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Simple Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating advancements in early detection and treatment strategies. This study aimed to identify the serum biomarkers associated with worse survival outcomes in CRC patients, focusing on cathepsin B (CB), leukocytic elastase (LE), total sialic acid (TSA), and others. A cohort of 185 CRC patients and 35 healthy controls underwent comprehensive testing, and statistical analyses were employed to identify significant correlations. The results revealed significant associations between CB (p = 0.04), LE (p = 0.01), TSA (p = 0.008), and survival outcomes. However, no significant associations were noted for other markers. Multivariate analysis found the correlation of LE, TSA, and ATA with survival (p = 0.041). Further research is needed to validate these findings and discover additional indicators. Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a substantial burden on global healthcare, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in screening methodologies, its incidence remains high, necessitating continued efforts in early detection and treatment. Neoplastic invasion and metastasis are primary determinants of CRC lethality, emphasizing the urgency of understanding underlying mechanisms to develop effective therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore the potential of serum biomarkers in predicting survival outcomes in CRC patients, with a focus on cathepsin B (CB), leukocytic elastase (LE), total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-associated sialic acid (LASA), antitrypsin activity (ATA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cystatin C (CC). We recruited 185 CRC patients and 35 healthy controls, assessing demographic variables, tumor characteristics, and 7 serum biomarker levels, including (1) CB, (2) LE, (3) TSA, (4) LASA, (5) ATA, (6) CRP, and (7) CC. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests and MANOVA for continuous variables. Student's t-test was used for dependent samples, while non-parametric tests like Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied for variables deviating from the normal distribution. Categorical variables were assessed using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was utilized to examine variable correlations. Survival analysis employed the Kaplan–Meier method with a log-rank test for comparing survival times between groups. Significant associations were observed between CB (p = 0.04), LE (p = 0.01), and TSA (p = 0.008) levels and survival outcomes in CRC patients. Dukes' classification stages also showed a significant correlation with survival (p = 0.001). However, no significant associations were found for LASA, ATA, CRP, and CC. Multivariate analysis of LE, TSA, and ATA demonstrated a notable correlation with survival (p = 0.041), notwithstanding ATA's lack of significance in univariate analysis (p = 0.13). CB, LE, and TSA emerged as promising diagnostic markers with prognostic value in CRC, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and treatment planning. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore additional prognostic indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background At present, the resistance to antibiotics is considered the most important reason for Helicobacter pylori ( HP) eradication failure. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of HP strains and to evaluate tailored and empiric therapeutic regimens in patients with peptic ulcer disease associated with infection of this microorganism. Materials and Methods Between May 2011 and February 2013, 185 consecutive Polish patients with at least one positive Helicobacter pylori test (urease test, histopathologic examination, and/or culture) underwent eradication therapy. Those with positive culture were prescribed a tailored triple regimen, whereas those with no culture available received an empiric quadruple concomitant regimen or levofloxacin-containing triple therapy. Results There were no HP strains resistant to amoxicillin; however, 56.7% were resistant to metronidazole, 55.2% to clarithromycin, and 5.9% to levofloxacin. Dual resistance was detected in 32.8% of individuals. Tailored and empiric therapies achieve cure rates, respectively, 95.5% and 86.6% by intention-to-treat and 95.5% and 91.3% by per-protocol analysis ( P > 0.05). Conclusions Antibiotic resistance is notably high in Poland currently, but both tailored and empiric therapies can achieve acceptable cure rates equal to or higher than 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of the effect of α1-adrenergic receptor subtypes on the contraction of the abdominal aorta will allow for more effective treatment