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This case report presents a unique instance of primary ventriculitis in a 53-year-old patient with no predisposing factors, caused by the rare pathogen Streptococcus intermedius. Despite early and targeted antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition did not improve, highlighting the challenges in managing such infections. Imaging studies and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were crucial for diagnosis, revealing significant inflammation and ventricular debris. This case emphasizes the need for further research into the treatment of primary ventriculitis, as standard therapeutic approaches may not always be effective. The findings underscore the importance of early detection and the complexity of managing central nervous system infections.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the efficacy of palliative treatment depending on the use of ­cisplatin or carboplatin in combination with etoposide in patients with ES-SCLC in real-world practice in the Czech Republic. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 348 patients from the LUCAS project with ESSCLC. 79 patients were treated with etoposide plus cisplatin and 265 were treated with etoposide plus carboplatin. No statistically significant difference in mOS or mPFS was found depending on the use of carboplatin or cisplatin in combination with etoposide. In the subgroup analysis according to age and performance status (PS), no statistically significant difference in mOS was found either.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system with a greater frequency in young adults. It has been speculated for some time, that an altered intestinal barrier is may be involved in the ethiopathogenesis of this disease, too. In our study we observed that the function of the intestinal epithelium can be impaired by increased permeability in patients with CIS and CDMS, however, no significant intestinal damage has been found. Based on the results CLDN-3 may play a role as potential biomarker of intestinal barrier disruption in patients with multiple sclerosis, mainly with treatment, but further contribution of CLDN3 from other compartments needs to be elucidated, e.g., the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier.

This review explores novel insights into the use of biomarkers for traumatic brain injury (TBI) prognosis and management. By examining emerging evidence on neuronal injury, inflammation, extracellular vesicles and non-coding RNAs, it underscores their potential in predicting clinical outcomes such as recovery and cognitive impairment. The work bridges a critical gap between basic research and clinical application, offering a comprehensive perspective on advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for TBI.

In this paper, the authors show that simple physical and cognitive training after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can be positive for the brain and its functions and help in the prevention of post-concussion syndrome. This can lead to the decreased economic burden of mTBI, and individual training can be performed without professional supervision.

In this prospective, unicentric, observational study, the prevalence and predictors of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were investigated. The study aimed to assess the role of transthoracic echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance and cardiac markers in predicting LVT and to determine the risk of systemic embolization to the central nervous system using brain MRA. In a cohort of seventy patients, the prevalence of LVT detected by TTE was 15.9% and by DE-CMR was 16.7%. LVT prevalence was particularly high in patients with anterior STEMI. However, there was no significant association between LVT detection and the occurrence of cardioembolic events. These findings provide valuable insights into the diagnosis, prediction, and potential risk factors of LVT following AMI.

The authors present the results of their study focused on patients with acute STEMI and multivessel coronary artery disease. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) guided staged intervention of the so far silent non-IRA lesions (50-90%) was performed 4-8 weeks after STEMI closely preceded by myocardial perfusion study (MPS). We offer a comparative analysis of these methods within real-world scenarios. The major finding was that they observed weak correlation in ischemia detection between MPS using SPECT and invasive hemodynamic measurement using FFR. In patients with abnormal myocardium detected by MPS significantly lower FFR values were observed in the non-IRAs compared to patients with negative MPS studies. Further studies are needed to guide the optimal treatment strategy in such patients.

This article provides an overview of the causes of adrenocortical insufficiency, characteristic laboratory findings, and hormonal examinations including stimulation tests used in diagnostics. Attention is given to factors that may influence the results of hormonal examinations as well as to individual methods of laboratory determination. A special section within the article is dedicated to the use of plasma cortisol determination using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), drawing on our own experiences.

In this retrospective study, the authors assessed patients with an advanced sinonasal tumor treated with a surgical technique combining a frontal transbasal approach and endoscopic endonasal approach. The cohort consisted of ten patients. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 8 cases (80%) and subcomplete resection in two (20%). In patients who died, the overall survival averaged 17.5 months (5-36 months). In surviving patients the average length of the follow up is 30.5 months (12-59). A combined endoscopic and transbasal approach presents an advantageous surgical strategy as it allows for greater radicality, reliable skull base reconstruction and reduces the need for extensive cranial approaches.

The authors included publications up to July 1, 2023. Five guidelines, 1 systematic review, and 2 expert consensuses were included. Twenty-four of the best levels were summarized. The evidence includes evaluation methods, risk management, preventive measures, health education and follow-up. This systematic review summarizes the latest evidence of the best level of EVRB prevention in liver cirrhosis. These are practical and can be used as reference for clinical and medical personnel.

The aim of this investigation was to select markers of genetic instability and the genotoxicity of treatment for acute leukaemia, using the individual characteristics of patients to predict later complications. Eighty-six children with acute leukaemia were examined, on days 15 and 33, and the results were compared with clinical and laboratory data. The authors paid particular attention to the presence of polyploidy clones, where the modal number of chromosomes was associated with prognosis and dynamics of leukemic cells during the treatment and also focused on the level of micronuclei (Mn), one of the indicators of genetic instability. The authors examined Mn in buccal cavity cells since this is non-invasive and accessible.

