Non-small cell lung cancer in patient with visceral total inversion

W artykule przedstawiono opis przypadku współwystępowania wrodzonego stanu anatomicznego pod postacią zespołu całkowitego odwrócenia trzewi oraz niedrobnokomórkowego raka płuca lewego u 74-letniego chorego. Omówiono epidemiologię i główne odrębności anatomiczne występujące w tym rzadkim zespole. Przedstawiono proces diagnostyczny, wyniki poszczególnych badań mających kluczowe znaczenie dla procesu leczniczego oraz zastosowaną technikę leczenia operacyjnego. Przeanalizowano wyniki histopatologiczne oraz przebieg okołooperacyjny. Odniesiono się do opisów podobnych przypadków dostępnych w literaturze światowej.This article reports a case of non-small cell lung cancer in a 74-year-old man with visceral total inversion. The epidemiology and main anatomical differences present in this rare syndrome, as well as basic information on lung cancer, are explored. We present diagnostic procedures and their results and describe the surgical technique of lung cancer treatment performed in this rare case. The perioperative period and the histopathological findings are analysed. Finally, references to similar cases found in worldwide literature are discussed

Trigeminal neuralgia occurring after the third dose of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Complication or coincidence? An illustrative case report and literature review

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is an ongoing concern for medical care worldwide. Since its emergence, multiple COVID-19 vaccines have been designed, allowing for more effective control of the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines, like any other form of medical intervention, may cause adverse and unforeseen side effects, varying in frequency and severity. Determining a correlation between the occurring symptoms and the vaccination is often a challenging task, requiring multiple data sources and reported cases. So far, there have been multiple reports of trigeminal neuralgia developing after COVID-19 vaccination. A 36-year-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Ward due to chronic pain attacks in the left side of her face. The pain appeared two months ago, on the day following the vaccination using the third dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. At the Neurology Department she was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia. Based on the lack of any obvious causes, relation to the vaccination, and other similar reports, we assumed that the trigeminal neuralgia was a complication of the vaccination. Hospital treatment consisted of oxcarbazepine, dexamethasone and pregabalin. Treatment was successful, with transient episodes of exacerbation. Six months after the onset of the disorder the patient remains without pain. We believe that the presented case supports the possibility of trigeminal neuralgia occurring in relation to the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine administration. Additional reports may further contribute to establishing a certain link

Diagnosis and Management of Neuropathic Pain in Spine Diseases

Neuropathic pain is generally defined as a non-physiological pain experience caused by damage to the nervous system. It can occur spontaneously, as a reaction to a given stimulus, or independently of its action, leading to unusual pain sensations usually referred to as firing, burning or throbbing. In the course of spine disorders, pain symptoms commonly occur. According to available epidemiological studies, a neuropathic component of pain is often present in patients with spinal diseases, with a frequency ranging from 36% to 55% of patients. Distinguishing between chronic nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain very often remains a challenge. Consequently, neuropathic pain is often underdiagnosed in patients with spinal diseases. In reference to current guidelines for the treatment of neuropathic pain, gabapentin, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants constitute first-line therapeutic agents. However, long-term pharmacologic treatment often leads to developing tolerance and resistance to used medications. Therefore, in recent years, a plethora of therapeutic methods for neuropathic pain have been developed and investigated to improve clinical outcomes. In this review, we briefly summarized current knowledge about the pathophysiology and diagnosis of neuropathic pain. Moreover, we described the most effective treatment approaches for neuropathic pain and discussed their relevance in the treatment of spinal pain

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in Patient with Visceral Total Inversion

This article reports a case of non-small cell lung cancer in a 74-year-old man with visceral total inversion. The epidemiology and main anatomical differences present in this rare syndrome, as well as basic information on lung cancer, are explored. We present diagnostic procedures and their results and describe the surgical technique of lung cancer treatment performed in this rare case. The perioperative period and the histopathological findings are analysed. Finally, references to similar cases found in worldwide literature are discussed

