Arch Med Sci
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For years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Renal dysfunction can be caused by direct effects of HIV on the kidneys but also of applied combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Therefore there is a need of renal function diagnosis to monitor the development of kidney disturbances. In this study the urinary levels of selected low molecular weight proteins (LMWP) in HIV-infected patients were measured and related to current CD4+ T lymphocyte (LT CD4+) count, the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value and the applied cART. ⋯ This research shows that the analyzed LMWP parameters are useful in the assessment of kidney damage in HIV patients during cART, especially NPT, NGAL and GST-π. However, future studies should be conducted on larger groups.
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The prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is generally good in cases of high radiation sensitivity but poor in cases exhibiting radiation resistance; this resistance has been attributed to the presence of cancer stem cells. In recent years, CD98hc overexpression has been associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancers. CD98 is a heterodimer of heavy and light chains and is strongly involved in cell proliferation, survival, migration, and adhesion. We investigated whether CD98hc can be used as a cancer stem cell marker for HNSCC. ⋯ CD98hc-positive cells exhibited cancer stem cell-like properties in all cell lines. Thus, CD98hc is a potential marker of radiation sensitivity as well as a potential therapeutic target for improved survival rates of patients with HNSCC.
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The number of reoperations increases with the growing number of operations performed. ⋯ Indications for stabilizing or preservation of the mobility of the operated segment should provide for the nature of the lesions, and anatomical and surgical conditions.
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Muscle wasting is one of the main causes for exercise intolerance and ventilatory inefficiency in patients with heart failure and a strong predictor of frailty and reduced survival. The prevalence of sarcopenia is at least 20% in patients with heart failure. ⋯ Besides exercise, nutrition should also be carefully evaluated as an appropriate diet with selected nutraceuticals may be able to stimulate muscle anabolism and inhibit muscle catabolism. This review summarizes the epidemiological and clinical trial evidence supporting the recommendations for the use of nutraceuticals with anti-inflammatory properties in heart failure and provides an overview of the state of the evidence for nutraceutical supplementation to prevent and/or mitigate heart failure muscle wasting.
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Pathological processes associated with ageing increase the risk of cognitive deficits and dementia. Frailty syndrome, also known as weakness or reserve depletion syndrome, may significantly accelerate these pathological processes in the elderly population. ⋯ Frailty syndrome is particularly prevalent in severe heart failure, which increases the risk of mortality, increases hospital readmission, and reduces patients' quality of life. In addition, co-occurrence of cognitive impairment and frailty syndrome significantly increases the risk of dementia and other adverse outcomes, including mortality, in the heart failure population.