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Ovarian cancer is a global problem that affects women of all ages. Due to the lack of effective screening tests and the usually asymptomatic course of the disease in the early stages, the diagnosis is too late, with the result that less than half of the patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) survive more than five years after their diagnosis. In this study, we examined the expression of TLR2 in the peripheral blood of 50 previously untreated patients with newly diagnosed OC at various stages of the disease using flow cytometry. The studies aimed at demonstrating the usefulness of TLR2 as a biomarker in the advanced stage of ovarian cancer. In this study, we showed that TLR2 expression levels were significantly higher in women with more advanced OC than in women in the control group. Our research sheds light on the prognostic potential of TLR2 in developing new diagnostic approaches and thus in increasing survival in patients with confirmed ovarian cancer.

In this review paper, we theoretically explain the origin of electrostatic interactions between lipid bilayers and charged solid surfaces using a statistical mechanics approach, where the orientational degree of freedom of lipid head groups and the orientational ordering of the water dipoles are considered. Within the modified Langevin Poisson–Boltzmann model of an electric double layer, we derived an analytical expression for the osmotic pressure between the planar zwitterionic lipid bilayer and charged solid planar surface. We also show that the electrostatic interaction between the zwitterionic lipid head groups of the proximal leaflet and the negatively charged solid surface is accompanied with a more perpendicular average orientation of the lipid head-groups. We further highlight the important role of the surfaces’ nanostructured topography in their interactions with biological material. As an example of nanostructured surfaces, we describe the synthesis of TiO2 nanotubular and octahedral surfaces by using the electrochemical anodization method and hydrothermal method, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of these nanostructured surfaces are described in order to elucidate the influence of the surface topography and other physical properties on the behavior of human cells adhered to TiO2 nanostructured surfaces. In the last part of the paper, we theoretically explain the interplay of elastic and adhesive contributions to the adsorption of lipid vesicles on the solid surfaces. We show the numerically predicted shapes of adhered lipid vesicles corresponding to the minimum of the membrane free energy to describe the influence of the vesicle size, bending modulus, and adhesion strength on the adhesion of lipid vesicles on solid charged surfaces.

Abstract Background Cationic antibacterial peptides (CAPs) and synthetic molecules mimicking the amphiphilic structure of CAPs, such as ceragenins, are promising compounds for the development of new antimicrobials. Results We tested the in vitro activity of ceragenins CSA-13 and CSA-131 against several anaerobic bacteria including Bacteroides spp. and Clostridium difficile. We compared results to the activity of cathelicidin LL-37, metronidazole and nanosystems developed by attachment of CSA-13 and CSA-131 to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The antibacterial effect was tested using killing assay and modified CLSI broth microdilution assay. Ceragenins CSA-13 and CSA-131 displayed stronger bactericidal activity than LL-37 or metronidazole against all of the tested bacterial strains. Additionally CSA-131 revealed an enhanced ability to prevent the formation of Bacteroides fragilis and Propionibacterium acnes biofilms. Conclusions These data confirmed that ceragenins display antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microorganisms including anaerobic bacteria and deserve further investigations as compounds serving to develop new treatment against anaerobic and mixed infections.

Introduction : It is estimated that 35–40% people over the age of 65 experience at least one fall per year; for those over the age of 80 this increases to 50%, and for residents of institutional care facilities, to 60%. Aim of the research : To evaluate the functional capacity and susceptibility to falling among women over 60 years of age, who had been treated for breast cancer. Material and methods : The study group comprised 173 women aged 61–85 years (mean: 68.75 years), all breast cancer survivors treated at the Holy Cross Cancer Centre in Kielce. Functional efficiency was measured using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), and the falls-risk assessment was carried out using the POMA Tinetti test. An additional questionnaire was used to assess the anxiety associated with falls. The relationship between functional capacity and the falls-risk, and between the amount of medication used and the falls-risk, were also assessed. Results : In all SFT tests, the women had lower scores compared to the recommended standards. Medium and high falls-risk were reported in 27% of patients. Apart from an increase in falls-risk, the women reported poorer results in all physical fitness tests. An increase in the number of medications taken was associated with lower Tinetti test results. Conclusions: Women treated for breast cancer were exposed to a high falls-risk. The treatment management applied to women with breast cancer adversely affected their functional capacities. Furthermore, an increase in the amount of medication taken by post-mastectomy women resulted in a still higher exposure to falls-risk. Task-oriented, physical rehabilitation programmes should therefore promptly be introduced to address the problem of falls and resultant fractures among senior post-mastectomy women.

