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The FUT2 gene encodes an enzyme called α-1,2-fucosyltransferase, which is involved in the formation of blood group antigens AB0(H) and is also involved in the processes of vitamin B12 absorption and its transport between cells. FUT2 gene polymorphisms are associated with vitamin B12 levels in the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency associated with hyperhomocysteinemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are one of the main causes of death in patients after kidney transplantation. The aim of our study was to determine the impact of the rs602662 (G>A) polymorphism of the FUT2 gene on the functionality of transplanted kidneys and the risk of CVD in patients after kidney transplantation. The study included 402 patients treated with immunosuppression (183 patients taking cyclosporine (CsA) and 219 patients taking tacrolimus (TAC)). The analysis of the FUT2 rs602662 (G>A) polymorphism was performed using real-time PCR. Patients with CsA were more likely to be underweight (1.64% vs. 0.91%) and obese (27.87% vs. 15.98%), while those taking TAC were more likely to be of normal weight (39.27%) or overweight (43.84%). No statistically significant differences were observed comparing the mean blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic. The renal profile showed a higher median urea nitrogen concentration in patients with CsA (26.45 mg/dL (20.60–35.40) vs. 22.95 mg/dL (17.60–33.30), p = 0.004). The observed frequency of rs602662 alleles of the FUT2 gene was similar in the analyzed groups. The A allele was present in 43.7% of patients with CsA and 41.1% of those taking TAC (OR = 0.898; 95% CI: 0.678–1.189; p = 0.453). In the group with CsA, the GG genotype was present in 32.2% of patients, the GA in 48.1% and the AA in 19.7%. A similar distribution was obtained in the TAC group: GG—33.8%, GA—50.2%, and AA—16.0%. An association of genotypes containing the G allele with a higher incidence of hypertension was observed. The G allele was present in 65% of people with hypertension and in 56% of patients with normal blood pressure (p = 0.036). Moreover, the evaluation of the renal parameters showed no effect of the FUT2 polymorphism on the risk of organ rejection because the levels of creatinine, eGFR, potassium, and urea nitrogen were prognostic of successful transplantation. Our results suggest that the rs6022662 FUT2 polymorphism may influence the risk of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo‐cross‐linked polymers have attracted a lot of attention in the biomedical field. The main benefits of these materials are related to the fact that they are most of the time viscous liquids or pastes that adapt a custom and fixed shape on demand of the user. Present study deals specifically with the biological response upon subcutaneous implantation of four different materials in rabbits. In the study 20 rabbits were divided into four groups (each five rabbits): Groups 1–3 were implanted with tested new obtained by us macromonomers (P1838‐DMA; P1838‐UR; PDEGA‐UR – respectively), while group 4 (control) was implanted with the mesh (PLA) routinely used for surgical treatment of a hernia. The new compounds were polarized earlier using ultraviolet radiation to obtain cross‐linked networks. The polymers in the form of discs were then implanted subcutaneously in dorsal region of rabbits. After 28 days polymers were explanted and examined. Microscopic observation evaluated: thickness of the connective tissue capsule around the discs, cells of inflammatory response, disc surface erosion, spectroscopic analysis. The examined materials cause no chronic inflammation, abscesses or tissue necrosis, and the biological response is similar to observed in control group. Therefore, new synthetic materials could be considered as biocompatible and safe. Materials undergo slow degradation of ester bonds and surface erosion and degradation products could be eliminated probably by phagocytosis. On the basis on the afore mentioned knowledge, we formulated hypothesis, that the new polymers are well tolerated by the adjacent tissues. The aim of the following study was to examine reaction of the tissue on new types of prepolymerized material implanted subcutaneously. The obtained results suggest, that the new UV cross‐linked polymers do not affect negatively on the connective tissue that is in the contact with the implants. Furthermore, the used materials are in the liquid form, thus they could be easily performed in in minimally invasive laparoscopic treatment of abdominal hernias. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1889–1897, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Blood vessel complications are one of most important problems in patients after renal transplantation. They influence graft chances and they are also often direct life threat, requiring fast diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment. Described case concern septic hemorrhage in vessel junction region after transplant nephrectomy, reoperated 5 times because of this complication. We discuss occurrence and severity of septic hemorrhages, usual coexisting complications, ways of surgical treatment, course of infections leading to hemorrhage and similar cases reported. As the most frequent surgical techniques we found bypass axillo-femoralis, femoro-femoralis suprapubic and through formanen obturatorius and this kind of treatment as the most effective.

Introduction: Long asymptomatic course of diabetes and insufficient treatment lead to many chronic complications., Aim of Study: Assessment of the quality of ambulatory diabetes care in Szczecin and nearest region., Material and Methods: In year 2001 patients with previously diagnosed diabetes hospitalized in 35 wards of several hospitals in Szczecin were inquired for data concerning ambulatory care before hospitalization., Study Group: 120 subjects (60 women and 60 men), aged 65 +/- 13 years, diabetes duration 9.1 +/- 7.1 years. Type 2 diabetes--104 cases, type 1-10 cases, other types of diabetes--6 cases., Results: Health care was provided by general practitioners (GPs) for 63% of patients, by diabetologist for 31% of them; 6% stayed out of control. In the proceeding month 49% of subjects attended visit related to diabetes; in 10% such a visit was reported in the period longer than 6 months. Glucose measurement performed every day was reported by 28% of subjects, once a month--by 36%, rarely--by 15%. Blood pressure measurements were performed by doctors in 43% of subjects, self control was performed by 42% of them and in 10% blood pressure was not measured at all. In the proceeding year eyes examination related to diabetes was performed in 63% of patients; in 26% such examination was never done. Foot examination was never done in 66% of diabetics. ECG examination was done in 57% of subjects last year, in 39% it was never done. Cholesterol serum level was measured last year in 52% of subjects., Conclusions: 1. Quality of ambulatory diabetes care is highly unsatisfactory and insufficient. 2. To improve health care for diabetics obligatory training in practical diabetology was conducted for all GPs from north-west region of Poland in 2002 y.