Arch Med Sci
-
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of genetic variation and DNA methylation of PEAR1 rs12041331 in high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) and recurrent ischemic stroke (RIS). ⋯ The PEAR1 rs12041331 genetic polymorphism and DNA methylation may be among the genetic factors affecting HPR. The correlation between PEAR1 and RIS needs to be studied further.
-
In 2010, the government of Poland passed an amended smoke-free law that strengthened existing tobacco control policies and banned smoking in hospitals. The aims of our study are: to determine the state of smoke-free practices in Polish hospitals, and to identify challenges facing hospitals implementing smoke-free practices. ⋯ Overall, smoke-free policies in hospitals operating in Poland are compliant with the National Tobacco Control Act and provide a smoke-free environment for service users and staff. However, continued monitoring and evaluation of tobacco control activities are necessary to promote the importance of smoke-free environments.
-
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.
-
In the following study we describe the diagnostic process and further case analysis of a 30-year-old woman admitted with typical COVID-19 symptoms, who subsequently developed additional symptoms suggesting cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with sub-cortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). ⋯ It seems therefore that the new variant of NOTCH3 is of de novo origin in the patient's genome. Additionally, the relatively early onset of CADASIL and the unexpectedly severe COVID-19 infection suggest that the two occurred simultaneously: the infection with SARS-CoV-2 accelerated development of CADASIL symptoms and the unusual variant of the NOTCH3 gene contributed to the more severe course of COVID-19.
-
A dilated inferior mesenteric vein has been reported in rectal cancer patients. However, no study has yet reported inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) enlargement in rectal cancer. We aimed to assess the relationship between the IMA diameter and rectal cancer. ⋯ The IMA in rectal cancer patients enlarges as the TNM stage gets higher. The IMA diameter can be accepted as a possibly important marker for the staging of rectal cancer.