Introduction : Lung cancer is the most common malignant cancer worldwide. In 2013 a total of 21,524 new cases of lung cancer in Poland and 751 (576 in men and 175 in women, respectively) in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship were reported. Aim of the research: To assess the dynamics of changes in lung cancer incidence between 1999 and 2013 in the population of inhabitants of Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship by sex. Material and methods : Eleven thousand four hundred and eighteen new lung cancer cases in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in 1999–2013 were analysed. Crude rates (CRs) and age-standardised rates (ASRs) per 105 population were calculated, in general and by sex. The analysis of incidence trends was carried out using joinpoint models. Results : In 2013 a significant decrease by 22.3% in lung cancer incidence was reported in comparison with the year 1999. A significant decrease by 32.3% among men and non-significant increase by 32.3% in lung cancer incidence among women were reported. The relative risk of lung cancer incidence in men decreased by 44.5% compared to women. The trend in ASRs showed a significant decrease by 2.0% per year. In the male population a significant decreasing trend by 2.9% per year and a significant increasing trend by 2.1% per year among the female population were observed. The lung cancer incidence among men in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship decreased, with a simultaneous increase in incidence among women in 1999–2013. Sex was the main factor that differentiated the shaping of incidence trends. A significant decreasing incidence trend among men and a significant increasing incidence trend among women were observed. Conclusions : It is necessary to intensify the primary and secondary prevention of lung cancer in the voivodeship.

Here we review prognostic and predictive aspects of mutated TP53 in Wilms’ tumor biology on the basis of the morphological report and molecular analysis of adult nephroblastoma (diffuse blastemal pattern) of a 37-year-old man. Among quite different proteins, TP53 affects expression of several genes such as hypoxia inducible proteins GLUT1 and EPO as well as multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein (Pgp/MDR1) and multidrug-resistant related protein (MRP1), with certain clinical implications. TP53 mutation was found both in our primary tumor (c.746G>T p.R249M frequency 92%) and in nodal metastasis (c.746G>T p.R249M frequency 90%), and the common polymorphism p.P72R in the same gene was revealed with frequency of about 97% in both primary tumor and metastatic disease with appliance of NGS technology (IonTorrent – LifeTechnology) using Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2.

We consider the theoretical and positional assembling of topological defects (TDs) in effectively two-dimensional nematic liquid crystal films. We use a phenomenological Helfrich–Landau–de Gennes-type mesoscopic model in which geometric shapes and nematic orientational order are expressed in terms of a curvature tensor field and a nematic tensor order parameter field. Extrinsic, intrinsic, and total curvature potentials are introduced using the parallel transport concept. These potentials reveal curvature seeded TD attractors. To test ground configurations, we used axially symmetric nematic films exhibiting spherical topology.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm characterized by an abnormal proliferation of clonal, terminally differentiated B lymphocytes. Current approaches for the treatment of MM focus on developing new diagnostic techniques; however, the search for prognostic markers is also crucial. This enables the classification of patients into risk groups and, thus, the selection of the most optimal treatment method. Particular attention should be paid to the possible use of immune factors, as the immune system plays a key role in the formation and course of MM. In this review, we focus on characterizing the components of the immune system that are of prognostic value in MM patients, in order to facilitate the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic directions.

We present the result of our examination of quantum structures called quantum spikes. The classical spikes that are known in gravitational systems, occur in the evolution of the inhomogeneous spacetimes. A different kind of spikes, which we name strange spikes, can be seen in the dynamics of the homogeneous sector of the Belinski–Khalatnikov–Lifshitz scenario. They can be made visible if the so-called inhomogeneous initial data are used. The question to be explored is whether the strange spikes may survive quantization. The answer is in the affirmative. However, this is rather a subtle effect that needs further examination using sophisticated analytical and numerical tools. The spikes seem to be of fundamental importance, both at classical and quantum levels, as they may serve as seeds of real structures in the universe.

