Arch Med Sci
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Peritoneal tumor seeding is a common form of recurrence after gastric cancer surgery. The finding of free tumor cells and/or elevation of tumor markers in the peritoneal fluid could predict intraperitoneal tumor recurrence. The results of these examination can be used for indication of aggressive treatment modalities such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). ⋯ This study confirms the importance of peritoneal fluid examination for the prognosis. We cannot recommend routine use as an indicator for HIPEC due to low sensitivity, but the result of cytological examination is an independent factor for patient survival.
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Paravalvular leak (PVL) related to a surgical prosthetic valve may be associated with clinically significant hemolysis. The influence of transcatheter PVL closure (TPVLC) on hemolysis remains uncertain. ⋯ Risk factors for PVL-related hemolysis were the presence of calcifications in the defect and mitral location of PVL. The TPVLC effectively reduced hemolysis if at least 90% reduction of PVL cross sectional area was achieved. The effect was sustained in 6-month follow-up. Incomplete closure of PVL may increase the magnitude of hemolysis after TPVLC, but it occurred rarely.
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We evaluated outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD 5) treated in the first pediatric dialysis unit in Poland during 1973-2012. ⋯ In years 1973-2012 significant improvement in prognosis among children with CKD 5 was achieved. Identified predictors of mortality included young age at initiation of RRT, low residual diuresis, anemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
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In light of the fact that the number of elderly citizens in society is steadily increasing, the search for dietary factors which might prolong mental agility is growing in significance. Coffee, together with its main ingredient, caffeine, has been the focus of much attention from various researchers, as data on its beneficial effects on human health continue to accumulate. Most reports indicate that moderate coffee consumption may in fact lower the risk for common neurodegenerative conditions, i.e. ⋯ Regardless, due to their complex pathogenesis as well as methodology of scientific research, the exact impact of coffee consumption remains to be fully elucidated. At present, it seems safe to inform the general public that coffee drinkers need not fear for their health. Possibly, in the future experts will recommend drinking coffee not only to satisfy individual taste preferences but also to decrease age-related mental deterioration.
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This study was designed to test the hypothesis that high-dose ascorbate prior to reperfusion followed by low chronic oral doses ameliorate myocardial reperfusion injury (MRI) in acute myocardial infarction patients subjected to primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCA). ⋯ Ascorbate given prior to reperfusion did not show a significant difference in infarct size or ejection fraction. However, it improved the change in ejection fraction determined between 7-15 days and 2-3 months. This result hints at a possible functional effect of ascorbate to ameliorate MRI.