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A high awareness level of diabetic retinopathy was found among Jordanians but the knowledge level is only average. More focus on enhancing knowledge level of diabetic retinopathy should be a priority. With an increase in the educational level of Jordanians and other populations, awareness has increased though information/ education should be improved, particularly information from medical professionals. Enrichment of the social media and internet websites with evidence-based information about diseases by medical professionals may help in improving the situation. The authors assessed the knowledge of diabetic complications among unaffected individuals. This may assist in improving the general knowledge about DR and may also help in preventing diabetes.

Congenital hypofibrinogenemia (CH) and congenital dysfibrinogenemia (CD) are rare coagulation disorders caused by quantitative or qualitative defects in the fibrinogen gene. In this study, the authors, working to identify genetic variants and expanding knowledge about genetic variants in Slovak patients with congenital fibrinogen disorders registered at the National Haemophilia Centre. Molecular-genetic analysis have revealed six novel variants in 36 patients - FGA c.923_968dup p.(Gly324Lysfs*44) and FGG c.1105C>T p.(His369Tyr) were identified in CD patients. In CH patients, in the FGG gene c.8G>A p.(Trp3*), c.823G>T p.(Glu275*) and c.323C>A p.(Ala108Asp) variants were detected. In the FGB gene c.1427C>T p.(Ser476Leu) was identified.

The authors confirmed Johanson-Blizzard syndrome in a Czech proband by identification and characterization of two novel causal variants in the UBR1 gene (NM_174916.3), c.3482A>C and c.3509+6T>C. Using RNA and in silico analysis, they revealed that the splice site variant c.3509+6T>C induced the removal of a very rare non-canonical GC-AG intron and that the missense variant c.3482A>C altered a highly conserved zinc-coordinating histidine in the zinc-stabilized domain RING-H2. Although the variants were found in trans, neither was detected in the parents. To the best of their knowledge, the authors report the first molecular confirmation of JBS in the Czech Republic and the first identification of two de novo causal variants in two alleles.

The use of epidural analgesia in neonates raises concerns due to possible drug cumulation and toxicity. In general, studying PK and modelling using plasma concentrations of the used local anaesthetic (LA) in neonates is applicable in daily clinical practice because the intravenous blood volume is small, and the number of samples does not have to be large. To the best of their knowledge, this is the first case report of the pharmacokinetic profile of levobupivacaine (LA) achieving pharmacotherapy goals during epidural use in preterm neonates. A special adjustment of the laboratory method reduced the blood samples to 0.2-0.5 mL each. Although elimination of levobupivacaine was prolonged, no accumulation occurred and concentrations of total and free levobupivacaine were well below the toxicity threshold. Epidural analgesia at this age should be monitored and used with caution.

CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to develop new experimental models of acute myeloid leukemia for a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in leukemogenesis. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is used to understand drug resistance and find solutions to overcome it. The therapeutic progress achieved using the CRISPR/Cas9 system is remarkable and allows us to get closer to achieving the goal of curing acute myeloid leukemia in the coming decades.

The article briefly summarizes current knowledge of the phenotypic and functional diversity of macrophages in solid tumors in relation to their potential influence on the course of the disease and on its susceptibility to treatment.

Introduction. Human skin is constantly exposed to various agents causing oxidative stress. In response, skin cells can activate transcriptional nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which influences the expression of several protective genes. However, accumulating evidence suggests severe adverse effects of chronic Nrf2 activation. Phytochemicals are popular for supporting skin health. Some are potent Nrf2 inducers and their long-term use may be hazardous. Silymarin (SM), an extract from Silybum marianum fruits, and its major flavonolignan silybin (SB) are used in cosmetic formulations for their protective and regenerative activities. However, knowledge about their potential to modulate Nrf2-driven pathway in skin cells or tissue is lacking. Methods. Here we evaluated effects of SM, SB, silychristin (SC), silydianin (SD), isosilybin (ISB) and 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHSB) and taxifolin (TA) on Nrf2 nuclear translocation, the level of Nrf2-control proteins (Keap1 and Bach1) and selected Nrf2-driven genes (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase 1) in human primary fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Results. SM and its components significantly stimulated Nrf2 nuclear translocation; SM and SB were most potent on both cell types. The effect of SM and compounds was more pronounced in fibroblasts than on keratinocytes. Regardless, effects of SM and studied compounds on the Nrf2 regulating and Nrf2-controled proteins were non-significant. Conclusion. SM and its components do not have a significant effect on the studied proteins, and seem to be safe with respect to possible negative effects associated with the Nrf2 signalling pathway activation during dermal application. However, we cannot give a definitive answer on their effect after repeated long-term application to the whole skin. Further experiments on human skin ex vivo or clinical studies on volunteers are necessary.