Introduction: Mastectomy was the most frequently used method of surgical treatment of patients with breast cancer in the Kielce Region. With the opening of the Surgical Oncology Clinic and the Department of Radiotherapy in the Holycross Cancer Centre, a larger number of patients could undergo breast-conserving therapy. Aim of the research: The objective of the study was evaluation of the remote outcome of treatment of patients with breast cancer after conserving therapy. Material and methods: During the period 2001–2005, in the Holycross Cancer Centre, 65 women with early-stage breast cancer underwent breast-conserving therapy. The patients were subjected to combined treatment. The total period of observation was from 105 to 143 months; median 113 months. In statistical analysis the distribution of the investigated variables was examined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Lillefors test. The significance of the differences between the variables analysed was tested by means of the Mann-Whitney U test. The probability of survival without symptoms of the disease was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated based on individual medical observations and a questionnaire developed at the Department of Radiotherapy. Results and conclusions : Relapse of the disease was noted in 5 (8%) patients. Local recurrence occurred in 2 (3%) patients. In the analysed group, the 2-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates without symptoms were 98.5%, 96.9%, 95.4%, and 95.4%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups of patients with and without cancer. In the majority of patients, after many-year observation, the cosmetic outcome is good.

Chemotherapeutic agents and drugs used for targeted tumor therapy often cause undesirable side effects of the skin which typically are toxic cutaneous reactions (toxicity grade 1 to 4). The first group of drugs that cause toxicities affecting the skin are inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). They cause a variety of skin changes (PRIDE syndrome), which are mainly manifested by papulopustular rash, also referred to as acneiform rash, occurring in 44–74% of patients. Another drug which causes cutaneous toxicities is inhibitor of CTLA4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4), which is represented by ipilimumab, used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The most common dermatological adverse event, observed in 40–64% of patients receiving ipilimumab, is generalized maculopapular rash with pruritus and dry skin, and in some cases vitiligo is also observed. BRAF and MEK inhibitors introduced for the treatment of advanced melanoma also cause skin rashes. BRAF inhibitors also affecting the proliferation of keratinocytes stimulate hypertrophic changes and cause the whole spectrum of lesions from benign and keratoacanthoma to squamous cell carcinoma. A hedgehog pathway inhibitor (vismodegib) is used for the treatment of metastatic basal cell carcinoma. The most common adverse events it causes are reversible alopecia and dysgeusia, but it can also cause the development of keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Among the most common side effects of chemotherapy and targeted therapy are toxic changes within the hands and feet (hand-foot skin reaction – HFSR) that early manifest as a neurological symptoms (numbness, paresthesia), and skin symptoms (erythematous swelling changes, blisters, hyperkeratosis) occur later. Anti-cancer drugs can also cause serious skin diseases such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and DRESS (drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), whose course and prognosis may be unfavorable. Side effects that are observed after treatment with anti-cancer drugs can also affect the skin appendages, i.e. nails and hair. Nail changes manifest as a delay in their growth, thinning or onycholysis, whereas hair changes appear as decreased growth and structure abnormalities. The treatment of these various drug-induced complications depends on the severity of symptoms. In some cases ordinary care is sufficient, while others need to start systemic treatment, with eventual modification of therapy of the primary disease. In some patients it is necessary to interrupt the treatment of cancer. Note that in the case of very severe complications (SJS, TEN, DRESS), drugs that caused them can not be re-administered.

The aim of this report is to describe the series of training sessions for primary health care (PHC) physicians that concerned “oncological sensitivity” and were organized in the Holycross Cancer Center (HCC) in the first quarter of 2015. The purpose of the training sessions was to present the guidelines of the oncological fast-track system and the practical information with respect to disturbing symptoms of the disease and the necessary diagnostics directed at verifying the suspicion of various types of cancer. This knowledge allows the proper implementation of the tasks entrusted to the family doctor as part of the Oncological Package. Practical training (medical) was conducted by specialists working in several different clinics within the Holycross Cancer Center. The theme of the meetings covered all types of cancer, from solid tumors of various locations to tumors of the hematopoietic system.

Scarring is a natural process of wound healing. In some cases, however, there is formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids that are the result of collagen decomposition and synthesis. A disturbed scarring process causes functional, aesthetic, and psychological disorders in the patient. Silicone dressings in the form of plasters or gel are used in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. A case of pressotherapy of a postoperative scar with the use of non-sterile silicone dressings in a 56-year-old patient treated for breast cancer is described herein. The use of a 2-month pressotherapy of the scar resulted in an improvement in all the assessed parameters. Pressotherapy of the postoperative scar in the patient after mastectomy proved to be an effective and promising method. However, the methods of the scar assessment before and after treatment need objectivity.