of hypertension by use of selective antagonists. The aim of the study was to evaluate the participation of α1-adrenergic receptor subtypes in the contractility of the aortic smooth muscle cells in rabbits. The in vitro experiments were performed in isolated tissue preparations from 30 adult female New Zealand rabbits. The abdominal aortic sections were placed in organ bath chambers and contracted with increasing doses of non-selective α1-adrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine without pre-incubation or after incubation in α1-adrenergic receptor subtype-selective or non-selective antagonists. Separate sections were incubated with increasing concentrations of antagonists. Phenylephrine caused maximal rise in arterial smooth muscle tone to 4.75 ± 0.47 mN. The most potent in blocking phenylephrine induced contraction was 5-metylurapidil (α1A-adrenergic receptor antagonist) followed by phentolamine and prazosin (non-selective α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists); BMY 7378 (α1D-adrenergic receptor antagonist), cyclazosin and L-765.314 (α1B-adrenergic receptor antagonists) were less effective. All antagonists, except BMY 7378 elicited relaxation of nonprecontracted aorta in dose dependent manner. Our results indicate that postsynaptic α1A receptors are the most potent in producing rabbit abdominal aorta contraction, while α1B and α1D subtypes are less effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum: Medicina Veterinaria is the property of Wroclaw University of Environmental & Life Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. The structure of the aorta wall is well adapted to withstand the mechanical loads caused by arterial blood pressure. The most important structural components of the aortic wall are elastin and collagen fibres. Elastin and collagen fibres allow reversible deformation of, and give mechanical strength to, the aorta. Alterations in composition cause changes in the mechanical properties of the aortic wall. Hence, the main aim of this study is the biomechanical assessment and preliminary histological study of the abdominal aortic wall. Material and methods. Specimens were cut from the materials obtained during autopsies, taking research standards into consideration, which were then examined in order to determine the directional material properties. The second part of the materials was intended for histological analysis. Results. It was appreciable that the mechanical strength of the aortic wall is higher in the transversal than in the longitudinal direction, which has a vital meaning for the correct functioning of the organism, and it makes the vessel able to perform reversible deformation under the influence of pulsatile blood pressure. This ability is strongly dependent on the structural composition of the aortic wall. Conclusions. Structural alterations clue to atherosclerotic lesions of various degrees lead to a significant increase of stiffness and decrease of mechanical strength of the walls of abdominal aorta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wstęp. Struktura ścian aorty jest przystosowana do stawiania oporu mechanicznym obciążeniom, które wywoływane są przez ciśnienie tętnicze. Najważniejszymi elementami strukturalnymi ścian aorty sq włókna elastyno-we i kolagenowe. Odpowiadają one za odwracalne odkształcanie się ścian aorty oraz ich mechaniczną wytrzymałość. Dlatego też głównym celem tej pracy jest ocena biomechaniczna oraz analiza histologiczna ścian aorty brzusznej. Materiał i metody. Z materiału pobranego podczas sekcji zwłok wycinano próbki w celu określenia właściwości mechanicznych ścian aorty brzusznej. Pozostałą część materiału przeznaczono do analiz histologicznych. Wyniki. Odnotowano, że mechaniczna wytrzymałość ścian aorty jest większa w kierunku obwodowym niż wzdłużnym. Cecha ta ma kluczowe znaczenie dla poprawnego funkcjonowania organizmu dzięki zdolności naczynia do odwracalnego odkształcania się pod wpływem tętniczego przepływu krwi w naczyniu. Zdolność ta silnie zależy od struktury naczynia. Wnioski. Zmiany strukturalne spowodowane przez miażdżycę prowadzą do znaczącego wzrostu sztywności i obniżenia wytrzymałości mechanicznej ścian aorty brzusznej. