Search

Introduction: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor with subsequent BCG immunotherapy is the current gold standard in the treatment of high risk and some medium-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Clinical factors like stage, grade, age and gender are well-know predictors of progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In recent years novel hematological biomarkers were shown to be independent predictors of progression. This study aimed to evaluate which of these novel markers has the highest prognostic value of progression in patients with bladder cancer receiving BCG immunotherapy., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 125 patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who received BCG immunotherapy. Of these, 61 progressed to muscle-invasive disease or had high-grade recurrence. These patients were compared with the group who did not progress (n = 64). Clinical data including stage, grade, age, gender, smoking status and observational time was collected. Besides, information on blood count analysis was obtained from ambulatory digital charts. On this basis neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was counted and compared between groups., Results: NLR, PLR and LMR were shown to be independent prognostic markers of progression in multivariable analysis. The model with stage, grade, age, gender, smoking status and LMR had the highest prognostic values of all models (area under curve [AUC] = 0.756). The cut-off point according to ROC curves for LMR was 3.25. Adding LMR to the baseline model including clinical variables significantly increased area under curve by 0.08 (p = 0.001). NLR and PLR did not increase areas under curve significantly to baseline model., Conclusions: LMR outperformed NLR and PLR for prediction of progression in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer receiving BCG immunotherapy. LMR, as an easily obtainable biomarker, should be incorporated to the present risk stratification models., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Adamkiewicz, Bryniarski, Kowalik, Burzyński, Rajwa and Paradysz.)

Vitamin D deficiency amongst athletes and the general population seems to be a prominent problem. The most recognized role of vitamin D is its regulation of calcium homeostasis; there is a strong relationship between vitamin D and bone health. Moreover, its concentrations are associated with muscle function and immune response in both the general and athletic populations. Vitamin D level is strongly connected with the presence of VDRs (vitamin D receptors) in most human extraskeletal cells. Expression of multiple myogenic transcription factors enhancing muscle cell proliferation and differentiation is caused by an exposure of skeletal muscles to vitamin D. The aim of this review is to summarize current understanding of the significance of vitamin D on exercise performance and physical efficiency, as well to analyze the impact of vitamin D on multiple potential mechanisms. More high-quality research studies, considering free 25(OH)D as a better marker of vitamin D status, the baseline level of 25(OH)D and multiple pathways of vitamin D acting and usage in athletes are required.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the standard procedure for patients with renal stones over 2 cm in diameter. We analyzed complications after this procedure focusing on two different methods of tract dilation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between August 2008 and April 2016 222 percutaneous nephrolithotomies were performed in a total of 208 patients. The Group I (n=123) comprised patients where Alken dilatators were used, while Group II (n=99) comprised patients where Amplatz dilators were used. Efficacy was examined based on ultrasound and x-ray examination one month after the procedure. Complications were recorded using Clavien Dindo classification. RESULTS Efficacy was 85.3% and 86.8% in group I and II, respectively (p=0.77). Grade I complications were present in 14.6% and 3%, grade II were present in 9.7% and 8%, grade IIIa were present in 2.4% and 2%, grade IIIb were present in 1.6% and 2%, grade IVa were present in 1.6% and 7%, grade IVb were present in 3.2% and 1% in Group I and Group II, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Efficacy was comparable between Alken dilator and Amplatz dilator groups. In group I, there were more postoperative fevers >38.5 °C and a higher rate of urosepsis. On the other hand, in group II we observed more pleural injuries. All differences resulted from the type of access to the kidney (inter/infracostal), punctured calyx, and utilization (or not) of access sheath rather than type of dilators itself.

We describe a new cryogenic 3D printing technology for freezing hydrogels, with a potential impact to tissue engineering. We show that complex frozen hydrogel structures can be generated when the 3D object is printed immersed in a liquid coolant (liquid nitrogen), whose upper surface is maintained at the same level as the highest deposited layer of the object. This novel approach ensures that the process of freezing is controlled precisely, and that already printed frozen layers remain at a constant temperature. We describe the device and present results which illustrate the potential of the new technology., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

C11-Vinyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on silica surfaces are successfully modified in C-C bond forming reactions with dihalocarbenes to generate SAMs, terminated with dihalo- (fluoro, chloro, bromo) cyclopropane motifs with about 30% surface coverage.