Human papilloma viruses are widespread among people. Two hundred subtypes of these viruses have been described. Most of the infections are not clinically relevant. Long-term infection by some high sub-type of human papilloma virus, however, can lead to pre-invasive and invasive cancers of urogenital organs, head and neck region, and skin. The paper presents the case of 34-year-old woman in whom four cancers associated with infection with human papilloma virus subtype 16 were diagnosed. The patient was treated with surgery and radiotherapy for cancers of the vulva, the perianal area, fingers, and cervix. This paper describes the course and outcome of the treatment.

Secondary immunodeficiency is observed in all patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in varying degrees. The aim of the study was to review the available literature data on patients with CLL, with particular regard to the pathogenesis of the disease and the impact of humoral immunity deficiency on the clinical and therapeutic approach. A systematic literature review was carried out by two independent authors who searched PubMed databases for studies published up to January 2020. Additionally, Google Scholar was used to evaluate search results and support manual research. The search resulted in 240 articles eligible for analysis. After all criteria and filters were applied, 22 studies were finally applied to the analysis. The data analysis showed that the clinical heterogeneity of CLL patients correlates with the diversity of molecular abnormalities determining the clinical picture of the disease, the analysis of which enables setting therapeutic targets. Additionally, in improving the therapeutic method, it is worth introducing supportive therapies with the use of vaccines, antibiotics and/or immunoglobins. Moreover, humoral immunodeficiency in CLL has a strong influence on the risk of infection in patients for whom infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

This paper presents the results of the interaction of graphene oxide (GO) on MDA-MB-231 and SW-954 cancer cell lines. The tests were carried out in two variants. In the first one, GO was sprayed on a Petri dish and then, the cancer cell lines were cultured. In the second variant, the cells were covered with an aerosol containing GO. In both variants, cancer cell lines were incubated and tested every 24, 48, and 72 h. After each time period, cell viability and surface morphology were measured. The tests after 72 h showed that coating with GO aerosol caused a reduction in cell viability by 52.7% and 26.4% for MDA-MB-231 and SW-954 cancer cell lines, respectively, with respect to a reference sample (without the influence of GO aerosol). Tests where GO is a culture medium demonstrated a decrease in cell viability by approximately 4.3% compared to a reference sample for both considered cell lines.

Voice prosthesis implantation with the creation of a tracheoesophageal fistula is the gold standard procedure for voice rehabilitation in patients after a total laryngectomy. All patients implanted with a voice prosthesis (VP) have biofilms of fungi and bacteria grow on their surface. Biofilm colonization is one of the main reasons for VP degradation that can lead to VP dysfunction, which increases the high risk of pneumonia. In a 20-month evaluation period, 129 cases of prostheses after replacement procedures were investigated. Microbiological examination of the biofilms revealed that there were four of the most common fungi species (Candida spp.) and a large variety of bacterial species present. We studied the relationship between the time of proper function of Provox VP, the microorganism composition of the biofilm present on it, and the degradation level of the silicone material. Evaluation of the surface of the removed VP using an atomic force microscope (AFM) has demonstrated that biofilm growth might drastically change the silicone’s mechanical properties. Changes in silicone stiffness and thermal properties might contribute to the failure of VP function. Our data can serve in future studies for the development of methods to prevent or inhibit biofilm formation on the VP surface that would translate to an increase in their durability and safety.

A new algorithm for constructing multivariate interpolation Hermite polynomials in analytical form in a multidimensional hypercube is presented. These polynomials are determined from a specially constructed set of values of the polynomials themselves and their partial derivatives with continuous derivatives up to a given order on the boundaries of the finite elements. The effciency of the finite element schemes, algor thms and programs is demonstrated by solving the Helmholtz problem for a cube.