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cathepsin D (CD) is one of the main proteolytic enzymes contributing to the development of cancer. The aim of this study was to CD activity assay in the homogenates of tissues from the centre of the tumour (0) and tumour free area 2 cm, and 5 cm from the tumour border in human colorectal cancer. Activity in the centre of the tumour was compared with immunohistochemical expression CD. Methods: CD activity was measured using acid denatured Hb as a substrate. For immunohistochemical staining peroxidase method was used. Results: Activity of CD was significantly higher (15-fold) in tumour tissue homogenates in comparison to normal mucosa adjacent (control) (p≤0.0001) and raised parallel to the stage of tumour tissue differentiation grade. CD activity decreased significantly (p≤0.0001) with the distance from the tumour border 2 cm (12.7 fold) and 5 cm (5.7 fold) in comparison to the centre of the tumour. In immunohistochemical examinations CD was detected as diffuse cytoplasmic as well as fine granular staining of the cytoplasm, with occasional coarse cytoplasmic granules staining in the same cases that were positive for both. Positive staining was observed in 2 of 3 in well-differentiated (66%), 4 of 10 in moderately-differentiated (40%) and 4 of 5 in poorly-differentiated (80%), tubular adencarcinomas represented: 3 of 7 (42%) and 9 of 13 in invasive adencarcinoma (69%). Conclusion: We have observed a wide range of cathepsin D and their antigen expressions patterns in colorectal tumours with the development the disease stage, this finding may be used as a daignostic tumor marker in colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Estimated quantity of homeless people in Poland is about 30.000. Health conditions of homeless depends on poor living conditions, alcohol abuse and lack of medical care. The aim of the study was to present surgical problems of homeless people at St. Brother Albert's Aid Society Shelter in Szczodre., Material and Methods: In years 2009-2011 in St. Brother Albert's Aid Society Shelter in Szczodre 1053 homeless were provided outpatient surgical care. The frequency of occurrence of diseases rated on the basis of the medical examination, medical history and medical records., Results: The patients were aged 20-82 years (median: 46 years). The most common surgical problem of homeless people was skin infectious such as scabies, lice, tinea and lower limb ulceration due to underlying chronic vanous insufficiency or due to sustained injury. Other problems requiering surgical care were: frostbite, abscesses, phlegmon, unhealed wounds, back pain and pain due to sustained injuries. Most frequent causes of homelessness were family problems, alcohol abuse, conflict with the law, loss of ocupation or loss of home., Conclusions: Surgical diseases of homeless people have multifactorial etiology. The most frequent diseases in our patients were skin infectious and lower limb ulcerations. Medical care oriented on specific needs of homeless people is particulary important because poor health condition is not only consequence but could also be the cause of homelessness.

The study was performed on 18 sections of the aneurysm-like abdominal aorta sampled during elective procedures of aneurysm correction in humans, and 10 sections of pig abdominal aorta. We examined the extent to which the presence of atherosclerotic plaque impaired the aorta contractile function and measured the thickness and weight of atherosclerosis plaque and arterial wall. We observed reduced tissue response to adrenaline in human aneurysm-like aorta in comparison to the control group. In the sections of human aorta devoid of atherosclerotic plaque the response to adrenaline was about 30% higher than in those with atherosclerotic changes but 35% lower than in normal aorta sections from pigs. The wall of aneurysm-like human aorta sections was thinner when compared to normal aorta.

The study was conducted on 30 New Zealand rabbits weighing 3-4 kg from which sample strips of the abdominal aorta were collected. The study investigated the in vitro reaction of rabbit aorta smooth muscle to ligands binding to beta-adrenergic receptors. The response of aortic strips to beta-adrenergic receptor agonists (dobutamine, isoproterenol, salbutamol) and the influence of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (propranolol, betaxolol) on contractile activity was determined. All tested agonists induced contraction of the rabbit abdominal aorta muscle in a concentration-dependent manner (dobutamine >> isoproterenol > salbutamol). Enhanced reaction to low concentrations of agonists (dobutamine, isoproterenol) after administration of propranolol and inhibition of contractility in the presence of high concentrations thereof (dobutamine, salbutamol) was observed. Maximal reaction to agonists decreased after betaxolol pretreatment. The results indicate that all the substances with beta-agonist activity also possess contracting properties (presumably by acting at alpha-adrenergic receptors), but are much weaker in the case of isoproterenol and salbutamol than for dobutamine. Propranolol and betaxolol reduce the contractile response of smooth muscle using probably other mechanisms than those associated with adrenergic receptors.