Aims. We aimed to assess the effects of intravesical cocktail instillation on the outcomes and serum pain factors of patients with bladder pain syndrome (BPS). Methods. The clinical data of 86 female BPS patients hospitalized between March 2017 and March 2024 were collected for retrospective analysis. All patients were treated with oral medication (amitriptyline) + local intravesical instillation of drugs, and then assigned to a control group (sodium hyaluronate intravesical instillation) and a research group [intravesical instillation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + chondroitin sulfate (CS) + low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) cocktail]. Results. The research group (n=43) had lower urination frequency in 24 h, Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale score, and O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptom index and interstitial cystitis problem index, as well as larger single urination volume than those of the control group (n=43) after 3 and 6 months of treatment (P<0.05). In the serum, the levels of substance P (SP), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), neuropeptide Y (NPY), β-endorphin (β-EP), and dopamine (DA) declined in the two groups after 1 month of treatment in comparison to the pre-treatment levels. The levels of SP, 5-HT, PGE₂, and NPY were lower, while the levels of β-EP and DA were higher in the research group than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion. The intravesical instillation of DMSO + CS + LMWH cocktail is superior in long-term outcomes. It is more conducive to improving the levels of serum pain factors, with a good safety profile and without increasing adverse reactions.

High levels of oxidative stress, E-selectin, and microparticles are detected in HIV patients with and without ART. These abnormalities predisposed to the diseases associated with aging. There were no correlations between these biomarkers and viral suppression that is detected in peripheral blood. These results support the hypothesis that residual viremia in cellular reservoirs of various tissues is the key factor related to the premature aging of the immune system.

This review article summarizes current knowledge on the skin manifestations of pancreatic disorders which are of both diagnostic and prognostic value.

In this paper the authors describe a possible association between acromegaly and esophageal dysmotility. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first reported case of acromegaly and achalasia in one patient. Gene mutation analysis was performed as well as comparison to diseases with known mutations and is discussed in the article.

The authors present a case of extremely rare, recurrent metastatic apocrine adenocarcinoma of the ocular orbit which was primarily managed with multiple eye-sparing excisions and adjuvant proton therapy. Due to a locoregional recurrence, salvage surgery including partial orbitectomy with orbital exenteration and neck dissection was performed, previously not reported in the literature. A cervical lymphocele as a rare complication of this procedure was successfully treated with extirpation and thoracic duct perforation repair. The management of ocular adnexal apocrine adenocarcinoma is based only on the sporadic cases encountered in literature. Current recommendations for the treatment of cervical lymphoceles following neck dissections were adapted from experiences with the therapy of these lesions in other localizations. To increase the knowledge of these pathological conditions among ophthalmologists, maxillofacial and head and neck surgeons, a literature review of all published cases was conducted.

CNO/CRMO is a rare autoinflammatory bone disease of unknown etiology. The authors review the etiology, epidemiology, clinical course, diagnostic criteria, development of classification criteria, diagnostic methods, association with other diseases, methods for disease activity evaluation, treatment and tasks for the future. Tables comparing different diagnostic criteria, recently developed RINBO index (radiologic index for nonbacterial osteomyelitis) and summary of studies on CNO/CRMO therapy using pamidronate are included.

Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), affecting the tonsils, base of the tongue, and soft palate, has witnessed a notable increase in incidence, particularly among cases linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This epidemiological shift has led to changes in treatment strategies, with immunotherapy emerging as a promising alternative to conventional modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which are often associated with significant toxicity. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current landscape of immunotherapeutic interventions in OPC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, adoptive T cell therapies, and cancer vaccines. It also explores the influence of HPV status, the development of predictive biomarkers, and the direction of ongoing clinical trials. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Keywords included "oropharyngeal cancer," "HPV," "immunotherapy," "checkpoint inhibitors," "monoclonal antibodies," "cancer vaccines," and "T cell therapy." Eligible peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and reviews focusing on immunotherapy for OPC were included. Data were synthesized based on immunotherapy type, HPV status, clinical outcomes, and biomarker relevance. The review highlights substantial evidence supporting immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD-1/PD-L1) in improving survival and minimizing adverse effects, particularly in HPV-positive patients. Monoclonal antibodies enhance immune targeting of tumor cells, while cancer vaccines and adoptive T cell therapies show encouraging preliminary outcomes. HPV status and emerging biomarkers are critical in predicting responses and guiding patient-specific therapies. Immunotherapy offers a transformative opportunity in OPC management. Ongoing trials and biomarker research are key to advancing personalized treatment strategies.