Acute kidney injury induced by gentamicin nephrotoxicity is a significant clinical concern due to the widespread use of gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Gentamicin can cause damage to renal tubular cells, leading to decreased kidney function. Emerging research highlights the role of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. These miRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules involved in regulating gene expression, and their altered levels in the blood or urine can indicate kidney damage before traditional markers, such as serum creatinine. Identifying these miRNAs could improve diagnosis, enable timely intervention, and potentially mitigate the adverse effects of gentamicin on renal health.

Proteomic analysis of the vitreous has unveiled critical molecular mechanisms underlying retinal pathologies, highlighting novel therapeutic opportunities. This study explores the dynamic protein changes associated with detachment-induced photoreceptor degeneration, metabolic stress, and inflammation. Key findings reveal altered glycolytic enzymes, antioxidant depletion, and cytokine dysregulation, underscoring their roles in cellular damage and repair. The review emphasizes the transformative potential of advanced proteomics, such as data-independent acquisition and exosome profiling, in identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets, paving the way for precision medicine in combating vision-threatening conditions.

Brain function could be influenced by probiotics through gut microbiota. For the first time, the effect of probiotics was assessed by monitoring the concentrations of the neurodegeneration biomarker neurofilament light chains (NfL) in a well-defined group of community-dwelling individuals. A three-month intervention with original probiotics was not reflected in a reduction of serum NfL concentrations. Monitoring serum NfL concentrations did not show significant axonal degeneration at a three-month interval in community-dwelling elderly without probiotic intervention.

Neurogenic tumors are the third most common type of tumors in the mediastinum, often found in the posterior area but sometimes in the middle mediastinum. The case described involved a male with a middle mediastinum tumor, undiagnosable via biopsy due to its location. Surgery removed the tumor and phrenic nerve, confirming a low-activity schwannoma. Diagnosis of such tumors is challenging though surgical removal is viable for circumscribed tumors. Minimally invasive surgery is preferred, offering fewer complications and quick recovery.

This paper explores the modern approach to treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), emphasizing the importance of adherence for successful management. It reviews various components of T2D treatment, lifestyle modifications, including medical nutritional therapy and physical activity. Medications in contemporary treatment are discussed, each with specific benefits and potential risks. Factors influencing the adherence to the components of treatment are analysed. Even though adherence leads to a better disease outcome, it is often poor. The review concludes that addressing factors affecting adherence can significantly improve T2D outcomes and reduce costs.

The purpose of this project was to compare the characteristics of two experimental murine models of primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) and determine which experimental model is most suitable for further investigational research. PIOL was induced in immunocompetent mice with intravitreal injection of syngeneic B-cell lymphoma cell lines. Murine strain C3H/HeN and cell line 38C13 were used in the first model and BALB/CaNn mice and cell line A20 were used in the second model. During the experiments, thorough clinical and histological evaluations were carried out. PIOL in BALB/CaNn mice was less aggressive with slower progression which predisposes this strain to be more suitable for further research.

This study evaluates the prognostic relevance of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in long-term mortality among patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). By integrating serum albumin, total cholesterol, and lymphocyte count, the CONUT score provides a comprehensive assessment of nutritional and immunological status. The findings suggest that the CONUT score may offer valuable insights for long-term risk stratification in PE, complementing existing clinical and biomarker-based approaches.

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded and controlled study compared non-leaching central venous catheter (Certofix® protect) with a standard catheter (Certofix®). There was no difference for catheter colonization rates between the coated and uncoated catheter. However, the coated central venous catheter showed a significantly lower incidence of bloodstream infections and a significantly lower mean incidence of bloodstream infections per 1000 catheter days.

Aims: Brittle cornea syndrome (BCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. The aim of this study was to review ZNF469 mutations associated with BCS type 1 to date and to describe an additional case of Czech/Polish background. Methods: Whole genome sequencing was undertaken to identify the molecular genetic cause of disease in the proband. Sequence variants in ZNF469 previously reported as BCS type 1-causing were searched in the literature, manually curated and aligned to the reference sequence NM_001127464.2. Results: The proband has been reviewed since childhood with progressive myopia and hearing loss. Aged 13 years had been diagnosed with Stickler syndrome. Aged 16.5 years, he developed acute hydrops in the left eye managed by corneal transplantation. At the age of 26, he experienced right corneal rupture after blunt trauma, also managed by grafting. He had a number of secondary complications and despite regular follow-up and timely management, the right eye became totally blind and the left eye had light perception at the last follow-up visit, aged 42. He was found to be a compound heterozygote for two novel mutations c.1705C>T; p.(Gln569*) and c.1402_1411del; p.(Pro468Alafs*31) in ZNF469. In total 22 disease-causing variants in ZNF469 have been identified, mainly in consanguineous families or endogamous populations. Only four probands, including the case described in the current study, harboured compound heterozygous mutations. Conclusion: BCS occurs very rarely in outbred populations which may cause diagnostic errors due to poor awareness of the disease. Investigation into the underlying molecular genetic cause in patients with connective tissue disorders may lead to a re-evaluation of their clinical diagnosis.