Vinyl-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on silicon oxide substrates were chemically modified by the addition of a bis(trifluoromethyl)methylene group in a rare gas-phase C-C bond-forming reaction to directly generate films carrying terminal CF3 groups. The vinyl-terminated films were treated with hexafluoroacetone azine (HFAA) for modification. The films were characterized with ellipsometry, contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In this study, we find that for optimized conditions clean reactions occur on a surface between SAMs with terminal olefins and HFAA, and the product is consistent with bis(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropanation formation after nitrogen extrusion.

Phylogenetically, the pelvic floor is a relatively old group of skeletal muscles which, along the acquisition of the erect posture by the human, gained a number of new important roles or were subjected to adaptation of some other roles performed earlier. The functional tasks of the pelvic floor in women (mostly of its prominent representatives - the levator ani muscles) include: supporting the contents of the abdominal cavity at the upright position, participation in the volitional and reflex compression of the urethra, narrowing the transverse dimension of the vagina and urogenital hiatus, involvement in sexual functions, and securing the terminal portion of the alimentary tract. The aim of this overview was to briefly review the information on the latest understanding of the anatomy of the pelvic floor, delineate its nomenclature recommended by the Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology, and emphasize an array of physiological findings related to the contractility of these important muscles. The functional specialization of striated muscle fiber types and the anatomical basis of the relationship between vaginal delivery at term and postpartum urinary incontinence have been underlined. Nowadays, some intrapartum injuries to the pelvic floor can be successfully detected with ultrasound in the immediate postpartum period. This updated information should be part of a basic professional knowledge for obstetrician-gynecologist.

Unlabelled: The relationship of growth hormone (GH) to the ageing process is currently subject of considerably interest. The study was designed to investigate the effects of replacement therapy with growth hormone on quality of life, serum lipids and body composition (fat free mass and fat mass) in elderly men., Material: 18 healthy men 60.0 +/- 2.4 (x +/- SEM) years of age. Their body weight was 78.6 +/- 4.6 kg and body mass index (BMI) was 26.5 +/- 1.4 kg/m2. Diagnosis of GH deficiency was based on serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels below 200 micrograms/L (138.1 +/- 9.2), abolished GH nocturnal surge and diminished glucagon-stimulated GH secretion compared to reference group of young men (16.2 +/- 1.8 to 30.6 +/- 4.7 micrograms/L/hour; p < 0.02 and 10.8 +/- 1.0 to 44.1 +/- 15.3 micrograms/L/hour; p < 0.02, respectively). Reference group comprised nine men 27.5 +/- 1.3 years of age with body weight 76.3 +/- 2.2 kg and BMI 23.1 +/- 0.6 kg/m2. The subjects received recombinant, human GH daily subcutaneously during 12 months in dose adjusted to maintain optimal (280-350 micrograms/L) serum IGF-1 level. The initial dose was 0.125 IU/kg b.w./week. Before, and after 6 and 12 months of therapy clinical and laboratory exams, including serum GH, IGF-1 and lipids levels, and body composition using two methods were obtained. Quality of life was assessed by modified Beck's questionnaire. 12-months replacement therapy with growth hormone in elderly men improved mental status, increased serum IGF-1 level to the young normal men values, from 138.1 +/- 9.2 to 279.4 +/- 26.3 micrograms/L, p < 0.001, reduced serum LDL-cholesterol from 3.67 +/- 0.12 to 3.10 +/- 0.21 mmol/L, p < 0.04 and increased serum HDL and HDL2 levels from 1.20 +/- 0.05 to 1.41 +/- 0.08 mmol/L, p < 0.002 and from 0.19 +/- 0.03 to 0.34 +/- 0.06 mmol/L, p < 0.005, respectively, reduced fat mass (12.8%, p < 003), particularly localised in trunk (14.7%, p < 0.03), and increased fat free mass (2.9%, p < 0.03). GH-replacement therapy in elderly men has beneficial effects on quality of life, and may counteract ageing and atherosclerosis progression by serum lipids and body composition improvement.

