The study confirmed that ultrasound is a very useful diagnostic tool for routine clinical practice in evaluation patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy. The accuracy of ultrasonographic measurements significantly increases with the experience of the investigator.

This is an overview of proteins and/or signaling pathways influenced by members of microRNA family hsa-miR-29. As the original report was based on leukemic cells, known targets are related to malignant hematopoiesis. The general features of miR-29 effects in hematopoietic malignancies, discussed, make the microRNA, a feasible target for therapy development.

This case report describes an interesting case of overt hyperthyroidism in a thyroidectomised patient. It illustrates the clinical search for functional ectopic thyroid tissue utilizing a multidisciplinary clinical approach.