Treatment of denture-related stomatitis improves endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vascular dilation

Introduction: The presence of oral inflammation has recently been linked with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. While numerous studies have described links between periodontitis and endothelial dysfunction, little is known about the influence of denture-related stomatitis (DRS) on cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the treatment of DRS can lead to improvement of the clinical measures of vascular dysfunction. Material and methods: The DRS patients were treated with a local oral antifungal agent for 3 weeks. Blood pressure, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated vascular dilatation (NMD) were measured during three study visits: before treatment, one day and two months after conclusion of antifungal therapy. Results: Flow-mediated dilatation measurements showed significant improvement of endothelial function 2 months after treatment (FMD median 5%, 95 CI: 3–8.3 vs. 11%, 95% CI: 8.8–14.4; p < 0.01), while there was no difference in control, endothelium-independent vasorelaxations (NMD; median = 15.3%, 95% CI: 10.8–19.3 vs. 12.7%, 95% CI: 10.6–15; p = 0.3). Other cardiovascular parameters such as systolic (median = 125 mm Hg; 95% CI: 116–129 vs. 120 mm Hg, 95% CI: 116–126; p = 0.1) as well as diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (median = 65.5 bpm, 95% CI: 56.7–77.7 vs. 71 bpm, 95% CI: 66.7–75; p = 0.5) did not change during or after the treatment. Conclusions: Treatment of DRS is associated with improvement of endothelial function. Since endothelial dysfunction is known to precede the development of severe cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, patients should be more carefully screened for DRS in general dental practice, and immediate DRS treatment should be advised

In vitro transcription profiling of the σS subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase: re-definition of the σS regulon and identification of σS-specific promoter sequence elements

Specific promoter recognition by bacterial RNA polymerase is mediated by σ subunits, which assemble with RNA polymerase core enzyme (E) during transcription initiation. However, σ70 (the housekeeping σ subunit) and σS (an alternative σ subunit mostly active during slow growth) recognize almost identical promoter sequences, thus raising the question of how promoter selectivity is achieved in the bacterial cell. To identify novel sequence determinants for selective promoter recognition, we performed run-off/microarray (ROMA) experiments with RNA polymerase saturated either with σ70 (Eσ70) or with σS (EσS) using the whole Escherichia coli genome as DNA template. We found that Eσ70, in the absence of any additional transcription factor, preferentially transcribes genes associated with fast growth (e.g. ribosomal operons). In contrast, EσS efficiently transcribes genes involved in stress responses, secondary metabolism as well as RNAs from intergenic regions with yet-unknown function. Promoter sequence comparison suggests that, in addition to different conservation of the −35 sequence and of the UP element, selective promoter recognition by either form of RNA polymerase can be affected by the A/T content in the −10/+1 region. Indeed, site-directed mutagenesis experiments confirmed that an A/T bias in the −10/+1 region could improve promoter recognition by Eσ

Acute appendicitis - One of the causes of peritonitis in newborn - A case report with literature review

INTRODUCTION. Acute appendicitis is the most common reason for abdominal surgery in children however in newborn and infants it’s casuistics. It is also the most common surgical emergency in pregnancy. Right lower abdominal pain, abdominal stiffness, and periabdominal pain radiating to the right lower abdomen are the best signs to diagnose acute appendicitis in adults. Absence Or attenuation of intestinal murmurs, positive sternal muscle signs, positive blunt signs, and positive Rovsing's Sign are the most reliable signs for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. PURPOSE. The aim of the study is to show diagnostic difficulties of acute appendicitis in newborns and infants. It is one of the main differential diagnoses of unclear abdominal conditions. The smaller the child, the less characteristic the symptoms. A CASE REPORT. The study analyzes a male newborn born in the 37th week of pregnancy by caesarean section. Prenatal and family history of siblings' illnesses. In whom, on the 11th day of life, symptoms of food intolerance were found, green deposits were noticed in the stomach probe, and the presence of blood in the stool. Intraoperatively, gangrenous perforated appendix with diffuse peritonitis was found.Acute appendicitis is rarely considered in newborns and infants as the etiological factor of acute peritonitis. However, the presented patient with a genetic defect.CONCLUSION. Acute appendicitis is a common phenomenon in childhood, but this diagnosis is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in the neonatal period, is more common in premature babies. The clinical picture of neonatal acute appendicitis is unspecific and may lead to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a much more common condition in the neonatal period. We would like to present the diagnostic difficulties, course of treatment, and complications associated with neonatal appendicitis