When introduced into a chemically defined minimal medium supplemented with 1 mM sodium selenite (79 ppm Se(o)), Bacillus subtilis was found to undergo a series of morphological and biochemical adaptations. The morphological changes included the formation of "round bodies" associated with the detoxification of selenite to elemental selenium. Round bodies observed transiently were not apparent during balanced growth of cells adapted previously to selenite-containing medium. Under balanced growth conditions, cell structures similar to "round bodies", could be produced by treating cells with lysozyme. The selenite-induced structural alterations in cells were accompanied by an increase in the content of thioredoxin and the associated enzyme, NADP-thioredoxin reductase. The results suggest that the biovalence transformation of high levels of selenite may involve a dithiol system.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of testosterone replacement therapy in elderly men on mood, bone mineral density, and lipids. We investigated thirty men (mean +/- SD; age 61.1 +/- 5.6 yr) with testosterone concentrations (mean +/- SEM) 2.1 +/- 0.2 ng/ml. Testosterone deficiency was replacement by intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate 200 mg every second week from 1.5 to 6 yr. (mean +/- SD; 3.35 +/- 1.6 yr.). During the treatment serum testosterone increased reaching normal levels (mean +/- SEM; 6.6 +/- 0.2 ng/ml). This was associated with significant increase in positive mood parameters and a decrease in negative mood parameters. Also self assessment of libido, potence and dream were improved. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine increased. We noticed significant decrease in total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. Hematocrit was increase Prostate-specific antigen concentration statistically increased from 0.65 +/- 0.1 to 1.35 +/- 0.1 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM), but in the cases of its levels were in normal range. Patients with coronary heart disease demonstrated decreasing ing symptoms of angina pectoris and nitrate requirement. In summary, long-term testosterone replacement therapy in elderly men may have beneficial effects on well-being, libido, potence, dream, bone mineral density, lipids, blood cell count and body mass (BMI). This therapy appears to be safe and there is no adverse effection on prostate.

The effect of 5HT2A-receptor antagonist DV-7028 (3-[2-[4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro - 2H-pyrido[1,2,-a]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4(3H)-dione maleate on the rat cardiovascular system was evaluated. DV-7028 (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg), given intravenously, caused a significant, dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial blood pressure in anesthetized normotensive rats. In vagotomized rats, administration of DV-7028 resulted in a reduction of mean blood pressure, but this effect was less prominent than that seen in nonvagotomized rats. Intravenous administration of DV-7028 induced bradycardia, which was almost completely abolished by vagotomy. In pithed rats, bradycardia and hypotension were not demonstrated after DV-7028 administration. In pithed rats, serotonin administered intravenously caused a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure. In this experimental model, DV-7028 inhibited the pressor effects of serotonin at doses of 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg, which caused neither hypotension nor bradycardia in anesthetized rats. DV-7028 strongly inhibited the pressor effects of serotonin in the isolated perfused hindlegs of the rat (IC50 = 0.032 +/- 0.004 microM) and caused a concentration-dependent, almost parallel shift to the right of the concentration-response curve to serotonin for its pressor effect in the rat perfused tail artery (pA2 value for DV-7028 was 7.92, a slope 0.94). These data demonstrate that DV-7028 exhibits 5-HT2A-receptor antagonistic property in the rat cardiovascular system. Besides this peripheral action, DV-7028, when applied in high doses, exerts hypotension and bradycardia via an unknown site and mechanism.

The epsilon-globin genes of mammals are expressed in early embryos, but are silenced during fetal and adult erythropoiesis. As a guide to defining the regulatory elements involved in this developmental switch, we have searched the sequences of epsilon-globin genes from different mammals for highly conserved segments. The search was facilitated by the development of a new program, called yama, to generate a multiple alignment of very long sequences using an improved scoring scheme. This allowed us to generate a multiple alignment of sequences from a more divergent group than previously analyzed, as demonstrated here for representatives of four mammalian orders. In parallel experiments, we constructed a series of deletion mutations in the 5' flank of the rabbit epsilon-globin gene and tested their effect on an epsilon-globin-luciferase hybrid reporter gene. These results show that 121 bp of 5' flank, containing CACC, CCAAT and ATA motifs, is sufficient for expression in erythroid K562 cells. Both positive and negative cis-acting control sequences are located between 218 and 394 bp 5' to the cap site, in a region previously proposed to be a silencer. The positive regulatory sequence contains conserved binding sites for the nuclear protein YY1 adjacent to another highly conserved sequence. The negative element contains a conserved sequence followed by a purine-rich segment. This analysis maps the upstream control sequences more precisely and points to a very complex regulatory scheme for this gene.

A new principle of conservative treatment of stress incontinence is reported combined with our first experiences by using Kolpexin. Clinical and urodynamic results are improved after application of Kolpexin.