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effect of selected agonists and antagonists of alpha-adrenergic receptors on muscle contractility of the rabbit abdominal aorta in vitro with particular emphasis on alpha2-adrenergic receptor subtypes. The study was conducted on 30 New Zealand breed rabbits from which specimens of the abdominal aorta were collected. The sections were set up in an automatic water bath in a Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37 degrees C. The experiments showed that alpha1-adrenergic receptors played the main role in the contractile response ofthe rabbit abdominal aorta. Stimulation of alpha1-adrenergic receptor by administration ofphenylephrine resulted in an increase in smooth muscle tonus ofthe rabbit abdominal aorta by an average of 4.75 mN. The reaction after stimulation of alpha2-adrenergic receptors by similar doses of their agonists was much weaker. Prolonged tissue response time and time needed to reach maximum tonus for alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists were observed. The obtained results confirm the thesis that the alpha1-adrenergic receptor is the most important factor controlling the contractility of the rabbit abdominal aorta, but the alpha2-adrenergic receptor is also involved in maintaining muscle tissue tonus.

Experiments were conducted on 10 sows weighing 50-60 kg. Animals were randomly divided into two experimental groups comprising 5 individuals each. Surgical procedure of reaching the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries was performed using two different methods. In animals from the first group the procedure involved cutting the linea alba in order to obtain access to the abdominal aorta through the abdominal cavity. In the second group the access to the abdominal aorta was obtained by retroperitoneal approach. The approach was made in lower lateral one-third of the abdomen cutting through the muscles and without opening the peritoneal cavity. The study showed superiority of the second surgical method over the median approach along the linea alba in the form of: better animal survival (100% of animals), shorter procedure time, lack of postoperative complications, shorter recovery period and better general postoperative condition

Unlabelled: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treatment by means of stentgraft implementation is a less post-operationally after-effected, way of treating the AAA on the contrast to the more traditional method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs of stentgraft implementation., Material and Methods: In the years 2001-2006 65 patients were implemented the intervascular prosthesis. Only the patients with severe chronic medical problems were qualified for the treatment: 31 with the respiratory failure, 29 with the circulatory failure and 5 after the stroke with spastic hemiplegia. After CT of the abdominal cave and the angiography performed at the general anaesthetic the intervascular prosthesis was implemented., Results: After the endovascular procedure was performed the complications could be noticed among 7 patients (10.76%), one patient died (1,53%). After obtaining the data from the Marketing Department the overall cost of treating the patients with endovascular prosthesis was 47500.39 PLN., Conclusion: Among patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and with severe chronic medical problems costs of the endovascular prosthesis implementation are high, because costs of the stentgraft are high.

Unlabelled: Abdominal aortic aneurysm operation, performed in the emergency mode, has a much larger mortality than the operation of the aneurysm in scheduled mode. The aim of this study is to compare the treatment costs of the aneurysm operated in the emergency mode and scheduled mode. MATERIAL AND METHODS. 125 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm were take under consideration, 18 of whom were admitted because of the abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, and 107 of them were admitted without the signs of rupture. From 107 patients admitted in the scheduled mode, 25 were not qualified to the operation because of: other coexisting illnesses (10), recent stroke (1), not agreeing to the surgical intervention (4) and 10 were observed because of the small diameter of the aneurysm and lack of pain., Results: After receiving the costs from the accountants, we analyzed the costs of treatment in the ruptured and non-ruptured aortic aneurysms., Conclusions: The total cost of the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is almost as twice higher as the treatment cost of non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a disease with complicated pathogenesis. The known risk factors do not explain fully the mechanism of pathological change formation, and their modification does not stop but only can retard the illness progression. Since an exacerbated inflammation has been detected in the aneurysms wall, the hypothesis should be taken under consideration that some role in the disease development may play microorganisms. Most attention has been concentrated on Chlamydia pneumoniae, bacteria which causes respiratory infection and which participation in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is a subject of a discussion that has been carried for years now. Since 1996 there has been presented an increased number of proofs (serological studies, in situ detection, in vitro and animal-model studies), that the infection of C. pneumoniae is not neutral for the process of aneurysm formation. Especially important is the successful attempt of bacterial culture from aneurysmal tissue. However, there are still debatable issues, which make impossible to give an ultimate answer to the question about the relationship between C. pneumoniae and abdominal aortic aneurysm.