Regulation of Plant Microprocessor Function in Shaping microRNA Landscape

MicroRNAs are small molecules (∼21 nucleotides long) that are key regulators of gene expression. They originate from long stem–loop RNAs as a product of cleavage by a protein complex called Microprocessor. The core components of the plant Microprocessor are the RNase type III enzyme Dicer-Like 1 (DCL1), the zinc finger protein Serrate (SE), and the double-stranded RNA binding protein Hyponastic Leaves 1 (HYL1). Microprocessor assembly and its processing of microRNA precursors have been reported to occur in discrete nuclear bodies called Dicing bodies. The accessibility of and modifications to Microprocessor components affect microRNA levels and may have dramatic consequences in plant development. Currently, numerous lines of evidence indicate that plant Microprocessor activity is tightly regulated. The cellular localization of HYL1 is dependent on a specific KETCH1 importin, and the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 indirectly protects HYL1 from degradation in a light-dependent manner. Furthermore, proper localization of HYL1 in Dicing bodies is regulated by MOS2. On the other hand, the Dicing body localization of DCL1 is regulated by NOT2b, which also interacts with SE in the nucleus. Post-translational modifications are substantial factors that contribute to protein functional diversity and provide a fine-tuning system for the regulation of protein activity. The phosphorylation status of HYL1 is crucial for its activity/stability and is a result of the interplay between kinases (MPK3 and SnRK2) and phosphatases (CPL1 and PP4). Additionally, MPK3 and SnRK2 are known to phosphorylate SE. Several other proteins (e.g., TGH, CDF2, SIC, and RCF3) that interact with Microprocessor have been found to influence its RNA-binding and processing activities. In this minireview, recent findings on the various modes of Microprocessor activity regulation are discussed

Table_1_Regulation of Plant Microprocessor Function in Shaping microRNA Landscape.PDF

<p>MicroRNAs are small molecules (∼21 nucleotides long) that are key regulators of gene expression. They originate from long stem–loop RNAs as a product of cleavage by a protein complex called Microprocessor. The core components of the plant Microprocessor are the RNase type III enzyme Dicer-Like 1 (DCL1), the zinc finger protein Serrate (SE), and the double-stranded RNA binding protein Hyponastic Leaves 1 (HYL1). Microprocessor assembly and its processing of microRNA precursors have been reported to occur in discrete nuclear bodies called Dicing bodies. The accessibility of and modifications to Microprocessor components affect microRNA levels and may have dramatic consequences in plant development. Currently, numerous lines of evidence indicate that plant Microprocessor activity is tightly regulated. The cellular localization of HYL1 is dependent on a specific KETCH1 importin, and the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 indirectly protects HYL1 from degradation in a light-dependent manner. Furthermore, proper localization of HYL1 in Dicing bodies is regulated by MOS2. On the other hand, the Dicing body localization of DCL1 is regulated by NOT2b, which also interacts with SE in the nucleus. Post-translational modifications are substantial factors that contribute to protein functional diversity and provide a fine-tuning system for the regulation of protein activity. The phosphorylation status of HYL1 is crucial for its activity/stability and is a result of the interplay between kinases (MPK3 and SnRK2) and phosphatases (CPL1 and PP4). Additionally, MPK3 and SnRK2 are known to phosphorylate SE. Several other proteins (e.g., TGH, CDF2, SIC, and RCF3) that interact with Microprocessor have been found to influence its RNA-binding and processing activities. In this minireview, recent findings on the various modes of Microprocessor activity regulation are discussed.</p

Punkt widzenia chirurga na przeszczepianie płuc u chorych z mukowiscydozą – doniesienie wstępne

