Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in pancreatic ductal carcinoma is associated with tumor metastasis formation.

The objective of the current study was to assess the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in pancreatic ductal carcinoma and to examine its correlation with chosen clinico-anatomical parameters. The study group consisted of 36 patients with pancreatic ductal carcinoma. Tumors were stained using immunohistochemical method (NCL -MMP-9, Novocastra). No correlation was found between tumor MMP-9 expression and age, gender or grade of histological malignancy. However, statistical analysis revealed a relationship between tumor MMP-9 expression and histological type (adenocarcinoma mucinosum) of pancreatic carcinoma. The expression was strongly correlated with lymph node involvement and occurrence of distant metastases (

Age-dependent determinants of infectious complications profile in children and adults after hematopoietic cell transplantation : lesson from the nationwide study

Incidence and outcome of microbiologically documented bacterial/viral infections and invasive fungal disease (IFD) in children and adults after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) were compared in 650 children and 3200 adults in multicenter cross-sectional nationwide study. Infections were diagnosed in 60.8% children and 35.0% adults, including respectively 69.1% and 63.5% allo-HCT, and 33.1% and 20.8% auto-HCT patients. The incidence of bacterial infections was higher in children (36.0% vs 27.6%; p  21 days were risk factors for death from infection. In conclusion, pediatric patients have 2.9-fold higher incidence and 2.5-fold better outcome of infections than adults after HCT

Work safety among Polish health care workers in respect of exposure to bloodborne pathogens

Objectives: Viral hepatitis is the second most often identified infectious illness acquired at work and it is mostly registered among health care personnel. This group of workers is at greater risk of exposure to blood and bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B and C viruses. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of methods promoting work safety in healthcare settings, to assess the frequency of exposures in the last 12 months prior to the study and to determine a rate of reporting them to appropriate authorities. Methods: A total of 1138 Polish healthcare workers were interviewed during the study period (between 2009 and 2010). Results: Sustaining accidental occupational percutaneous exposure during last 12 months was declared by 242 workers (21% of the whole group). Only in 146 cases these incidents were reported to authorities. Exposure incidents were associated with self-perception of high risk of exposure (OR = 3.69, p = 0.0027), employment in out-patient (vs. hospital-based) healthcare setting (OR = 1.71, p = 0.0089), conviction that the level of information about bloodborne infections conveyed at work was insufficient, lack of both exposure reporting system and knowledge about the ways of reporting. Conclusions: Despite the different established proposals of the post-exposure procedures, it turns out that particularly in small, not providing 24 hours service healthcare settings these procedures are not known or are not respected. More attention should be given to education, especially in regard to the risk of infection, advantages of post-exposure prophylaxis and reporting exposure incidents. Med Pr 2013;64(1):1–1

Hepatitis B and C infection: Is it a problem in Polish healthcare workers?

Objectives: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C viruses (HCV) are among the most frequent blood borne pathogens. According to WHO, 5% of healthcare workers (in central Europe), are exposed to at least one sharps injury contaminated with HBV per year, 1,7% - contaminated with HCV. Aims: The aims of the study were to determine prevalence of HCV and HBV infections, vaccination efficacy against hepatitis B and usefulness of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing in prophylactic examinations in healthcare workers (HCWs). Material and Methods: In a group of 520 healthcare workers, a survey, laboratory and serologic tests such as ALT, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBcT and anti-HCV were carried out. Results: The study revealed a low rate of workers with presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV (1,2% and 0,8% respectively). Anti-HBcT was found in 99 subjects (19%) without a significant association with experiencing an occupational percutaneous injury. Being vaccinated against HBV was declared by 90% of the subjects. There was no relationship between ALT level rise and positive HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HBcT tests. Conclusion: A seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in HCWs found in the study is low and similar to the one found in general population. Current or past hepatitis B infections were independent of needle stick injuries. Vaccination against HBV coverage, although found to be high, should improve to 100%. Occupational prophylactic medical examinations found performing ALT test (obligatory in Poland for HCWs) not helpful. It seems that determination of anti-HBcT and anti-HCV status would be essential in pre-employment medical examinations