Hereditary mutations in BRCA1/2 genes increase the risk of breast cancer by 60-80% and ovarian cancer by about 20-40% in female carriers. Detection of inherited mutations in asymptomatic carriers allows for the implementation of appropriate preventive measures. BRCA1/2 genotyping is also important for poly(adenosine diphosphate)-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor administration. This work addresses the need for next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for the detection of BRCA1/2 mutations in Poland where until recently mostly founder mutations have been tested, and whether BRCA diagnostics should be extended beyond the panel of founder mutations in this population. The study comprises 2931 patients who were referred for genetic counseling and tested for founder and recurrent mutations in BRCA1 (5382insC (c.5266dupC; p.Gln1756Profs), c.5370C>T (c.5251C>T; p.R1751*), 300T>G (c.181T>G; p.Cys61Gly), 185delAG (c.68_69delAG; p.Glu23Valfs), and 4153delA (c.4035delA; p.Glu1346Lysfs)) by high-resolution melting/Sanger sequencing. A total of 103 (3.5%) mutations were detected, including 53 (51%) in healthy subjects and 50 (49%) in cancer patients. Then, based on more stringent clinical and pedigree criteria, sequencing of all BRCA1/2 exons was performed in 454 (16%) patients without founder mutations by NGS, which detected 58 mutations (12.8%), 40 (8.8%) of which were pathogenic. In 14 (3.1%) subjects, variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were detected, and in four (0.9%) subjects, the detected mutations were benign. In total, 161 mutations were detected using our two-step algorithm (founder test and NGS), of which 64% were founder mutations, 25% were NGS-detected pathogenic mutations, 9% were VUS, and 2% were benign. In addition, 38 mutations not yet reported in the Polish population were detected. In total, founder mutations accounted for only 64% of all detected mutations, and the remaining mutations (36%) were dispersed across the BRCA1/2 gene sequences. Thus, in Poland, testing for constitutional mutations in BRCA1/2 should be carried out in two stages, where NGS is performed in qualifying subjects if founder mutations are not identified.

INTRODUCTION:Obesity is a serious health problem worldwide, particularly in developed countries. It is a risk factor for many diseases, including thyroid cancer. The relationship between obesity and prognostic factors of thyroid cancer is unclear. AIMS:We sought to ascertain the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and clinicopathological features increasing the risk of poor clinical course, treatment response, and clinical outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). SUBJECTS & METHODS:The study included 1181 patients with DTC (88% women and 12% men) treated at a single center from 2000 to 2016. BMI before surgery and aggressive clinicopathological features, according to the American Thyroid Initial Risk stratification system, were analyzed. The relationship between BMI and initial risk, treatment response, and final status of the disease was evaluated, incorporating the revised 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines and the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Tumor-Node-Metastasis (AJCC/TNM) staging system. Patients were stratified according to the World Health Organization classification of BMI. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:Median follow-up was 7.7 years (1-16 years). There were no significant associations between BMI and extrathyroidal extension (microscopic and gross), cervical lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis in univariate and multivariate analyses. BMI did not affect initial risk, treatment response or disease outcome. Obesity was more prevalent in men (p = 0.035) and in patients ≥55 years old (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship between BMI and more advanced TNM stage in patients ≤55 years old (stage I vs. stage II) (p = 0.266) or in patients >55 years old (stage I-II vs. III-IV) (p = 0.877). CONCLUSIONS:Obesity is not associated with more aggressive clinicopathological features of thyroid cancer. Obesity is not a risk factor for progression to more advanced stages of disease, nor is it a prognostic factor for poorer treatment response and clinical outcome.

Introduction : Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour among women in Poland. In 2012 invasive breast cancer was diagnosed in 17,000 Polish women. The effective fight against breast cancer is based on activities to prevent its occurrence or to enable early detection of the disease and then its effective treatment (cure). Aim of the research: To assess the prevalence of invasive breast cancer in women in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in 1999–2012. Material and methods: A total of 6079 new female invasive breast cancer cases were analysed. Crude rates (CRs) and age-standarised rates (ASRs) per 100,000 population were calculated. The total value of incidence rates was analysed for all ages (0–85+) and in separate age groups (15–49, 50–69, and 70–85+). Results : In 1999–2012 in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship 6079 new invasive female breast cancer cases were diagnosed. Fifty-three percent of them were in the age group of 50–69 years, 25.0% in the age group 70–85+, and 21.5% in the age group 15–49 years. The incidence of BC in general (0–85+) increased from 41.2/105 in 1999 to 43.8/105 in 2012. In the women aged 15–49 years the value of ASRs of incidence increased. In the age group of 50–69 years the value of ASRs increased from 146.6/105 in 1999 to 163.5/105 in 2012. The increase in the incidence of breast cancer was reported among women in perimenopausal age and in premenopausal women. The decrease in breast cancer cases was observed among young, premenopausal women (15–49 years) as well as among women over 70 years of age. Conclusions: Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship is a region in Poland with moderate risk of breast cancer.