Introduction: The surgeon’s viewpoint on a patient with cystic fibrosis differs from that of a pediatrician or internist. The problems a cystic fibrosis specialist encounters are different from those faced by the surgeon who takes over the patient in a very advanced, often terminal stage of the disease. Hence, the main problem for the surgeon is the decision concerning the surgery (lung transplantation, pneumonectomy, lobectomy). It is, therefore, important to lay down fundamental and appropriate rules concerning the indications and contraindications for lung transplantation, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the methods of qualifying and preparing patients for surgery, as well as carrying out the procedure of transplantation and postoperative short and long-term care. Material and methods: The investigation was carried out on 16 patients with cystic fibrosis. Three were operated on and 10 were on the waiting list for transplantation. Two patients on the waiting list died, one patient was disqualified from transplantation. During qualification for lung transplantation, strict indications, contraindications and other factors (such as blood type, patient’s height, coexisting complications) were taken under consideration. Results: All the 3 patients after lung transplantation are alive and under our constant surveillance. Ten patients await transplantation, though four of them are suspended due to hepatitis C infection. Two patients on the waiting list died: one from respiratory insufficiency and the other in the course of bridgeto-transplant veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to hepatic failure. One patient has been disqualified because of cachexia. Conclusions: Since lung transplantation is the final treatment of the end-stage pulmonary insufficiency in cystic fibrosis patients, the number of such procedures in cystic fibrosis is still too low in Poland. The fast development of these procedures is highly needed. It is necessary to develop better cooperation between different disciplines and specialists, especially between pediatricians and surgeons. The correct choice of the suitable moment for lung transplantation is crucial for the success of the procedure.Wstęp: Punt widzenia chirurga odnośnie leczenia pacjenta z mukowiscydozą różni się od spojrzenia pediatry czy internisty. Duży jest bagaż zadań lekarza specjalisty w zakresie leczenia chorego z mukowiscydozą w różnych okresach choroby, a inny chirurga, który przejmuje go w bardzo zaawansowanym, a nierzadko w terminalnym stadium. Stąd dla chirurga głównym problemem jest podjęcie decyzji odnośnie leczenia operacyjnego (transplantacja płuc, pneumonektomia, lobektomia). Dlatego tak ważne jest sformułowanie podstawowych i właściwych zasad dotyczących wskazań i przeciwwskazań do transplantacji płuc zwłaszcza w odniesieniu do pacjentów z mukowiscydozą. Cel: Celem pracy była analiza metod kwalifikacji i przygotowania, a także przeprowadzenia transplantacji oraz pooperacyjnej opieki krótko- i długoterminowej. Materiał i metody: W niniejszej pracy przedstawiamy 3 przypadki pacjentów z mukowiscydozą po zabiegu transplantacji płuc oraz 10 kandydatów, którzy w chwili obecnej są potencjalnymi biorcami narządu i oczekują na jej przeprowadzenie. Dwóch pacjentów nie doczekało przeszczepienia, jedna pacjentka została zdyskwalifikowana z zabiegu. W toku kwalifikacji do transplantacji płuc omawiane są istniejące wskazania, przeciwwskazania i szereg innych czynników (takich jak grupa krwi, wysokość ciała pacjenta, istniejące powikłania choroby podstawowej, choroby współistniejące). Wyniki: Wszyscy (troje) pacjenci po przeprowadzonej transplantacji żyją i są pod stałą kontrolą naszego ośrodka. Z dziesięciu kandydatów oczekujących na przeszczepienie, czterech jest zawieszonych na liście oczekujących z powodu infekcji (wirusowe zapalenie wątroby typu C). Dwóch pacjentów nie doczekało przeszczepienia: pierwszy zmarł z powodu niewydolności oddechowej, adrugi kwalifikowany do przeszczepienia płuc iwątroby pozostający na pozaustrojowym natlenianiu membranowym żylno-żylnym, zmarł wskutek niewydolności wątroby. Jedna pacjentka została zdyskwalifikowana z zabiegu z powodu skrajnego niedoboru masy ciała. Wnioski: Biorąc pod uwagę, że transplantacja płuc jest ostatecznym leczeniem schyłkowej niewydolności oddechowej w mukowiscydozie. Liczba wykonywanych w Polsce przeszczepień płuc u chorych z mukowiscydozą jest ciągle za mała, o czym świadczy los oczekujących pacjentów. Konieczny jest więc szybki rozwój placówek zajmujących się przeszczepieniami płuc u tych chorych. Wybór odpowiedniego momentu przeprowadzenia transplantacji płuc, ma zasadnicze znaczenie dla powodzenia procedury

Smoking cessation and vaping cessation attempts among cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users in Central and Eastern Europe

Our aim is to assess the smoking cessation and vaping cessation activity, including quit attempts and willingness to quit among university students in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to investigate personal characteristics associated with smoking cessation and vaping cessation attempts. Data were collected by questionnaire which included 46 questions on cigarette and e-cigarette use. Questionnaires were obtained from 14,352 university students (aged 20.9 ± 2.4 years; cooperation rate of 72.2%). For the purposes of this analysis, only data from exclusive cigarette smokers (n = 1716), exclusive e-cigarette users (n = 129), and dual users (216) were included. Of all cigarette smokers, 51.6% had previously tried to quit smoking and 51.5% declared a willingness to quit cigarette smoking in the near future. Among all e-cigarette users only 13.9% had ever tried to quit using the e-cigarette and 25.2% declared a willingness to give up using e-cigarette in the near future. The majority of the group did not use pharmacotherapy to quit cigarette (87.5%) or e-cigarette (88.9%) use. Our results indicate that while most university students have some desire to quit conventional smoking, those who use e-cigarettes do not have the same desire

The Prevalence of Cigarette and E-cigarette Smoking Among Students in Central and Eastern Europe-Results of the YUPESS Study

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are an alternative to traditional tobacco cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among university students from Central and Eastern Europe and to investigate personal characteristics associated with cigarette and e-cigarette smoking. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was performed between 2017-2018 among university students in five European countries: Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Slovakia. The questionnaire included 46 questions related to the frequency and habits of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes use. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 14,352 students (8800 medical; aged 20.9 +/- 2.4 years) with an overall response rate of 72.2%. Two-thirds of the respondents had smoked a traditional tobacco cigarette and 43.7% had used an e-cigarette. Overall current smoking status included 12.3% traditional cigarette smokers, 1.1% e-cigarette users, and 1.8% were dual users with the remainder being non-smokers. Smoking status differed between the research centres (p < 0.001). Females were less likely to try either cigarettes (OR = 0.83) or e-cigarettes (OR = 0.62) and were less likely to be current cigarette (OR = 0.64), e-cigarette (OR = 0.34), or dual users (OR = 0.33) than males. Perception of e-cigarettes significantly differed between smokers and non-smokers (p < 0.001). Among university students, cigarettes are more popular than e-cigarettes