The authors confirmed that the most common abnormalities leading to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in patients under 50 years were systemic cardiovascular diseases, particularly arterial hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, and we found out that the risk factors for central RVO (CRVO), hemi-central RVO (HRVO) and branch RVO (BRVO) were similar. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only study to date which has examined the difference between RF presence in CRVO and HRVO patients compared to BRVO patients under the age of 50.

A literature review and report of a rare, highly malignant and unusually large heart tumor, where an individually tailored combination of complex surgical and oncological treatment resulted in long-term survival with complete remission of the disease.

Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesions is an alternative to bronchoscopic confirmation of lung lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of pleural recurrence for all types of lung lesions. To the best of their knowledge, this has so far only been investigated in stage I lung tumors and not in all lung lesions. Secondary objectives included assessment of diagnostic yield and safety with respect to the incidence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage. In this study, percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesions showed high sensitivity and low degree of acute complications requiring an invasive solution. The risk of pleural recurrence after a biopsy was very low.

In this review, the authors have assembled the literature on neurophysiological and functional imaging sequelae of mechanical pressure stimulation motivated by its clinical applications, including reflex locomotion therapy. The authors highlight the limited amount of research devoted to this stimulus modality, emphasise current knowledge gaps, present recent developments in the field and highlight the evidence awaiting replication or confirmation in future neuroimaging studies.

Background and Aim. Vibrio parahaemolyticus a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium with salinophilic properties is found mainly in rivers, oceans, and coastal environments. With the expanding scale of aquaculture in coastal regions of China, the contamination of seafoods with Vibrio parahaemolyticus is becoming a significant cause of food poisoning with symptoms including gastroenteritis, wound infection and sepsis. Current methods for detecting this microorganism are unsuitable in the present context. We developed a rapid LAMP-LFD method-by combining the loop-mediated isothermal amplification technique (LAMP) and lateral flow device (LFD). Methods. The thermolabile hemolysin tlh gene of Vibrio parahaemolyticus was used as the target, and we designed five specific primers in its conserved region. The primers were used to carry LAMP reaction with biotin labelling, the products completed hybridisation with the FAM-labelled primers, and the hybridisation products were tested for results on LFD. Results. The results showed that the LAMP-LFD method specifically detected Vibrio parahaemolyticus and was negative for proximate strains such as Vibrio vulnificus and other Vibrio pathogens as well as common pathogens such as Escherichia coli. The optimised reaction conditions for LAMP were 40 min at 60 °C, plus 5 min of probe hybridisation and 3-5 min of LFD color development. The lowest concentration of Vibrio parahaemolyticus pure culture bacterial fluid of 1.5×10² cfu/mL could be detected, and the pathogen could be detected from tissue samples with a contamination concentration of 0.75×10³ cfu/mL. The method has higher specificity and sensitivity, and the pathogen can be detected within 1.5 h. Conclusion. The LAMP-LFD method for Vibrio parahaemolyticus established in this study has the advantages of convenient operation, low dependence on equipment, high sensitivity and rapid detection, all of make it ideally suited to the detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus at the grass-roots level.

Amyloidosis represents a clinically and molecularly heterogeneous group of serious, potentially life-threatening disorders characterized by the extracellular deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils derived from misfolded precursor proteins. These deposits disrupt tissue architecture and function, often affecting vital organs such as the heart and kidneys. Accurate diagnosis and subtyping of amyloidosis are essential for effective clinical management and personalized therapeutic interventions. This review provides an integrated overview of modern approaches to the laboratory diagnosis of amyloidosis, divided into three main areas: (1) histological and immunological methods (including Congo red staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoelectron microscopy) for the initial detection and characterization of amyloid deposition, (2) electrophoretic techniques (capillary electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, immunofixation electrophoresis) used primarily for the analysis of amyloid-associated proteins in serum and urine, and (3) mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses that have significantly improved subtype specificity and clinical decision-making. By emphasizing the complementary roles of these techniques, the review aims to support timely, accurate, and subtype-specific diagnosis, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and treatment strategies for patients affected by amyloidosis.