Is it possible to change the human voice? - analysis of the medical review on the example of people facing gender dysphoria

Introduction The term gender dysphoria has been known to humanity for a long time. Transsexuality has many definitions, but each of them leads to the same conclusions. It is a lack of acceptance of one's own biological sex, the one indicated by the anatomy and sex given to a newborn human. For these people, it is important that their appearance and tone of voice allow them to be recognized according to the gender they want to represent. This topic requires a multidisciplinary approach of specialists from various fields of medicine, such as: phoniatrics, otolaryngology, endocrinology, surgery and psychiatry. Purpose The aim of study is to review data on voice modification in both transgender men and transgender women. The possibilities that medicine offers to people who want to change the tone, quality and pitch of their voice will be emphasized. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, and Science Direct databases. ResultsChanging the voice of transgender people is essential for self-acceptance and improves the quality of life of such people. Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety have been found to be significantly less after treatment has been implemented in these people's lives. ConclusionsMedicine offers many solutions, from conservative to invasive. Over the years, therapies have been developed that combine many medical fields, and these often bring the expected results. People who decide to undergo surgery must be aware that the results may not always be as expected or that complications may occur

CO2 ablative fractional laser - mechanism of action and assessment of safety, effectiveness in the treatment and possible side effects based on a review of scientific literature

Introduction: Laser therapy has been used in medicine for many years. One of the most willingly used is the fractional ablative CO2 laser. As a result of its use, the improvement of pigmentation, skin texture and signs of aging are achieved. Laser therapy owes its popularity to its low invasiveness and good, long-lasting effects of the procedure. Despite its important role in aesthetic medicine, we should not forget about its participation in the treatment of scars, often extensive, causing troublesome symptoms to patients, the source of which is not only a defect of a cosmetic nature. Purpose of the work: The purpose of the study is to present mechanism of action, assessment of safety,  effectiveness in the treatment and possible side effects based on a review of scientific literature. Material and methods: The work was based on a review of available medical publications on the use of the fractional ablative CO2 laser. The literature in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was searched based on the following keywords: fractional ablative CO2 laser, mechanism of action, safety of use, side effects. Conclusion: The use of a fractional ablative CO2 laser causes the increased collagen production in the dermis. This effect contributes to the elevation of the quantity and level of collagen arrangement, and also to the reduction of the visibility of the effects of photoaging. As a result, the skin in the treated area becomes thicker, and thus firmer. The pigmentation and texture are also being improved. The procedure is relatively slightly invasive, and the side effects are self-limiting in the most cases

Multidirectional pharmacological effects of saponins in light of clinical trials: a systematic review of literature

Introduction: Saponins are secondary metabolites widely distributed in higher plants with multidirectional pharmacological effects. We distinguish between steroidal and triterpenoidal saponins, which are composed of glycone and aglycone. The varied medicinal properties of saponins are influenced by the presence of different substituents in the polycyclic aglycone, e.g. hydroxyls, hydroxymethyls, carboxyls and acyl groups, as well as the difference in bonding, composition and number of sugar chains. It is noteworthy that foods rich in these compounds can reduce the risk of developing various diseases, and the isolation of these compounds from the plant matrix provides new opportunities to create potential and effective drugs. Purpose of the work: Conduct a literature review on the basis of available clinical studies on the pharmacological effects of saponins extracted from medicinal plants and their potential application in medicine. Materials and methods: The work was based on a literature review of available medical publications from clinical trials conducted for the multidirectional therapeutic effects of saponins. Reports available in publications and scientific studies posted in medical information databases such as Pubmed and Google Scholar were summarised. Results: Clinical studies confirm the pharmacological effect of saponins in the treatment of sports injuries and trauma, type II diabetes, abnormal glycemic state  fasting glucose, ischemic heart disease, pancytopenia and aplastic anemia. Conclusions: With the advancement of scientific research on saponins, it is possible to use them to produce potential drugs and dietary supplements with pharmacological effects. However, before saponins can be used for medical treatment, further research on their efficacy and safety is needed. &nbsp