Visual field defects persist after antibiotic treatment in one third of patients with syphilitic uveitis. The observation supports adjacent systemic corticosteroid treatment for severe forms of syphilitic uveitis and/or neuritis.

This research study was focused on changes in DNA methylation in specific tumor supressor genes in endometrial hyperplasia. The authors performed a retrospective study of endometrial tissue of 164 patients treated in their department from 2007 to 2014 dividing them into three subsets: atypical hyperplasia, hyperplasia without atypia and a control group with normal endometrial tissue. 25 selected genes using the methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) probe set were tested. Differences in DNA methylation among the groups were found in PTEN, CDH13, and MSH6 promoters. These genes appear to be involved in different stages of the development of endometrial hyperplasia.

Patients with multiple brain metastases (BM) benefit from hippocampal-avoiding whole brain radiotherapy (HA-WBRT), a less available form of WBRT. This study explores pre-radiotherapy (pre-RT) hippocampal magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as a tool for assessing neurocognitive functions (NCF) in order to identify which patients may benefit from HA-WBRT. 43 BM patients underwent pre-RT hippocampal MRS, correlating N-acetylaspartate (neuronal density surrogate) with NCF tests (HVLT and BVMT). Borderline statistically significant correlations were found with speculative interpretation underlying the challenges of hippocampal MRS as a surrogate for neurocognitive impairment. Further studies are needed to validate hippocampal MRS as a predictor for memory sparing radiotherapy benefit.

The authors present an evaluation of 129 patients with a diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism who were thoroughly examined (TTE, TEE, laboratory, brain MRI), They found a surprisingly high incidence of acute and subacute pathological findings on brain MRI in direct relation to the presence of PFO confirmed by TEE.

While assisted reproductive technology (ART) offers hope to millions of couples worldwide in overcoming infertility, it also attracts attention to investigating the health outcomes of mothers and their children. Using Cox regression models, this study compares preterm birth risk between ART-assisted singleton pregnancies (in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) with fresh embryo transfer, frozen embryo transfer (FET) and oocyte receipt (OoR)) with non-ART singleton pregnancies. The results show a higher preterm birth risk in ART-treated women (1.56 to 2.06 depending on the ART method) compared to women without ART treatment. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the risk of preterm birth among ART-treated mothers based on specific ART methods.

Emicizumab, a bispecific-humanized monoclonal antibody, is able to improve coagulation by bridging activated factor IX and factor X. It is administered subcutaneously and much less often compared to factor VIII products, has low immunogenicity, does not require dose adjustment, and can be administered regardless of the presence of factor VIII inhibitors. Gene therapy can elevate factor VIII plasma levels for many years after a single treatment course, could offer long-term protection from bleeding episodes, and minimize or eliminate the need for substitutive treatment with factor VIII concentrates.

The last decade has seen the development of new procedures and technologies that have the potential to reverse the unfavourable prognosis of patients after OHCA. The early availability of AEDs in remote or sparsely populated destinations can be solved by deploying drones as AED carriers. Dispatchers will be able during an incoming emergency call to rely on the support of machine learning models or videocalls from the scene. The use of ECMO in patients after cardiac arrest is already an introduced method in the early in-hospital phase, and there are promising partial results from the pre-hospital area. The definition of input criteria for each method is a key factor in the misuse of forces and means and is a prerequisite to increasing the percentage of survival of OHCA with good neurological status.

Ultrasound examination is non-invasive, simple to perform and it provides valuable information on a patient´s condition, including geriatric. Patients as older individuals frequently suffer from dehydration. This study showed that ultrasound assessment provides immediate key information for comprehensive understanding of clinical status in older patients and can be beneficial for optimizing the treatment strategy, including fluid management decisions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved significantly from its early concepts in the 1950s to today's advanced large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. This technology has the potential to revolutionize gastroenterology, including diagnosis, treatment, education, and decision-making support. The benefits to gastroenterology include accelerating diagnosis and treatment, providing personalized care, enhancing education, aiding decision-making, and improving patient communication. However, challenges like limited AI capability, biased data, errors, security and privacy concerns, and costs must be addressed. The future of LLMs in gastroenterology depends on processing large quantities of data, identifying patterns, and assisting in personalized treatment plans. Collaboration between AI developers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies is essential for responsible use, ensuring LLMs support doctors and contribute to better patient care.

The goal of this study was to use time-lapse monitoring to find key morphokinetic parameters in pre-implantation human embryos, which are essential for the identification of embryos with high developmental potential, specifically embryos leading to the birth of a healthy child.