This work provides an in-depth exploration of mitochondrial functions beyond energy production, highlighting their essential roles in cellular processes, signaling, and health maintenance. By emphasizing recent advances in mitochondrial research, the manuscript underscores the impact of mitochondria in aging, disease, and exercise, offering valuable insights that could guide therapeutic strategies for enhancing mitochondrial health and longevity

Objectives. Postpartum haemorrhage is the most common cause of mortality among women after childbirth. Therefore, this work aims to highlight the possibility of endovascular treatment of postpartum haemorrhage due to remnants in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS disorders) using selective UAE after failure of the standard management. This procedure is a relatively safe and technically nondemanding, with a low risk of recurrent vaginal bleeding. Materials and Methods. This article presents an evaluation of the results of eight patients (age between 19-39 years) who underwent selective transarterial embolisation of uterine arteries from January 2022 to August 2023 at the angio-interventional department of our university hospital center. Based on a multidisciplinary consensus of sonographically detected residues of placenta accreta with typical hypervascularisation, unilateral/bilateral embolisation of the uterine artery was performed with a microcatheter using polyvinyl alcohol embolisation particles, possibly in combination with gelatine foam. Results. There were no periprocedural complications during embolisation, nor were there episodes of repeated bleeding or other postprocedural complications during the follow-up. Two patients underwent surgical revision of the uterine cavity with extirpation of devascularised residual tissue. Conclusions. Thus far, this procedure has proven to be a safe and relatively technically nondemanding method supplementing the management of symptomatic patients with PAS disorders with a low risk of rebleeding.

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.

Non-invasive screening for colorectal cancer relies on fecal occult blood testing which can detect up to 80% of asymptomatic cases. Besides strategies that depend on detection of tumor-specific genetic material, cancer-associated microbiota are another source of markers capable of reducing the ≥20% false negative rate of the current screening. In this review, we assess the potential of toxigenic gram-negative bacteria as such markers and recommend those best suited for clinical trials.

This is a critical evaluation of selected microRNAs as important indicators of the anatomical-pathological changes in heart disease leading to heart failure. MicroRNAs are also interesting as potential drugs in the treatment of these diseases but to use them in cardiovascular examinations or as drugs, requires answers to practical questions such as ease of laboratory determination and their limitations. This review provides valuable material for responding to these questions.

This article decribes growth retardation, growth hormone deficiency and cystic ovarian teratoma as new possible symptoms in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2B.

Numerous drugs are currently being tested with the hope of improving the outcome of chronic subdural haematoma treatment. One such drug type is angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Several relevant studies have been published but the results differ. In our study we found that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors do not influence chronic subdural haematoma.

This paper describes two cases of CLIPPERS. The first demonstrates the benefit of the early introduction of corticosteroids with side effects from long-term treatment. The second demonstrates the efficacy of ocrelizumab (anti-CD20 molecule) in a severe course of CLIPPERS. To the author s knowledge, this is only the second published case of CLIPPERS treated with ocrelizumab. The aim was to draw attention to this rare, often misdiagnosed but treatable disease.

This review summarises recent knowledge on IL-22 in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and proposes a functional link between IL-22 and two transcription factors - c-Maf and AHR.

There is a current need to better stratify patient prognosis following histological evaluation for prostate cancer in order to optimise therapy decisions. In this article, the authors provide an overview of some recently discussed putative prognostic markers. These include the immunohistochemical stains PSA, PSMA, Ki67, PD-L1, CDK19, PTPN12, EZH2 and E-cadherin and the genes TMPRSS2:ERG, SPOP, IDH-1, PTEN, TP53, RB1, CHD1 and SPINK1, the androgen receptor, BRCA1 and BRCA2, ATM, MYC and CCND1. The results are not easy to interpret due to wide variations in a number of key variables. Overall, the Gleason score is still the most widely used and most validated of the prognostic markers. Ki67 and PTEN are the most promising.