Cardiac amyloidosis: a review

Cardiac amyloidosis is a type of amyloidosis in which one of the affected organs is the heart. The disease is characterized by the formation of protein aggregates between the cells of the organ, namely amyloid, which disables its function. The following types of amyloidosis can be distinguished: systemic senile amyloidosis (wild-type ATTR), light chain amyloidosis (AL) and hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis. The symptoms include, e.g., systolic dysfunction or arrhythmia. The treatment is focused on the therapy with melphalan and, additionally, stem cells transplant and chemotherapy with dexamethasone or cyclophosphamide. In the advanced stage of the disease, a heart transplant is necessary. The diagnosis is made on the basis of laboratory testing, electrocardiogram changes, and echocardiography

Metallo-Beta-Lactamases: NDM

New Delhi, an enzyme belonging to the Metallo-beta-lactamases and Carbapenemases group, is most commonly found in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. It determines these bacteria resistance to the majority of known antibiotics. NDM-1 was discovered in 2008 in a man treated in New Delhi for E. coli infection. Since the first appearance, 17 subtypes of this enzyme have been discovered. Its occurrence has been reported in Europe (Great Britain, France, Belgium - where even a national alert has been issued) as well as in the United States and in Africa. Most cases of New Delhi enzyme bacterial infections are reported in India or in people who have traveled to this country. There is no treatment method described so far. Therapy is based on antibiotic susceptibility test results. Colistin shows the highest effectiveness against NDM. There are also tests suggesting that Isomargololone and Nimbolide may be effective in most cases of NDM infection

‘A healthy lifestyle is a journey’:exploring health perceptions and self-defined facilitators to health through photo-elicitation

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore health perceptions and self-defined facilitators to health in general population. An additional aim of the study was to assess if these perceptions were connected with the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Design: We applied photo-elicitation method by gathering original photographs and narratives (captions) via social media and e-mails. Participants (N = 50) were asked to answer the question: ‘What does it mean to be healthy?’. Data were collected online in Poland. We generated and interpreted the main themes associated with common perceptions of health and self-defined facilitators to health using polytextual thematic analysis. Results: The health perception themes were, health as: a ‘long journey’; keeping balance; and self-acceptance. The main facilitators to health were: enjoyment of activities that are part of a healthy lifestyle; planning time for rest; contact with nature, and supportive relationships. Participants’ perceptions of how Covid-19 impacted on their health differed. Conclusions: The findings provide evidence for individual health perceptions and self-defined facilitators to health and can support the development of future health interventions.</p