The role of flavonoids in digestive tract cancer prevention - a review article

Introduction: Flavonoids are bioactive chemical compounds crucial for the functioning of plant organisms. Recently, they have been intensively studied in search of their potential application in medicine. One of the most popular fields in that regard is oncology. Digestive tract cancers are still a challenge for contemporary medicine. Our diet seems to have a direct impact on the etiology of colorectal, gastric, and esophageal cancers. The relationship between the consumption of flavonoids, their specific fractions, and digestive tract cancer morbidity is nowadays frequently investigated.Purpose: This review article aims to discuss the most recent scientific reports and summarize the current state of knowledge, considering the role of flavonoids in digestive tract cancer prevention.Materials and methods: Our work is based on articles accessed through medical information databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, CrossRef), various scientific books, and official NFZ and WHO-certified sites.Results: Total flavonoid intake lowers gastric and esophageal cancer morbidity. A high amount of dietary catechins prevents the growth of gastric and colorectal cancer. Increased consumption of anthocyanidins, flavones, and flavanones decreases esophageal cancer morbidity. Isoflavones, procyanidines, anthocyanidins, flaonols, and flavones severely decrease the chance of developing colorectal cancer.Conclusions: Flavonoids can play an important role in digestive tract cancer prevention. They suppress the growth of colorectal, gastric, and esophageal cancers. Nevertheless, new, high-quality studies are needed in order to compile adequate procedures and bring new, potential drugs to the market

Implantation of a leadless pacemaker as a promising solution for patients with arythmia – current state of knowledge

Introduction: In cardiac electrotherapy, new solutions are constantly sought to minimise the invasiveness of methods used so far and reduce the risk of complications. Implantation of traditional cardiac pacemakers carries risks of high probability that may cause both early and late adverse effects which are associated with presence of subcutaneous lodge and intravenous wires. A significant reduction in complications may be achieved by using leadless pacemakers the main representative of which is MicraTM (MicraTM transcatheter pacing system: TPS, Medtronic plc, Mounds View, MN, USA). Micra is 90% smaller than conventional pacemaker. The generator and electrode system is contained in one capsule-like device that is implanted directly into the right ventricle of the heart. The transcatheter pacing system is less invasive because it is placed in the heart with the use of a catheter via a femoral vein. thus no chest incision and scar. Purpose of the work: The aim is to present the subject of leadless cardiac pacing with the use of Micra device based on a review of current scientific publications. Methods and materials: The available medical literature related to cardiac pacing was analysed taking leadless technology into account. The analysed material was obtained from PubMed and Google Scholar. Conclusion: Cardiac electrotherapy with the use of leadless Micra pacemaker is a great example of substantial technological progress. Due to its structure and form, it is a beneficial alternative to a traditional pacemaker. It also offers promising solutions for the future. This is, however, a relatively new method of stimulation requiring further observation and analysis

The most common dermatological manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases are increasingly common problem in clinical practice. This condition is caused by both the growing morbidity and more accurate and widely available diagnostic methods, affecting the rising recognition.  It is worth remembering, that clinical presentation of inflammatory bowel disease is not limited to gastrointestinal tract.  Dermatological symptoms are an important part in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases, because they can occur as the first manifestation of the beginning of the disease process, as well as be a prognostic factor for the occurrence of exacerbations of the disease. This is an invaluable source of information on the patient's clinical condition, affecting the effectiveness of his treatment in the early stages of the disease, and allowing more efficient control of its course.  This has an enormous impact on the prognosis and comfort of patients' lives. In the following article, available medical studies on extraintestinal skin manifestations, clinical presentation and treatment options have been reviewed